Chain Dog Collar

There are so many different types of dogs that one collar wouldn’t be suitable for every dog. There are big dogs, small dogs, obedient dogs and disobedient dogs. Below is a list of the different types of dog collars to help you choose the best one for your dog.

Chain Dog Collars

• Chain dog collars are typically made for training purposes only. These collars are designed to close on a dog’s neck if it yanks too hard. This will help train a dog how to heel and walk on a leash. This type of leash has fallen out of favor from dog owners and trainers alike because of the potential choking hazard. It is not a good idea to leave a dog unattended with a chain dog collar because of this choking hazard. To find a proper fit for your dog, measure his or her neck and add about 2 1/2 to 3 inches for some give.

Metal Prong Collars

• These are also used for training dogs and are effective on strong or stubborn dogs. A pronged collar is designed to pinch the dog if it pulls too hard.  As with the chain dog collar, it is not a good idea to leave a dog unattended because there is a potential choking hazard.

Traditional Dog Collars

• This type of collar is the most popular collar that wraps around a dog’s neck with a buckle. A traditional dog collar allows the owner to express some personal style. There are even designer dog collars such as this Cole Haan dog collar. Owners with larger or stronger dogs will want to buy a traditional style collar with a metal buckle instead of a plastic one, which are more prone to breaking. A traditional dog collar also has a place to mount a dog tag with the owner’s information, which is a good idea if your dog ever wanders away from home. To find a proper fit for a traditional dog collar, measure your dog’s neck and add two or three inches to the length. Make sure that you have enough room to fit two fingers under the collar to check for a proper fit.

Break-Away Collars

• Break-away collars are designed for everyday use and are handy if your dog has a tendency to get snagged on objects around the house. This type of collar is designed to unbuckle itself if there is excessive amount of force applied. They are designed to be easily put back on a dog if it becomes unbuckled. If you decide to walk your dog with a break-away collar, you can put a leash through both loops so that it won’t break away.

Head Collars

• While these collars may look like they are used to muzzle a dog, muzzling a dog is not their purpose. They are used to train dogs, much like the chain and prong dog collars but are less harmful to the dog. A head collar will help train a dog to heel and walk on a leash. If the dog pulls on the leash too hard while in a head collar, his or her head will jerk to the side.  This feeling is not painful but feels unnatural to the dog, who will correct him or herself from jerking too hard in the future. This collar should not be left unattended on a dog because it may pose a choking hazard.

Dog Harnesses

• A dog harness is designed to wrap around a dog’s chest, belly and around its back. This type of collar is preferred by owners who have dogs that tend to pull. These are also preferred by owners who have dogs with breathing problems. If your dog wheezes or has trouble breathing with a traditional collar, give the dog harness a try.