| Dog collars provide several functions. A dog collar can | | | | slip out of the traditional collar. A harness collar can |
| be used to hold an identification tag, display the dog's | | | | be used when walking a dog because it gives the |
| license, or provide an anchor for the dog's leash. | | | | dog's guardian more control over the direction and |
| Collars come in a variety of types, sizes, and | | | | pacing of the animal when walking. Choke Collars |
| materials. When selecting a collar for your dog, the | | | | Chain, or choke, collars are used when training a dog, |
| animal's breed, size, weight, and disposition need to | | | | and they are used for dogs that tend to pull on a |
| be considered. Most dogs will be suited to a nylon or | | | | leash or do not follow a guardian's pace and direction |
| leather collar. The importance of dog collars is that | | | | when walking. The choke collar is used in a 'pull |
| they allow pets to be identified and help keep them | | | | release' manner when the dog is walking. The choke |
| safe, as well as assist in training. Fitting a Dog Collar A | | | | collar is correctly placed on the dog in a "P" |
| puppy can begin wearing a collar at eight weeks old. | | | | formation, with the leash loop end being placed |
| For puppies, the collar's fit and size need to be | | | | across the dog's back, coming off of its right side on |
| checked every two weeks because of the animal's | | | | the top side of the neck. Choke collars should be |
| rapid growth. The collar should sit on the upper part | | | | used with a regular collar for training and not left on |
| of the dog's neck; it should not keep sliding down the | | | | when the dog is not being trained or walked. The |
| neck and sit close to the dog's shoulders. A collar | | | | collar should tighten only when the dog "pulls" and |
| should be fitted on the dog's neck with two | | | | release immediately when it stops "pulling." One type |
| adult-size fingers between the collar and the dog's | | | | of choke collar to avoid is the pronged collar. These |
| neck. It is important to note that any collar should | | | | collars utilize blunt-point prongs that extend from the |
| not be tight to the extent that it restricts the dog's | | | | collar toward the dog's neck. It is strongly |
| ability to breath. Also, it should not cause the dog to | | | | recommended that dog guardians learn to correctly |
| cough. Using a Dog Collar for Identification and | | | | train their pets using a chain collar, never a pronged |
| Safety When a dog is fitted with a collar, a nametag | | | | one. The potential for harm and trauma is high with a |
| containing the dog's name and the owner's name, | | | | pronged collar. A large pet store is the best outlet for |
| phone number and/or address should be immediately | | | | purchasing a dog collar. A dog guardian shopping for a |
| attached to the collar. In addition, a license should | | | | collar can see the different types and sizes. Also, |
| accompany the nametag. Some collars can also be | | | | when patronizing stores that allow animals, a guardian |
| embroidered with the dog's name and a phone | | | | can take the dog into the store and have the dog |
| number, but a nametag is still essential. If a dog is | | | | try on several different collars. If the guardian has |
| lost, the identification information will help those who | | | | questions about a collar, the pet-store staff is |
| find it return the dog to its owner. Also, use of a | | | | available to answer questions or make |
| collar and leash will keep a dog safe on walks and | | | | recommendations regarding specific dog collars. The |
| trips to the vet. Harness Collars In addition to the | | | | importance of dog collars is that they help identify, |
| traditional circular collars worn by dogs, there are | | | | keep safe, and train dogs, so use this information to |
| several different types of collars available for pets. | | | | choose the best collar for your dog. |
| Harness collars fit along the dog's back, stomach, and | | | | David Beart is owner of the Professors House, a site |
| sides. Harness collars are appropriate for dogs that | | | | dedicated to dog information, family, relationships and |
| are initially resistant to a collar, or dogs that tend to | | | | household issues. |