Have you already shopped for dog collars for your pet? I have. And I must say I was overwhelmed with the number of choices I had. I saw dog collars of different styles, and harnesses and leashes. I also saw custom dog collars that were so cute! If you’re a first-time shopper, then you might also be as overwhelmed as I was. I wrote this article to help you choose the right one for your dog.
Before you purchase a dog collar, there are things you need to know and consider. You need to know the different types of dog collars, the pros and cons of each dog collar, and what works best for your dog.
Types of Dog Collars
There are different types of dog collars you can find in stores. The most common materials in making dog collars are faux leather, leather, nylon, canvas, nylon blends, and metal chains. The buckles are made of metal. However, the collars that snap together are made of plastic snaps.
Any dog collar is just as good as the fastener which keeps it together. Therefore, you should look for a metal fastener and not a plastic one. If your dog tends to jump fences and play in the woods, you’ll need a dog collar with a breakaway fastener.
Before you begin your search, make sure to narrow it down to just two or three types. Also, go by function first. Ask yourself, “Why do I need a collar?”
What purpose do you want the dog collar to serve? If you have an average-sized dog, you can use a regular dog collar. If you have a strong-willed dog, you might prefer to use a check chain, a prong collar, or a pinch collar. If you have a dog that’s hard to control, then you should use a shock collar.
Then, consider the material of the dog collar. What’s it made of? If your dog loves to play in the water or gets dirty a lot, you should choose a nylon collar. That’s because nylon is easier to maintain compared to other materials.
Once you have made those decisions, you need to measure your dog for its new collar. It works best if you take the dog with you at the store, to prevent miscalculations.
Dog Collars for Puppies
If you need to shop for puppy collars, make sure to choose one that’s lightweight and narrow. Puppies aren’t used to wearing something around their necks, so they might find the collars annoying at first. If the dog collar is small and light, then the puppy is likely going to find it easier to accept.
Also, you’ll need to consider growth when buying collars for puppies. Puppies grow quickly, especially the large dog breeds. If you have Great Dane puppies, you’ll notice they grow at an alarming rate. When buying collars for them, choose an adjustable collar your puppy can wear for a few weeks.
Never buy a long, heavy collar for a small or young puppy. You might not need to replace it as often, but your puppy will find it very uncomfortable to wear.
Here are tips to help you choose a collar for your puppy:
- Make sure that you can fit two fingers under the collar for average-sized breed dogs.
- Make sure you can fit one finger for small dogs.
- Make sure you can fit three fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar, for large dog breeds.
You don’t need the collars to be too loose. They should be snug fairly, but they shouldn’t be tight, either. Dog collars that are either too loose or too tight can be dangerous to your dogs. Too tight collars can embed themselves on your dogs’ flesh while too loose collars can slip over your dogs’ head. This can be fatal while you’re walking your dog in traffic.
Dog collars that are too lose can also bring choking hazards to your dogs. Puppies and even adult dogs are curious and are into everything. They might catch on something while your dog is running and can cause strangulation or choking.
Why Custom Dog Collars Are Better
Custom dog collars are everywhere. You can find most of them online. Many of them are hand-made. You as a customer can decide which fabrics and materials will be used for their dogs.
The most common materials include a woven fabric, nylon, canvas, cotton, faux leather, suede, ribbon, and faux suede. If you shop for them online, you get to choose which buckles to use, the length, width, and the thickness of the collar. My Custom Pet Supplies offer dog collars made from nylon and woven fabric.
This means you’re sure that your dog won’t be in danger while using a custom dog collar. You can also upload your company logo or artwork and order what you want, whether it’s a classic pet collar or a heavy-duty premium-woven pet leash. You can add a bone-shaped bag dispenser or a key strip, too!
Many pet owners prefer to buy a custom dog collar for their dogs. They can indicate the name of their pet, the pet owner’s name, or both. This serves as a great help if the dog is lost.
How to make a custom dog collar
Below are the tips to make a custom dog collar for your dog:
- You can buy a plain nylon collar and add your own rhinestones using E6000 glue.
- You can enhance sturdy leather colors using a brass plate. You can engrave your dog’s name on it, too.
- If you know how to sew, you can make your own fabric collar and then embroider your pet’s name on it.
- You can use your old leather belts and turn them into custom dog collars. You can cut the belt to your required length. And then, use a metal stud kit to make your dog’s name with small metal brads.
