Dog Collars

A dog's health should be the top consideration when you buy collars and harnesses. Unfortunately, salesmen do not always bear this in mind when making recommendations. Round collars for long-haired dogs, strap collars for shorthaired dogs are usually the most satisfactory. Harnesses are used for all small dogs, but it is sometimes difficult to hold a large dog with a harness. Big dogs tend to do less pulling than small ones because they are more often properly trained. Yet it is easier to train a small dog than a large one because it requires less strength. A properly fitted collar isn't cruel on any dog, and harnesses could be dispensed with, except in cases of medical or anatomical problems, if all dogs were trained not to tug on their leashes. Washable woven nylon and solid plastic collars have the advantage over leather in that they are easier to keep clean.

Every collar or harness should be examined to see that no sharp points or rivets protrude to scratch the dog's skin or wear off the hair. It is most important not to get a lot of hardware on these accessories that can injure a dog's ears. When a hound shakes its head and it sears flap against a heavy buckle and license tags, the ears arc often damaged. A dog that has worn a heavy combination of hardware some-times has the hair entirely worn off its neck.

Small chains used for collars can be cruel if a dog is kept chained. It is not uncommon to find these chains cutting deeply into the necks of the poor wearers.

The following are the various types of collars that are available for the dogs.

Types of Basic Dog Collars

Buckle Collars - The buckle collars are also known as the flat collars and are generally made up of nylon and leather. Some collars are also made up of polyester, hem or a metal. The collars have buckle which is some what similar to the buckle of a belt. For the comfort of the dog some collars have quick release buckle that hands loosely around the neck of the pet. The collars are attached to a loop which is termed as a leash.

Flea Collars – The flea collars are the ones that are worn out by the dog in addition to the conventional collars. The flea collars are put in dogs in order to control the spread of the microscopic insects and fleas.

Elizabethan Collars – These collars are of truncated cone shaped. They restrict the dog from scratching a wound in the head or the neck. The collar also keeps the dog away from licking a certain infection and control the spread of the infectious disease.

There are other types of collars as well as the break away collars. They resemble the common dog collars but they have a safety mechanism installed in it. The collars would be broken if the dog tries to pull it on sensing any upcoming danger. The stud collars having dulled points fitted on the outside surface of the dog is actually used to keep away the pet dog from being bitten at the neck.