The Most Common Collars

Standard Collars

Fit: To fit your dog for a standard collar, measure around their neck where the collar will sit. Ensure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck for a comfortable fit. Adjust the collar to this size, making sure it's snug but not too tight. Regularly check the fit as your dog grows or if they gain or lose weight. Most standard collars are adjustable which makes them easy to adjust as your pup grows.

Materials: Nylon, leather, etc.

Use: Standard neighborhood walking + everyday wear

Notes: Leather collars will cause less damage to fur than the nylon collars will, and will definitely hold up a lot longer.

Waterproof Collars

Fit: To fit your dog for a standard collar, measure around their neck where the collar will sit. Ensure you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck for a comfortable fit. Adjust the collar to this size, making sure it's snug but not too tight. Regularly check the fit as your dog grows or if they gain or lose weight. Most standard collars are adjustable which makes them easy to adjust as your pup grows.

Materials: pvc

Use: Everyday wear + adventure time

Notes: These collars are good for the playful adventure dogs who love puddles and going swimming often. they don’t absorb moisture so there’s no chance of them getting smelly or musty. definitely the easiest collar to clean.

Martingale collars

Fit: Martingale collars are particularly safe for dogs with larger heads compared to their necks, such as greyhounds, because they prevent the collar from slipping off over their heads while still providing a comfortable fit around the neck. These collars tighten slightly when the dog pulls, preventing escape without causing choking or discomfort. To properly fit a martingale collar, measure your dog's neck circumference at its widest point and ensure that the collar can slip over their head comfortably when fully loosened but snug enough when tightened to prevent slipping off. Adjust the collar to allow for two fingers to fit snugly between the collar and your dog's neck when it's fully tightened. This ensures a secure fit without being too tight or restrictive.

Materials: Generally nylon, polyester or leather

Use: Everyday walking

Notes: These collars are fantastic for safe handling without choking your pup

Lighted Collars

Lighted up dog collars can significantly enhance your dog's safety during nighttime outings by improving their visibility to others. Whether you're walking in poorly lit areas or letting your dog roam in the backyard after dark, these collars make it easier for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to spot your best friend. This added visibility reduces the risk of accidents and ensures that your dog stays safe and secure, even in low-light conditions.

Fit: gGnerally these collars can be cut to size

Materials: Plastic, rubber, thermoplastic rubber

Use: Walks or adventures when visibility or light is low

Notes: These collars are generally battery powered (generally hearing aid batteries) or can be charged with a micro USB

Head Collars

Fit: Head collars, such as the Gentle Leader, are excellent tools for dog walks and training for several reasons. firstly, they provide gentle control by redirecting the dog's attention back to their person, making it easier to manage pulling and lunging behaviors. secondly, head collars offer a humane way to discourage unwanted behaviors without causing discomfort or pain to the dog. additionally, they give their people greater control over their dog's movements, allowing for safer and more enjoyable walks for both the dog and their person.

Materials: Nylon, rubber, etc.

Use: Everyday walking + training

Notes: Overall, head collars can be effective tools for teaching leash manners and promoting positive walking experiences - just make sure you take your time in introducing your dog to it so they don’t spend the entire walk trying to take it off.

Prong Collars

Fit: Using a prong collar for your dog can pose risks, as it relies on discomfort and pain to deter unwanted behaviors, potentially causing physical and psychological harm to the dog. Improper use or excessive force with a prong collar can lead to injuries such as neck bruising, skin irritation, and even tracheal damage, while also increasing fear and anxiety in the dog. Opting for positive reinforcement training methods and humane training tools can provide safer and more effective alternatives for fostering desired behaviors in dogs.

Materials: Metal

Use: Not recommended

Notes: If your dog is pulling enough to where you think you might need one of these, please consider a slip lead, martingale collar or ramping up training before using a prong collar. they can be very harmful to your dog. It would be a good idea to speak to your veterinarian / trainer for their advice.