What’s the Best Dog Collar?
QUESTION: I've noticed lots of
different kinds of collars on the market - choke collars, prong collars,
leather collars, etc. How do I decide which one is appropriate for my dog?
Answered by: Julie Bjelland Lokhandwala
ANSWER:
There are many different types of collars and choosing the right one can be
confusing! To help sort it all out, I've listed a few types I feel make
excellent choices. I'll also mention a couple I don't recommend--and explain
why. First, the good options.
Recommended for use with ID tags, but not
for walking if your dog pulls on leash:
Flat or rolled collars
Traditional leather, cotton or nylon buckle, or quick-release collars are
good options for everyday collars you can hang your dog's ID tags from. They do
not tighten on the dog's neck once they are fastened, and many people find that
the rolled variety seems to cause less hair breakage. If your dog tends to pull
on leash, however, you do NOT want to use this type of collar for walking.
Break-away collars
These are similar to the ones above, but if a break-away collar were to
become caught on something, it would break open and release your dog.
Recommended for walking if your dog pulls:
Head collar
If you have a dog that tends to pull on leash, a head collar (like a gentle
leader) can be a great option to help you walk your dog without pulling. It may
look a bit like a muzzle, but it isn't; the dog can bark, drink and eat with
this collar. Note: A flexi-lead is not a good idea with this type of collar
or with a neck collar, because when your dog gets to the end of the lead it's
easy to accidentally jerk the dog's head.
Body harness
Another option is a body harness, which is worn around the dog's body and
hooks to the leash at the chest. Like the head collar, it does not put pressure
on the neck.
NOT recommended:
Choke chain collars
Used for the type of training that uses jerk and release corrections when
the dog does not obey a command. This type of collar tightens on the dog's neck
when the dog pulls. Studies have shown that choke type collars can cause injury
to a dog's neck, back, or trachea.
Prong collars
Also called pinch collars have spikes that dig into the dog's neck and pinch
them when pulled. They are usually used for large dogs that are heavy pullers.
Both the choke and prong collars can be painful for your dog and
there are better, pain-free options.
Training your dog to walk without
pulling is your best bet. It can take some time but the reward is worth it!
Since training this takes some time, a head collar or body harness is a good
short-term solution.
Julie Bjelland Lokhandwala's interactive Dog Training Web site: www.webdogtrainer.com, teaches you how
to train your own dog as well as receive professional coaching, advice and tips
through email consultations about your own dog! Julie formerly trained Guide Dogs for the Blind and has been
running her own successful obedience training/behavior modification business
for several years. She is known for her talent in helping you communicate more
effectively with your dog. Julie's
positive methods of training are friendly, encouraging and motivating. She has
a personal mission to help more dogs get adopted and stay adopted and donates a
portion of her proceeds to the cause.
Julie shares her home with her own rescued German Shepherd, Fax.