Wag Swag: Choosing a Collar for Your Dog

Kirsten Laulainen
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Not all collars are created equal. As any dog owner knows, they must serve a variety of functions. Ideally while being comfortable, and a reflection of your pet’s style. Therefore, not just any old collar will do. Some collars, are used as a simple control or identification device (ID and a medical tags may be attached), while others are used specifically for training or correction. In this case, function and purpose come into play, less than appearance/style alone. With training collars, the owner is trying to correct a leash or walking behavior, such as pulling; not necessarily to make sure that Spot is up to date on the fall colors.

Everyday Collars
Everyday collars are for functionality. While they can have a variety of designs, and styles to suit political or seasonal atmospheres, these collars serve to keep your dog with you, while on a leash. They are available in a few different incarnations. The first is the standard buckle collar. The less traditional snap collar is great for easy on and off, and can easily be adjusted for comfort. These collars fastened much like a child’s safety seat: comfortable but secure. But no matter how comfortable or secure the collar is, every owner knows that his or her pet may be at risk for choking. The quick-release collar, which allows the clasp to come undone if enough pressure is applied, alleviates this concern. With this collar even if the dog gets it snagged around a tree or bush, he will not suffocate himself while trying to get free. A collar can always be replaced, but not the dog wearing it.
The last collar is not so every day. If your dog is a regular Houdini, this will put a stopper on his Great Escape. The limited-slip collar, also known as the “Greyhound Collar,” will keep your furry friend with you, even if he has a habit of slipping free in other collars. Unlike traditional collars, this one is designed with two loops. One big loop, attached to a smaller one. The smaller loop fits snugly around your dog’s neck, while the big one acts like a drawstring. The owner can pull on this loop, and make the smaller loop more secure. In addition, there are also non-slip collars, usually made out of nylon. Lastly, for those dog owners involved in shows, or for those who just like a little simplicity, there is the martingale collar. It is usually a plastic tube that goes around the dog’s neck, and has a second loop for holding, much like the Greyhound collar.
But if your dog’s problems are greater than the sum of his collar and leash, you may be in for some training.
Boot Camp
The first and most well known collar-as-training-device is the choke chain. It is usually a length of chain that is designed to tighten quickly when the owner pulls on the lead. This quick and harmless constriction of the collar applies pressure equally across the dog’s neck to alert him of an undesirable behavior. Pulling excessively while on a lead may be successfully corrected through use of this particular collar.
If the choke chain is ineffective, there are other options, but they are designed to be more extreme. A pinch collar is another alternative to the regular chain. This collar has sharp points radiating out from the collar and into the dog’s neck. Critics of this collar say that the risk of opening flesh or causing neck injuries is too great, even if used to correct bad behavior. Proponents say that the collar poses no more risk of neck injury than other types. They also say that the pressure put on the sensitive skin around the dog’s neck is not enough to puncture it. Rather, it just produces an unpleasant pinch, when tightened.
If the “Dark Ages” theme doesn’t suit you, there are kinder solutions. The options here are more like harnesses than collars. The “gentle lead,” as it’s called, is the first of these. It fits around the dog’s head and snout, allowing the owner greater control over pulling or any other habit. However, it has been suggested these harnesses may be uncomfortable to the dog as the straps may put undue pressure on the eyes. Know what your dog can tolerate before choosing this lead. A last option is a harness that goes around your dog’s chest and back. He may not “belong” in it, since he may never have run an Iditarod, but it will allow for more control, and to keep him part of your “team,” while walking around the block.
Work and Play
Whether you’re thinking of his security, or remedying his bad habits, you have his best interests at heart—during work and play. The right collar can ensure that your dog has a good day, no matter what he’s doing with or for you. If he is on the job watching livestock, a studded collar is a good investment. The studs will protect your dog’s neck from a bite, should he have to protect the field from a wolf. (The dog/owner, who wants to sport a bit of attitude, may also choose a studded collar.)
If your dog is at play with you, there is an array of fashion collars to suit whatever the mood may be. From seasonal collars, to ones matching his particular breed, the choices are endless. If you’re politically minded, let your dog cast his vote, by wearing a party affiliated collar. Perhaps he will make a difference by Election Day.

 

 

By: Kirsten Laulainen

Sources:
“The Big Dog Boutique: Pet Supplies that Breed Jealousy” (a great place to find a variety of fashion collars) <http://www.bigdogboutique.com/>
“Boxer World” <http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_different-types-of-
collars.htm>
“Wikipedia: Dog collar” <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dog_collar>

 

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fido   |SAdministrator |2009-04-09 16:30:12
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