Choose the best collar for your dog

When choosing a collar for your dog, there are many different types. Selecting the best collar depends on your dog’s size and your own needs. Obviously, a smaller dog will require a more lightweight collar and a larger dog can have a more heavy-duty collar.

Here are some of the many collars types available:

Traditional collars — These can be made of leather or nylon and can come in varying widths and colors/styles. Be sure that these collars are up high on your dog’s neck and not too loose. Nor do you want the collar so tight that your dog has difficulty breathing. You should be able to comfortably place two fingers between your dog’s neck and the collar.

Choke collars — These collars are typically made from chain, but can be a nylon and chain combination. These collars are often used for training strong-willed dogs. It is vital that the guardian have a trainer show how to use the collar correctly. These types of collars should only be used for training and then be removed so not to cause discomfort or choking.

Pronged/pinch collars — These collars should only be used when working with incredibly stubborn dogs and on a temporary basis. The guardian should never pull the dog’s leash when a pronged collar is being used; but rather allow the dog to control the pinching by how hard he pulls. These collars can cause serious damage to your dog’s neck or spinal column. Never allow these collars to remain in your dog’s neck, except for training. Remove immediately after training. Remember that negative training methods, such as the use of prong collars, can make your dog more aggressive.

Halter/harness — These go around your dog’s neck and shoulders and are typically used for dogs that have respiratory problems. Harnesses prevent pressure on your dog’s throat and trachea.

Gentle leader head-collar — These halters have a band going around the back of the dog’s head and another around the nose. The leash clips on under the dog’s chin and when the leash is pulled, the dog’s head gets pulled to one side or the other, making it very challenging for your dog to pull you.

Be sure any collar you choose for your dog has a nametag with your dog’s name and your contact information. Also, there is no collar that will make a walk with your dog enjoyable if you have not properly trained him!

Angie Lewis is a volunteer with Alaska Animal

Rescue Friends.