Everything You Need to Know About Dog Collars

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Everything You Need to Know About Dog Collars

Introduction

Fashionable or functional, collars are one of the main ways we show to the world that our canines have someone who loves them. Some collars are used for training, others for medical reasons, but the main use for a dog collar is so that we can take our pooches into the world — on a leash! When trying to find the best collar for your furry family member, it's important to look at the purpose of each type of neckwear and match your woofer to the one that suits their stage in life the best. Join us as we break down all of the different kinds of dog collars!

Leather Dog Collar

The original clothing for pooches, leather dog collars have been used for thousands of years! These collars are durable, cleanable, and look great (they used to be for canine royalty only). Leather collars are used to hold identification tags and make clipping onto a leash much easier. While some leather collars can be costly, simpler models can be purchased at affordable rates — and can often last the lifetime of your four-legged pal!

Invisible Fence Collar

Do you have a property that's too big to build a fence around? Invisible fence collars are an alternative to physical barriers, keeping doggos from venturing too far from home. Special wires are placed around a perimeter of your choosing and communicate with the collar, sending either a buzz, beep, or small shock when your pupper gets too close. These collars are a more affordable way to keep your furry friend safe.

Martingale Collar

For those woofers that are harder to control, a martingale collar can greatly help in day-to-day life. Originally created for the "long-boi" breeds (mainly sighthounds), a martingale collar is made to tighten slightly when a canine pulls away. Its gentleness makes it useful for everyday wear, unlike training collars that deliver similar forms of discipline. These collars also help reduce pulling during walks.

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Dog Choke Chain

Often called slip collars, choke chains have gotten a bit of a bad rep. It is important to understand that these collars were created only to be used briefly in training sessions — not as a deterrent when your barky buddy won't stop pulling! Some professional trainers choose these collars for the ease at which the owner can correct the animal when they are exhibiting bad behavior.

Pinch Collar

Pinch or "prong" collars look much scarier than they are. Comprised of metal prongs that point inward, the collar tightens around a canine's neck when pulled — but only to a certain extent. This is a training collar that is used to distribute corrections or deter unwanted behavior, meaning it should never be left on when you are not home! The prongs mimic a nip from a mature pack member.

Dog Shock Collar

Shock collars distribute a small electrical charge to a doggo — either when triggered by wiring, barking, or when a button is pressed by the owner. These collars were originally made for hunting dogs to prevent them from getting into danger. They were not made for behavioral training, as the dog can become confused as to where the consequence is coming from. Instead, use shock collars for barking or safety purposes.

Bark Collar

If you have a four-legged friend that just doesn't know when to keep quiet, a bark collar might be worth checking out. When training and distractions haven't worked, bark collars (under the supervision of a trainer) can help the situation. The collar emits a noise, smell, or shock each time your dog barks, deterring the noisy behavior. Only use these when necessary, because not all barking is bad barking!

Dog Tracking Collar

For those wandering woofers (Huskies, we're looking at you!), a dog tracking collar can be the difference between lost forever and found in a jiffy. These collars track your pooch using GPS via a small SIM card. When your canine ventures too far, all you have to do is use the software provided to find out your pupper's exact location.

Smart Dog Collar

The term "smart dog collar" is used to describe any fur-kid neckwear that uses technology — think wifi, GPS, and cameras. With these collars, you can easily see what your doggo is doing during the day and even how they're doing. That's right — some of these collars monitor heart rate and breathing, meaning you can keep tabs on your canine compadre's well-being no matter where you are!