Becoming a dog owner for the first time can be quite overwhelming. You want to give your puppy the best of everything so will head out to the pet store to stock up on everything a dog could possibly want or need for a happy life. Essentials include food, bowls, a bed, toys, poop bags, a leash, and a collar. But what type of collar should you buy? Are there different types, and does it matter which one you get? After all, it’s just a decoration around your pup’s neck, isn’t it?
What is a Dog Collar for?
According to the experts at Voyager Harness, if you think that a collar for dogs is simply something that is worn around the neck to look cute then you are mistaken. A collar is used to hold identification tags in case your dog gets lost. It can also be used to hold essential information about your dog, such as any medical condition he might have.
Dog collars are also used as a training tool to help owners control their dogs and teach them how to walk on a leash. So, with that in mind, you may be wondering which collar to choose for your pet.
Standard Flat Collars
When you visit your local pet store for the first time to look for items for the new pup, you are likely to see a selection of these collars in a variety of colors and sizes. They tend to be made from leather or nylon and are clipped around the dog’s neck. They are usually adjustable and will have a metal D-ring to which a leash and an identity tag can be attached. They are suitable for most dogs, but those with heads that are smaller or the same width as their necks, such as greyhounds or whippets, should not be fitted with these collars as they can easily wriggle free from them.
Martingale Collar
A martingale collar is another common type of collar for dogs and has been designed to prevent the dog from wriggling free. It consists of two loops, with the bigger of the two fitting over the dog’s neck. The leash is attached to the smaller loop; if the dog pulls, the small loop tightens. This then results in the larger loop gently tightening around the dog’s neck. Although some people say that this type of collar is suited to dogs that pull, the reality is that some dogs will pull more with a martingale collar. The purpose of it is to avoid the dog from getting free. It should never be left on an unattended dog as there is a risk of accidental strangulation.
Head Halter
A head halter is a collar that fits not only over the dog’s neck but also its nose. This type of collar is designed to give greater control over the dog and is particularly suited to dogs that pull when walking on a leash. Many dogs do not like this type of collar because of the way that it pulls their head down and do not like the loop over their nose. However, because of the way in which the head halter works, many people find that it only needs to be used for a short period of time when training a dog to walk on a leash. In fact, many dogs will quickly learn to self-correct after pulling because they do not like the sensation on the head.
Conclusion
The above are just some of the collars available for dogs. The type you choose will depend on the dog you have and whether he pulls when walking.
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