How many collars does a dog need and how to choose “the one”

Imagine the situation: you got a dog for the first time and go to the pet store to choose a collar for her. Before you are models made of leather, textiles, biothane, with a fastex clasp, a lock or a carabiner. And also halters, ringovki and martingales. All of these collars come in different sizes, widths and colors. From such a variety it is easy to get confused and make a mistake with the purchase. But you will definitely make the right choice if you finish reading the article.

In order not to risk it, I recommend discussing in advance with a dog handler or breeder which collar is suitable for your dog and what tasks it should solve. For example, for city walks with a miniature dog, a textile collar will do. A large dog is more suitable for a model made of genuine leather with a metal clasp. For trips to nature, it is better to stock up on a biothane collar with a solid metal buckle. For a dog with problematic behavior, a martingale is useful. And the puppy will be comfortable in a “weightless” nylon collar with fastex and adjustable length.

For my dogs, I choose German collars – they just have a huge range of ammunition for all occasions, every taste and budget. I especially like:

• Premium collars made of luxury leather. Ideal for city walks, special occasions and photo shoots. They always look good. You can choose a model to match the color of your shoes or belt – and you will get a stylish joint look with a dog. But remember that the skin does not like water. That is, such a collar cannot be washed. It is enough to wipe it after a walk with a damp cloth. If you properly care for the accessory, the leather collar will last almost forever.

• Paracord collars. Usually these are martingales, that is, half-choke. They look unusual and are suitable for behavior correction. I have Dogo Argentino. These are very large, strong and serious dogs. For walks in crowded places, I prefer to wear paracord collars on them.

• Biothane collars. Indestructible models for training and outings. They went through fire and water with us: dogs ran in them through fields and forests, swam, rolled in grass or snow, traveled. I regularly wash these collars in the washing machine and they are still like new.

• Nylon collars. Indispensable for fidget puppies. Such models are almost weightless and do not cause discomfort. Puppies are easy to train. Also, they can be machine washed. This is a nice bonus, as puppies are constantly exploring and quickly get dirty along with their ammunition. 

One collar for all occasions – so-so idea. Imagine that you bought one pair of shoes and wear it at any time of the year, in any weather, in the city and in nature. Even if these shoes are the best, they will quickly lose their appearance and will not last long. The same with collars.

If you live in the city and mostly walk on the site, three models will be enough for you. It can be two basic models and a luminous or reflective collar for walking in the dark. While one collar is in the wash, you can use the other one. I always recommend keeping a spare adjusted collar on hand – in case of force majeure.

We walk with dogs in the fields, forests and parks, travel, go to the city, to exhibitions and photo shoots – and for each case we have different collars.

A good collar fits snugly around the neck and is fixed with a strong clasp. It does not rub the skin and does not stain the coat. It’s great if it is not just an attribute for walking, but also emphasizes your individuality with your pet – it becomes a continuation of your style. Then you can take beautiful photos for social networks and collect hundreds of likes.

In order not to make a mistake with the size, use the tips. If you choose a collar in an online store, you will need a measuring tape. See how many centimeters your dog has at the narrowest point of the neck – behind the ears. Add 7-10 cm to the result obtained – this is for an everyday collar. And if you choose a martingale, it should sit tight on the neck, but crawl through the head. 

It is safer to choose the collar personally. To do this, go to the pet store with your dog and try on the collar on your pet. The SharPei Online cheat sheet will help you with this:

Even with the most well-mannered dogs, unexpected situations sometimes happen. Strong, correct ammunition will help to avoid trouble. I wish you stylish images and pleasant walks with your dog!