What To Look For in a Dog Collar
A dog or puppy collar should be one of the very first things you provide for your new best friend. For a puppy, you should be able to just fit a couple of your fingers between the collar and your puppy's neck. Any looser and they could get their little leg caught in the collar.
Selecting a collar for your dog can actually be a perplexing process. There are many different kinds of collars available to choose from. Using the appropriate collar and leash for your small dog or puppy will protect him and make obedience training easier. The right collar for your dog will depend on the level of training you wish to provide and the puppy's temperament.
In general , you want a Dog Collar that is both safe and comfortable for your dog. You will want a collar that is easy to put on and take off. Also, you will want a collar which is easy to clean and will stand up to chewing, clawing and the inevitable wear and tear that you're sure to find!
Below are some other tips on selecting the right Dog Collar for you and your dog:
- If your dog is well-trained and/or has a good temperament, the ASPCA recommends a fixed-circumference collar. These collars will not tighten when the leash is pulled. Fixed-circumference collars need room to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. Obviously, you should replace the collar frequently to fit this requirement as your dog grows.
- If your dog or puppy has a bad temperamnet or pulls while on a leash, a correction collar may be advantageous. These collars will tighten as you or your dog pulls on the leash. A correction collar should always be removed when not in use. This type of collar is not recommended for puppies or small dogs.
Never use a collar or leash to pull or yank a smaller dog unless there is imminent danger. Doing so may cause injury to the windpipe of your puppy or small dog!
Also, whenever your puppy is crated, you should take the collar off as it could get caught on the crate. Finally, get an ID tag for your dog or puppy as soon as possible.