Getting a dog can be a great way to add to your household. Dogs can quickly become your best friend and they are very loyal if they are treated well. So you have the dog food bowl, the water bowl and the food. What do you need to pick up next? Well it is absolutely essential that you have a dog collar. Dog collars provide several functions. Obviously they can be decorative but they are more than just fancy collars to adorn and enhance your pampered pooch’s neck. They are a way to train your dog to walk beside you and to listen to your commands. Your dog learning to listen to your commands is absolutely essential to the health of your dog. You would not want him or her running from you directly into traffic. That dog collar can prevent it. If you are not quite sure what type of dog collar to get or even why they are used…this article is for you.

Why are dog collars used?

Dog collars are used to help train dogs and to help keep them where they need to be. When a dog collar is used to train it can be worn around the dog’s neck or in a shape that fits its muzzle so you can train it to walk beside you or learn various commands such as “come” or “heel.” Collars can also be ornamental and be used to pamper your precious pooch. You can buy collars that have decorative rhinestones and even have the dog’s name engraved on it. A dog collar is also the preferred method of keeping important information with your dog such as its address and whether or not it is up to date on important shots such as the rabies vaccination. You may also need to have a license to own the dog in certain areas so a dog tag that contains that information would be vital and need to be kept attached to the collar.

Are some dog collars considered more humane than others?

Many animal activists believe that the choke collars and the prong collars are very inhumane and often hurt the dog. They believe that the collars are used too frequently by people that are not trained to properly use them. And it is true that if someone uses the collars improperly they can do a great deal of damage to the dog’s body and its mental health. The main problem with most collars is that people neglect to check how tight the collar is. A metal collar can quickly bite into a dog’s neck and can cause serious infections if the owner does not constantly check for the right degree of looseness in the collar.

My dog hates his collar, are there other forms of dog collars I can use or what should I do?

If your dog truly hates the feel of a collar or you simply cannot get it to learn proper commands you can go with a harness. Sometimes harnesses are great to use on stubborn dogs that want to lead you on a walk rather than you leading them. You do not have to worry about the dog choking because the harness wraps around the chest and upper abdomen. However if your dog has chest problems or airway problems then you may want to avoid this type of collar because it does put pressure on the chest.

Are there certain dog collars for different types of dogs?

Really any of the collars mentioned above can be used on every type of dog. But you may find that certain breeds respond differently. A dog that is quick to try to slip out of its collar may be better served by the use of a harness collar. Dog collars are very versatile and you can find them in suitable widths and sizes. If you are having a difficult time choosing the right collar for your dog then you may want to talk to your vet or a dog trainer and get their suggestions.

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