Pet Dogs Information

Although dog collars may seem to be simple, they are not. There are a variety of dog collars available in the market to suit different functions and needs. Different dog collars are needed to harness different kinds of dogs. Certain dog breeds like Boxers who are independent and intelligent need firm and fair training to be obedient and learn good manners. This dog breed gets quite friendly and useful once trained properly but do not like to be ordered around. You must read this article that details the uses of different types of collars which will play a big role in choosing the right dog collar for your dog :

Buckle Collars :

Buckle collars are meant to be buckled to fasten them. These are mostly made up of nylon, cotton or leather. They can both be rolled or flat and are quite adjustable. These collars are adjustable and do not strangle dogs. Rolled leather collars are better than flat ones as they avoid chafing or hair breakage.

Quick-Release Collars :

These are flat nylon buckle collars. These have plastic fastenings that help to put on and take off the collar quickly. These collars are adjustable too and do not tighten around dog's necks.

Break-away Collars :

This type of dog collar is a quick-release collar. It is meant to help the dog pull itself free, if the need be. Its inventor was inspired to design it after he had a sad experience with his dog which got choked to death because the collar he was wearing got caught on something. However, if this collar is attached to a leash, the collar will not open, giving you the freedom to control the dog, when you are with him.

Slip Collars :

These are also known as choke chains or chokers. They can be made of braided nylon, cotton, metal or leather and have 'O' rings at either end. The collar is looped through one of the rings. The collar can be loosened or tightened with pressure from the lead. If the lead is attached to the floating ring or the dead ring, it will prevent the collar from tightening.

Choke Chains :

The metal training slip collars which are also known as choke chains are still in use as the primary training tools for the dog. They help the dogs to give a jerk, if they do not obey a command but its not advisable as they may cause neck, back and tracheal injuries to dogs and may also cause them trauma and pain. Only experienced and qualified instructors may use them with care. The type of chokers to be chosen for the dog is determined by the weight and width of the links. The chains which are heavy need collars with rough sliding. These are the training collars and must never be used on puppies. The chokers should not be attached with tags. Long-haired dogs need wide-link chokers.

Prong or Pinch Collars :

These are training collars which are much safer than the chokers and do not cause neck, back or tracheal injuries. However, since they are may get stretched and worn and as a result spring open, they can only be used with a back-up collar hooked to the leash. These collars are not intended for puppies, they should only be used carefully.

Head Halters :

Head halters as the name goes are much like halters used for horses and are meant for dogs that pull. As they sit right below the dog's eyes, they are uncomfortable to most dogs. They should not be confused for muzzles as they allow the dog to drink, eat, bark or bite. This type of collar should be used when the dog is walking by your side and not trying to escape from you.

Harnesses :

Harnesses are mainly used for sled and carting dogs so as to help them pull. This is the most effective means to distribute weight evenly. It enables the dog to pull many times its own body weight.

Electronic Collars :

'Remote' collars or 'shock' collars as the name goes deliver an electrical stimulus to the dog in training as a 'correction method'. The intensity of the stimulus starts from low level to high, depending on the disobedience scale of the dog. Only professionals should use these training-only collars or may have destructive effect on dog's self confidence, desire to work and general good will.

Collars should always fit well and especially it is to be noticed that the non-slip collars should be loose enough to leave two-finger width space between the collar and the neck of the dog as improperly fitted collars and their incorrect usage may sometimes prove fatal to dogs.

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