What's the best dog collar for you?
In short, the one you need, not the one you want - But get the cute one for pictures!
Many dog owners make common mistakes selecting a collar because they lack information. Of course the worlds best dog collar should be safe, of the right size, comfortable, and accommodate your lifestyle. But remember, a training collar is a means to an end. You have a training goal to correct some undesirable behavior. The most important part of choosing the best dog collar ever is your target outcome. It's important to be clear about the behavior you are trying to correct. If you have more than one training goal, you may even find that you need more than one solution.
How do you know what's the best dog collar for training?
A training collar is a tool used by the trainer to maintain a dog's attention during the training process. When it comes to handling your dog, the right collar can make all the difference. A standard collar is often not enough for training. Displaying a Dog ID tag is the recommended use for traditional collars. Now consider the following.
Are you looking for the best collar to stop dog pulling? Prong, pinch or choke collars would be effective. These all work by applying uncomfortable pressure when your dog pulls away from you.
Are you having trouble with recall? E-collars work well because they are the only style that uses a remote control. These work by delivering some sort of stimulation. Each time you push the button the stimuli will get your dog's attention.
Is your dog nipping and biting? A head halter will not prevent biting. It will give you better control over your dog's snout and mouth. This style allows you to redirect your dog's attention before the crime takes place.
Different correction methods are for each of these. Likewise various collars are more suitable for one problem over another. The fact is, a string can be a training collar. What you're looking for is the right tool for the job.
In this article you will learn more about different styles and materials. After reading you will be ready to choose the right collar for your needs and lifestyle.
Before we get started you might be wondering what if my dog tries to bite me when I put his collar on. Or my dog doesn't like collar. If so, there is a solution for you too.
Continue reading.
What is the best material for a dog collar?
Dog training collars are available in nylon, neoprene, cotton web, leather, faux leather, and chain. When it comes to training your dog, the best dog collar material will depend on your lifestyle. The size and breed of your canine as well as the training needed all play into whats a good fit for the purpose. Following are details about common materials.
Nylon
Most collars are nylon and available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, widths, and qualities. Nylon is strong and durable, hence they are an excellent choice for most dogs. Nylon collars are inexpensive, light and comfortable for dogs of all sizes.
The drawback to nylon is the material holds dirt and smells. Be prepared for your nylon collar to develop an odor overtime. Especially if you get it wet.
Cotton Web
Cotton web is lightweight, very affordable and a common material for a training leash. Although durable and strong, cotton webbing tends to wear quicker than other materials.
Leather
Leather collars are classic, easy to clean and the most durable of the list. Like many other leather goods, leather collars start off ridget and soften as they wear. Although more expensive than other materials, leather often lasts for many years longer. Available in a variety of designs you can express yourself with both flat and rolled styles. If you consider going for leather, be sure to choose one made of quality materials. All leather is not made equally.
Neoprene
A soft rubbery used in wetsuits, neoprene is the best waterproof dog collar material. It’s reinforced with nylon webbing for increased durability, strength, and stretch. It’s an excellent collar choice for dogs that love spending a lot of time in the water. They hold less smell and stay cleaner than most nylon collars.
Chain
Chain collars are heavy duty dog collars made of stainless steel. If not used correctly they can be harmful. The material is sturdy, and makes for the best collar for aggressive dog. Or for rough and stubborn dogs struggling with their training. Chain collars do not get damaged, are easy to clean, and will not smell. Although excessive exposure to water can cause corrosion over time. These collars may be incompatible with certain leashes and should absolutely not be on unattended dogs.
Types of Dog Collars for Training
Corrective collars are primarily available for universal use or to correct pulling behavior. The different style are design to be more effective according to the size of your canine. Yes you want a cute collar, yet the choice should depend on your dog’s disposition, size, and training needs. Now it’s important to understand the different designs and purposes for each of them.
Best Dog Collar for Pulling
Martingale Collar
If you're having trouble with your dog pulling on the leash, this collar is for you. The design reduces choking injuries by limiting how much pressure will be applied. When pulled it tightens up a little bit. When the pulling stops it loosens to a comfortable fit.
Ideally these are the best anti pull dog collar for smaller breeds and those with slender necks. These collars are lightweight, comfortable and the safest to use making martingale training collar for small dogs an excellent option.
Martingale collars are available in two design choices. One uses nylon and comes with a small chain linked between two rings at the ends of the collar. The other features a piece of fabric in place of a chain and is an excellent choice for dogs with long fur.
Chain or Choke Collar
A chain or choke collar reacts to the motion of your dog. Unlike the martingale, these heavy duty dog collars do not have a feature that limits how tight it can be pulled. You need to be careful when using it to prevent damage to your dog’s throat and other injuries.
While some argue they are ideal for stubborn dogs to walk on a leash, they are often not recommended as a safe option. It really depends on the handler. If it takes excessive force to stimulate your canine, this is not the right collar for you or your pet.
Prong or Pinch Dog Collars
A prong collar is one of the best collar for large dog that pulls. Built similarly to a martingale collar, this style has small prongs on the inside of the collar. The prongs rest flush against your dog’s neck and pinch on your dog’s skin when the leash is pulled. These collars are often ideal for bigger dog breeds with thick skin around their neck.
Like the choke chain collars these are easily misused. Under no circumstances should a prong or chain collar be on for extended periods. These are a more advanced tool and not recommended as a safe option in the first steps of the training process. Prong options should only be used by people with substantial corrective experience.
Universal Training Collars
E-Collars
These collars offer the most versatility because they work remotely. E collars operate by delivering a small stimulant such as a beep, vibration or static pulse. At the handlers discretion one of the above options is selected to get the canine's attention. The remote control ability means your training agenda is almost limitless and you can work on off leash skills.Electronic collars should only be worn for training purposes. They are battery operated so you will need to recharge depending on frequency of use.
It has been said that shock collars are inhumane. Because the handler has full discretion over the chosen stimuli the tool can only be as human as the user. E-collars are not recommended for anyone concerned.
Head Halter
Where the head goes the body follows. This design is one of the best dog head collar because it gives the handler more control over the snout and muzzle. These collars do not prevent biting. They do offer the opportunity to redirect your dog's attention before an incident. Head halters have become a popular best large dog collar because of the leverage it offers against a powerful canine. If you're struggling with an aggressive dog this style of collar could be the solution for you.
Honorable Mentions
Body Harness
Ok this is not a collar at all, although it can be the right tool for the job. If your dog doesn't like collar the reason could be neck pain and putting on a dog harness is still an option. You may have seen the worlds best dog collar for sensitive skin, or best dog collar for sensitive neck. Or, it floats, it swims laps, it translates barks, blah blah bla. Yet when your neck hurts you say, don't touch it, right. If you notice signs of injury, consider a harness for dogs with neck problems or when the dog doesn't like collar.
Harnesses wrap around the core of your pet. Be sure the fit is secure because too tight will be uncomfortable and to lose is no match for an escape artist. A dog harness works well to discourage pulling. Also, the unique style makes it a great training tool for correcting dogs that jump up on people.
Dog ID Collars
Flat-Buckle Collar
These are simple collars. They buckle closed and are the most popular choice when it comes to dog collars. This style is the best way to attach tags to dog collar. They’re found in different sizes and materials, and make great fashion accessories.. With a flat-buckle collar, you can secure a GPS or ID tag to with ease.
If you made it this far you're ready to select the best dog collar ever. Now you know the purpose for different types of dog training collars and the benefit of the materials.
Although a training collar for large dogs are common, remember you can get a training collar for small dogs because some designs are ideal for smaller breeds. Be sure to consider your dog’s breed and the amount of training needed.
Ask yourself; What is my training goal? Does my dog tries to bite me when I put his collar on? Do I need more than one collar?