What collar should i get for a puppy

Our size guide works on the available holes on the collars so we would encourage you to aim for a collar size that uses one of the middle holes. The breeds suggested against each size are based on averages. Please measure your dog for accurate sizing — every dog is different! For more information, check out our blog to help you choose the perfect size.

What size collar for my Puppy? Head collars are not appropriate for dogs with neck injuries or abnormalities, and they can also cause discomfort in dogs with dental disease or tooth pain. These are aversive type collars that depend on the pressure and pain they inflict on the dog when the dog pulls on their leash.

While most of these look quite intimidating with their shiny metal prongs, there are "prong lite" collars that don't look as scary but work using the same aversive methods, such as the Starmark collar. Like prong collars, choke chains rely on the pressure and discomfort they inflict on the dog when the dog pulls on their leash to make them stop pulling.

Choke collars are especially dangerous in that there is no stopping point for the tightening noose around your dog's neck. I, and many other pet health, training, and safety organizations, strongly advise against using prong collars and choke chains. See this position statement on the use of these aversive tools from The Pet Professional Guild.

You can read more about why aversive training tools should be avoided in dog training here. If your dog's collar is only going to be used for ID tags and fashion statements, you'll want to check out our article "Dog Harnesses: Helpful Tools for Loose Leash Walking" to choose the best harness type for your dog.

There are lots of different styles of harnesses, from front-attachment to back-attachment and step-in versus over-the-head types. You'll find tips on which is right for your needs and how to properly fit a harness for your dog's body type. You should be able to fit two fingers snugly between your dog's neck and collar.

If you're able to twist two fingers around freely between the collar and their neck, the collar is too loose. Before purchasing a collar, it's helpful to first measure your dog's neck so you're starting with the correct size and then adjust as needed.

Flat collars should sit at the base of your dog's neck. Head collars sit higher up on your dog's neck, with the collar portion sitting just behind your dog's ears. Depending on the collar you're using, follow the manufacturer's instructions for where the collar should be on your dog's neck. Martingale or limited-slip collars should be sized similarly to regular collars, first tightening the collar so two fingers can fit snugly between the collar and your dog's neck.

When the smaller loop is tightened from leash pressure, there should still be one to two inches between the two D-rings of the limited-slip portion that's touching your dog's neck.

Because these are used for dogs who may slip their collar, it does need to tighten enough that they cannot pull their head back through it. For a puppy, wearing a collar or harness for the first time probably feels like when we wear an itchy sweater. It can take some time for them to become comfortable wearing something around their neck and body. Some puppies adjust to wearing a collar quickly, while others react much more dramatically.

By taking some time to positively introduce the collar, you can avoid any unneeded stress and teach your puppy that wearing their collar is no big deal! It also helps prevent the problem of a puppy running away and avoiding having their collar put on. Desensitizing a puppy to having a collar put on and wearing it is very similar to the process seen in the video above for head collars. Over time, your puppy will be so used to wearing their collar that they act like it's not even there.

This popular type of collar comprises a larger loop and a smaller loop. When the dog pulls, the larger loop tightens enough to prevent the dog from slipping out of the collar but not so much that it would choke the dog. Many trainers recommend this collar as a safer alternative to a standard collar or a choke-chain collar. This martingale collar is a slip collar without the buckle, which is designed for sighthounds but can be used on other breeds as well.

The collar comes in three sizes and more than 20 colors. Straight leashes are available in a variety of fabrics including nylon and leather , widths, and lengths, and most feature a loop at the end for easy gripping.

Some also feature reflective fabric for evening walks. Selecting which variety is right for you is mostly based on preference and budget, but it may be necessary to consider the size of your dog and the weight of the leash. Nylon Dog Leash 6 Feet Long. This 6-foot-long leash is perfect for training. Hurtta Rope Leash. Hi Kiss Dog Training Lead. This foot training leash is ideal for hiking, camping, training, hunting, backyard, beach, recall training, outdoor play with tennis balls, and swimming.

For many dogs, collars are perfectly fine and safe. What is the best material for dog collars? The flexible material is comfortable for all fur types too, and it won't collect fur like nylon and other fabric will. Biothane materials are being used more commonly, but variety and availability might still be limited. Buckle style often comes down to personal preference, but there are some considerations to make.

Plastic buckles are easier to put on and take off, but these can get brittle in cold temperatures and also lose integrity with weather exposure sun and other elements , so plastic buckles may not be the best choice for outdoor pets. Metal buckles are stronger and generally more secure. These durable buckles may be better for dogs who are prone to chewing their collars or their housemates' collars or larger, stronger dogs who pull more.

Certain buckle designs, such as those in Rogz dog collars offer buckle locks to prevent colours from coming undone accidentally. Every once in a while, collars will bleed the colours of the dyes into your dog's fur. This is most common with nylon and faux leather collars. This is particularly a problem with dogs who have sensitive skin or allergies. If this happens, consider a biothane or real leather collar. Over time the colours of any collar will begin to fade, especially if they are washed routinely.

Hand wash and avoid heavy detergents to prevent fading. For anyone with a growing dog, a dog losing weight, or dogs with thick undercoats that slim down during shedding season, having a collar with a range of adjustability can save you a ton of money.

Nylon, neoprene and collars with plastic snap buckles will offer the largest range of sizes, sometimes as much as 6 or more inches. Leather and biothane are more likely to have a limited range of adjustability because they usually use a classic metal buckle.

The adjustability will be limited by the number of notches in the collar. If you are looking for a collar that helps your dog show their style, then collars with studs, jewels, glitter, or even spikes might catch your eye.

While these are pretty or fun, they can affect the durability and safety of the collar. Studs are often a sturdier decoration for collars as they are attached to the collar with rivets, but some cheaply made options are simply sewn or glued onto the collar. These poor-quality embellishments can easily fall off and could be ingested by a curious pooch.

Spikes are a fun accessory to help your dog look tough, but the risk of harming themselves is high. The risk is especially high if you have multiple pets, or if your dog loves a good romp at the dog park. Keep this in mind when choosing a decorative collar. Photo Credit: K9ofmine. With the prevalence of Pinterest and pet blogs, DIY projects for pets have gained a surge in popularity, but there are a number of precautions that you should bear in mind when deciding to make or buy a homemade collar.

Safety should always be your first concern when making a homemade project for your dog. One of the worrying things about these types of collars is that they can contain inferior materials, including old leather belts which are more porous than new leather used in commercial collars and prone to stretching , yarn, ribbons, nylon cord, T-shirt material, and more.

While these collars may be cute, they may not offer the same strength and safety that a professionally made store-bought collar. The same goes for store-bought collars that are very cheaply made. Quality is always important. It's also popular to add beads, feathers, sequins, bows, charms, treat holders, or other fashionable, decorative elements to dog collars, but these can be dangerous for dogs to ingest and should be avoided unless you are closely attending your dog.

Though you may choose to make a pretty collar for the holidays or a photo session, NEVER leave your dog unattended with a DIY collar or collar accessories. Homemade pet collars have not gone under any safety testing, contrary to most well-made collars. While DIY collars can be fun, only use these when the dog is under your supervision for their safety. It's not a good idea to attach leashes or ID tags to these types of collars, either.

There are a number of dog collar accessories, like the Ruffwear The Beacon pictured above , that are made to complement your pet's collar for various reasons, including decoration, safety, storage, and more. Identification and city tags, charms, lights, and reflectors are very popular collar accessories, but avoid putting too many accessories on your dog's collar. Accessories like treat compartments and poop bag holders are often available as leash accessories, and there are even dog backpacks for storage that you can get for your dog for hiking trips.

Avoid attaching anything unnecessary to your dog's collar as it can irritate or add stress to your dog's neck, or pose other risks such as ingestion. If you do attach something decorative or functional, only use it when you are with your dog and remove it when your dog is unattended. Which is better a collar or a harness? To answer that you need to consider what you are using the gear for. Dog harnesses are an effective tool for walking, transporting, and handling your pet.

With reduced stress on your dog's neck and increased control, harnesses provide better functionality than collars in many situations. They can be helpful for training and essential for dogs with slim necks, such as whippets or greyhounds, and brachycephalic or short-nosed dogs, such as pugs and bulldogs. You don't have to choose between a collar and a harness. Harnesses can be on hand for more controlled walks, easy trips to the vet, training, and more.

Like collars, dog harnesses come in many different materials and types, such as basic harnesses, car harnesses , and no-pull harnesses , and not every harness will fit every breed or body type. Choosing the right harness depends on your purpose for using it, how your dog walks, and the size and type of dog you are fitting the harness for.

Buying a puppy collar is a little different than buying a collar for an adult dog. Puppies experience quick and sporadic growth so you need to choose a collar that will grow with them. Because of your puppy's rapid and unpredictable growth pattern, you should be sizing its neck at least every two weeks. You should be able to slip two fingers underneath your dog's collar at any time.

Adjust your puppy's collar as needed or purchase a new one. Too small of a collar can choke your dog, cause skin irritation, or even obstruct breathing. If your dog seems like he is gasping for air or is having breathing issues, check to make sure his collar is not too tight.

While the options for dog leashes can be as extensive as choosing your dog's collar, you should consider how your dog's collar choice might affect the type of leash that is appropriate for your dog. Conveniently, many leashes are designed to match perfectly with your dog's collar. Most standard leashes are 6 ft long, but other styles of leashes like recall, retractable, and adjustable leashes are just a few of the many leash styles available.

Choose the leash that best suits your and your dog's walking needs first, and look for fashion and style second. Ultimately, choosing the best dog collar for your pet comes down to five questions:. A basic everyday collar is a staple, but training collars, light-up collars, or other styles are still good to have on hand too. Now you should be fully equipped to begin shopping for your dog's perfect collar with confidence, knowing that you have educated yourself, explored all the options out there, and weighed the pros and cons of each.

You've been warned about common dog collar buying and using mistakes, putting your dog's safety and well-being first. What type of collar works best for your dog? Let us know in the comments below. Shop Blog Resources.