When you get a new puppy, one of the first things you will need to buy is a dog collar. Dog collars are not as cut and dried as you might think. While many dogs wear dog collars for functional purposes (being led with a leash and identification), other owners have their dogs wear them for fashionable purposes. Still others want a dog collar that looks good and is functionally superior. There are certainly no shortage of options out there. Here are some tips for picking the right dog collar for your new puppy.
Tips for find the best dog collars for a puppy
The Proper Fit
A good dog collar is going to be tight enough that it can’t be slid off the head, but still loose enough that the dog is in no danger of choking or discomfort. Make sure you comfortably fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
The Type
Dogs are not a one size fits all type of situation. Different breeds and sizes use all kinds of different types of collars. In fact, some breeds have their own styles of collars because of a narrow snout, head or neck. You have to invest a little time to pick the type that works the best for your dog. Here is a quick look at some of the various dog collar types out there:
- Flat collars: These are the traditional collars that you see most often and they come in all shapes and sizes. These collars work for most dogs but not all.
- Head collars: Head collars are exactly what they sound like….collars that fit across the head or snout. These are important for dogs that have issues with pulling you along and not leading. These collars demand a ton of trust between you and your dog. You have to trust that they will follow properly and they have to trust that you will never yank or pull on the leash. These types of collars demand that you learn how to use them properly or you could injure your dog.
- Training Dog Collars: Other collars out there are meant for aversive training and are often controversial. Dog collars of this type include shock collars, choke chains and various other types of pinching collars. These collars are designed to make your dog think that doing things they shouldn’t will cause the shock or pinch. The problem is, many training collars like this are simply ineffective and cruel. Used by an expert they can have some effectiveness, but one wonders if there are better ways out there.
Our Favorite Dog Collars for Your New Puppy
Check out a few of our favorites, from practical to stylish. Affiliate links included in collage. Click on the image for more product info.
Picking the best dog collar is not all that tough if you are willing to learn about your dog. Consider their age and be sure to adjust with a new collar as they grow up.
