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What dog collars and leads make the most sense for your dog?
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Protect your dog in style when you go for a walk. |
Dogs need to walk and run and play. Most dog owners make sure their dogs get exercise and play time. But many doggie parents are not sure why or how to walk the dog. There was a time when I didn't really 'get' it. I thought letting my dogs play outside in the yard was enough, but now I know it isn't.
Dogs need to get out in the wild, per se. Not really. But dogs do need to get out in the world with other dogs and other people. Dogs need exercise... even small dogs. Big dogs need massive exercise. Activity is good for the dog's health, and it gives your dog time to release all that energy, which helps with the dog's behavior. Well exercised dogs do not misbehave like dogs who have not been taken for a walk once or twice a day.
The most known and obvious use for a dog collar and leash is to hold a dog identification tag and the dog license required by the city... and to take the dog for a walk in a way that controls the dogs movement, protects the dog from harm, and avoids confrontations with animals, people and property that are not welcome. The first step is to get the right dog collar. |
Collars come in a variety of types, sizes, and materials. When selecting a collar for your dog, consider the breed, size, weight, and disposition, except for puppies. Puppies are not yet fully developed so they need a beginner collar, which grows as the dog grows.
The standard nylon or leather collar is fine for most dogs. That's what we have for our dogs... at least for now. The importance of a dog collar is to protect your dog from getting lost. That seems unlikely, in our case, as we are very attentive doggie parents... but better safe than sorry.
We don't take our little dog for a long walk like we do our big dog. We do the walk/carry routine, but Wolfie has a collar, because the collar is not just for hooking on the leash.
Fitting a dog collar for your dog's size
A puppy normally begins wearing a collar at about eight weeks old. For puppies, the collar’s fit and size needs to be checked every two weeks because of the growth. Our Lab went from 20 lbs. to 34 lbs. to 60 lbs. to 102 lbs. in one year.
The collar should sit on the upper part of the dog’s neck, should not be tight or so loose as to slide down the neck by the dog’s shoulders. A good fit is when you can put two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. It sounds almost silly to say, but if your dog has trouble breathing or coughs, the collar is too tight.
Using a dog collar for identification and safety
When a dog is fitted with a collar, a nametag containing the dog’s name and the owner’s name, phone number and/or address should be immediately attached to the collar. In addition, required state and/or city licenses should be included with the nametag. Some collars can also be personalized with the dog’s name and a phone number, but a nametag is still essential. If a dog is lost, the identification information helps people return the dog to the dog's owner. |
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Designer dog collars include animal prints and gemstones
Although many dog owners immediately rush to the pet store to buy the traditional nylon collar and leash, there are some amazing styles and designs on the market today.
Gorgeous jeweled dog collars are available in a small and large widths and lengths to fit xx-small necks and xx-large necks, too.
Animal print collars are very popular and the leather dog collar remains a favorite among our shoppers.
Our online dog supply store offers a fairly large assortment of dog collars, harnesses and leashes, including coordinating leads.
Your dog collar helps identify, keep safe, and train your dog, so choose the best collar for your dog... and replace the collar as your dog grows. You can even be a little adventurous and get a couple fashion collars in different styles. Switch them for special family events. |
Jeweled dog collars |
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Owners who enjoy dressing their small dog are not the only ones who put a jeweled collar on their dog these days.
Large and wide jeweled dog collars are now available for big dogs in assorted colors and gemstone colors. |
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Seat belt harness for dogs |
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| You can now find a harness that adapts for use as a seat belt. A nice safety feature for your dog. |
| Padded front dog harness |
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| A padded harness is especially good for comfort and provides more control over a thin strap. |
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Dog harness collars
In addition to the traditional around-the-neck collars traditionally worn by dogs, there are different types of collars available... and the harness is one (considered a style of collar, because it does much of the same job as a traditional straight collar) without the potential to choke or stress your dog due to pulling when walking.
Harness collars fit along the dog’s back, stomach, and sides.
A harness is suited for large dogs who slip out of the traditional collar and need stonger control, but small dogs need a way to walk without suffering from stress "pulling" against their small neck, too. You can find some extra soft and fluffy designer harnesses for even a small small dog.
A harness is especially favorably when walking a dog, because it gives you more control. Many dog harness designs discourage the dog pulling on the leash. |
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Dan and Bailey go for a walk |
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Here's Dan taking Bailey to the park for a run.
Our Bailey was supposed to be between 70 - 90 lbs, but at one year old, he is already 102 lbs and still growing. So helping him walk on a leash is important. He actually pulled me to the ground a month or so ago.
Now it's a lot easier. He has a harness. Bailey loves to go for a walk. We use a lightweight collar for his everyday ID tags, but we do not connect the lead to it.
For walks, we hook the lead to his harness, which he only wears at walk time. It controls his young urge to pull on the lead although he is doing a really good job of not pulling now.
Since the harness straddles his body and doesn't go around his neck, he doesn't suffer from leash choking. That's more comfortable for Bailey and more humane. Plus, I know he knows that living with his doggie parents, he won't suffer. |
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Be careful with choke collars
Chain or choke collars are used when training a large dog. The choke collar uses a ‘pull and release’ method of training. The collar tightens only when the dog “pulls” and releases immediately when the "pulling" stops. Choke collars should be used for training... in addition to a regular collar and not left on when the dog is not being trained or walked.
If you decide to use a chain collar, it is strongly recommended that you never use a pronged one. These collars utilize blunt-point prongs that extend from the collar toward the dog’s neck. The potential for harm and trauma is high with a pronged collar, and we do not recommend them.
Don't confuse pronged collars with designer collars that have decorative spikes attached on the outside to look rough and tough. |
Almost all dog owners put a designer dog collar on their small dog, but put a jeweled collar on your big dog and watch the reaction...
Visit our dog store for dog collars, harnesses and leads. You also find some interesting dog walking fitness equipment and accessories. Stay fit. Walk your dog.
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