The Dog Spot

Arf Dog Collars Article

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Choosing The Right Type Of Dog Collar

from: Kyle Besser

The difference between walking your dog or your dog walking you can often be explained by the type of collar you use and how you use it. There are many different types of dog collars on the market today, but it is up to the dog handler to know how and when each type of dog collar is appropriate.

Dog Buckle Collars

Buckle dog collars are typically made of nylon or leather, either flat or rolled that are fastened with a buckle. Most buckle collars are adjustable but do not tighten on the dog's neck once they are fastened. Rolled leather dog collars are more expensive but tend to fit more comfortably. Adjustable nylon buckle dog collars are recommended for growing pups.

Dog Break-away Collars

Break-away dog collars are special quick release collars that will unfasten if a strong pull is placed on the collar. Break-away dog collars were designed to release so a dog won't be choked to death if its collar gets caught on something. The quick release collar will not unfasten when attached to a leash.

Dog Choke Chains

Choke chain dog collars are still used as the primary training tool in many traditional training methods where the dog is corrected with a snap of the leash if it does not obey a command. Choke chain dog collars should never be left on an unattended dog and should always be removed when the leash is removed.

Dog Limited Slip Collars

Limited slip dog collars are adjustable dog collars designed to tighten around a dog's neck but not to the point that they actually constrict around the neck. Limited slip collars are used for dogs who tend to "slip" out of their collars.

Dog Slip Collars

Dog slip collars are also referred to as dog choker collars or choke chain dog collars. There are several kinds of slip collars. Dog slip collars are made of braided nylon, cotton or leather with "O" rings at either end. Dog slip on collars loop through one of the rings, making a "P" shape. The lead is usually attached to the ring at the bottom of the "P," which allows the dog slip on collars to tighten and loosen depending on pressure from the lead. The floating ring is called the dead ring. If a lead is attached to the dead ring of the collar, the dog slip collar will not tighten.

Dog Prong Collars

Dog prong collars are used for the same purposes as dog choke collars, to "correct" the dog by using a quick snap and release of the leash followed by praise. Prong dog collars look like a kind of medieval torture device, but dog prong collars are actually gentle when used properly. The dog prong collar is actually far safer and gentler than choke training collars.

The prong dog collar provides an even pressure around the dog's neck and when the proper snap-and-release method of correction is used, the prong dog collar will ensure responsiveness from your dog. The prong dog collar allows the handler to apply the right amount of pressure so that over-correction, or snapping too hard or too often, does not occur.

Prong dog collars should be used for training dogs that will strain on the leash to the point of choking and coughing. Small dog owners with large dogs would benefit from the use of prong dog collars to have more control over their dogs.

Dog Electronic Collars

Electronic dog collars are used by some as an obedience training device, often in an attempt to train a dog quickly. Electronic dog collars deliver an electrical stimulus which causes pain to the dog. When dogs are trained using pain for correction, the results are often disastrous. A well trained handler, obedience trainer or knowledgeable owner would never have to resort to using one.

Dog Head Collars

Dog head collars are commonly used for dogs that pull. Dog head collars were designed similar to halters that are used on horses except that the dog head halters sit below the eyes. Most dogs find dog head halters uncomfortable and don't like wearing them. Dog head collars are not muzzles. The dog can still eat, drink, bark and bite. Also there is a safety concern that a lunging dog could hit the end of the lead and snap its head around, causing injury to it neck.

Dog Harnesses

Some people use a dog harness in an attempt to stop a dog from pulling when on a lead. This is a very contradictory use of the dog harness. If you consider that sled dogs use harnesses to pull, you can see why they would not be effective to stop a dog from pulling on a leash.