Dog Collars - Choosing The Right One For Your Pet

There are so many dog collars on the market now that it's hard to know which one is the right one for your pet. And the truth is, the collar you get will depend largely on the type of dog you own and what you will be using it for.

For instance, if you simply want to use it as a fashion statement and to hold your dogs tags, you would get a different collar than you would if you were using it for training purposes. And even in training, your collar needs will change as your dog becomes more responsible off lead.

So let's look briefly at the choices to help you make the right decision.

Leather Collars: These are generally soft and comfortable on your dogs neck. They can be either round or flat, with flat generally being the most comfortable. Taking it one step further, a wider flat collar will feel better than a narrow one. Anything over 1.5 inches wide will feet great for your pet.

Round leather collars are also comfortable if you dog is somewhat trained. But if your dog still tends to forge ahead while on a leash, then these are more likely to create hacking.

While leather collars are not typically thought of as training collars, there are some that are sold strictly for training competition protection breeds of dogs like German Shepherds or Rottweilers. These training round leather collars are wide, usually about 2 inches, and made for comfort while the dog undergoes bite and agitation training.

Chain Collars: Two variaties are typically found here. There is the slip choker or the pinch collar. This type of collar is used almost exclusively for training. Once your pet is trained, you should then go with a more comfortable type.

Here's the thing about any training collar, if you don't use it properly it is not training at all. In fact, it's more like abuse. Please if you don't know what you are doing, get the help of a professional trainer.

The chain slip collar is very effective when used right. But if your pet is choking on the end of his leash, remove the collar at once.

Pinch Collars: At first these will simply look barbaric, and in the wrong hands, they most definitely are. But most experts agree that when used right, they actually offer a lower chance of injury than the slip collar. A good pinch collar will be fitted to your dog's neck size in order to make it effective.

Again though, you should not use these without professional help. Use it wrong, and chances are you will make your pet into an aggressive animal. Pinch collars should only be used with the right dog matched with the right handler.

Nylon Collars: These dog collars are strong and durable, great for everyday use. And if your dog like to chew, he'll have a lot more trouble with this than he will a nice leather collar. Hang your dog's identification tags and vaccination tags on them. These collars don't cost a lot and are available in just about any style and color you could possibly want. Again, the wider it is, the more comfortable it will be.

Recommended Merchants

Dog.com - Discount Pet Supplies - We love shopping at Dog.com. If your pet needs it, or just wants it, chances are you'll find it here.

Petco.com - Another large pet superstore and their selection is huge. It may take a while to see all they have to offer from many famous name brands, but it will be well worth your time.

Pet Street Mall - Designer collars, lighted collars, training collars, they're all here.

Chimpfeet -  Get licensed MLB, NFL, and Nascar collars here. Plus a great selection of other fashionable collars for the prissy missy or the street tough pet.

Jake's Dog House - They have an absolutely huge selection of collars you won't find anywhere else. But be prepared to spend some time looking around. There's a lot to choose from including licensed gear from your favorite sports team.