There are many different collars to choose from, it can feel like a bit of a minefield! Things to consider include the size of your pet, your style preference, any special training needs and your dog’s personality.
Dog Collars and Leads provide two important functions – by law one is required in public with an ID tag attached to it and for the safety and containment of your pet while out walking and exercising. As an owner, your responsibility includes making sure your pet is safe from harm, doesn’t run off and get lost and doesn’t become a hazard or danger to others. The best way to achieve all of these things is with a good quality, comfortable collar and ID tag attached.
Size – puppies
Remember a puppy will grow but a collar won’t, so you’ll need to check the collar every couple of weeks to ensure it is not becoming too tight. You should be able to slide 2-3 fingers in between the collar and the puppy’s neck. If left, a collar that’s too tight can grow into the skin of the neck, causing infection and terrible pain! Check, expand or buy a new collar whenever it feels too tight for the first year of your puppy’s life. This should be done more regularly for particularly big breeds.
Size – adult dogs
Even an adult dog can experience changes in size, so it’s important to regularly keep an eye on the tightness or looseness of any collar your dog currently wears. Adults dogs can lose or gain weight during their lives, plus those breeds with a heavier coat can shed in warmer months meaning their collars will become looser during this time. Always remember the 2-3 finger gap rule between your dog’s neck and the collar without any choke risk. Find your ideal collar at iwoof.com/
The collar that your dog wears should always have an ID tag attached to it, by law. A good everyday collar is one which has a flat buckle with an adjustable collar. There is a choice of materials, including leather, nylon or cotton. The most important thing is that it is the correct size for your dog. You can also use a harness, if that’s your preference, just remember that you still need a collar with an ID tag when in public. A comfortable collar with ID tags can still be used alongside a lead attached to a harness for walks and exercise.
Collars used for everyday comfort come in a wide variety of styles, including light and versatile, sparkly and decorative to plain and simple. The collar you choose will depend on what you and dog get up to on a day-to-day basis. If you do a variety of different activities and visit different environments, then chances are you’ll need more than one collar to fit your lifestyle.
