What Type of Dog Collar Is Best? (Solved & Explained!)

The best type of collar for your dog is one that suits their frame and fits correctly. Depending on your dog it may be better to get a harness rather than a collar.

In this article we will be covering the topic of the best collars for dogs, telling you how to pick the right size, the right width and whether or not they may be better suited to wearing a harness rather than a collar.

What type of collar is best for dogs?

When it comes to choosing the best type of collar for your dog you should take into account their measurements. Even if you buy the most expensive and softest collar it will be a bad option if it is too small for your dog.

So, begin by measuring your dog’s neck to ensure that you are looking at buying the correct size collar.

Beyond that you should aim for a collar that is soft enough around your dog’s neck but that stand the test of time. The important thing is that it stays on your dog, as the ID tag attached to it is of the utmost importance.

If you take your dog out for a walk often then choose a collar with sturdy hardware as you do not want it breaking when it rubs with the leash.

What is the safest type of dog collar?

The safest types of collars are ones that are comfortable for your dog to wear and that also loosen when you are walking. The ideal collar will tighten ever so slightly if your dog pulls and then loosen again when the leash is relaxed.

You should always make sure that the collar properly fits your dog as otherwise it can lead to chafing and other issues.

How do I choose a dog collar?

You should choose a dog collar according to your dog’s measurements.

As a general rule of thumb, you will need to measure around your dog’s neck and then add in enough room that you can place two fingers inside of the collar.

You should also take into account how long their neck is as a thick collar is not particularly suitable for smaller dogs.

You should choose a collar that is made from a soft yet durable fabric so that it does not bother your dog when they are wearing it. Beyond this you can choose any color and pattern that you like.

Is it better to use a collar or a harness with my dog?

Whether it is better to use a collar or a harness will depend entirely on your dog. For example, if you have a dog that likes to run away from you then consider a harness as it will grip their body and make it harder to do so.

If you have a dog that has problems with aggression then a harness is also a much better idea than a collar as you will be able to keep better control over them and pull them back if needed.

Do chain collars hurt dogs?

Yes, chain collars are not the best option for your dog as they can cause injuries. Instead, you should opt for a fabric that will not dig into your dog’s neck and that sits flat against their skin.

This is especially true if your dog tends to pull a lot as this will mean that the chain digs into their skin and this can potentially lead to muscle issues, tracheal damage and other health issues.

Are collars bad for dogs?

In general collars are not bad for dogs as they are lightweight, comfortable and have an identifying tag on them in case your dog gets lost. In most cases collars are a good thing to have.

However, if you have chosen the wrong type of collar (such as a chain collar) or one that does not properly fit your dog then it will be bad for your dog’s health.

If your dog pulls on the lead then collars can be especially bad as they can lead to all kinds of damage. You should then opt for a harness instead as otherwise they may end up with damage to their front legs and neck.

How thick should a dog collar be?

When choosing how thick your dog’s collar should be you will need to take into account their size. Not only will a thicker collar not fit comfortably around a smaller dog’s neck but it will also be too heavy.

For example, a larger breed of dog can comfortably wear a collar that is one inch thick, but this will not be suitable for a smaller dog.

When choosing the thickness of your dog’s collar always take into account the material as this will greatly affect the weight.

Should you remove collars in the home?

Although you may be tempted to remove your dog’s collar when you are at home it is important that you do not. The reason for this is that your dog’s collar is their main identifier.

Yes, your dog may be chipped, but a person will check the collar for details first.

Accidents can always happen and if your dog happens to get out they will still have their collar on to identify their owner.

Do dogs need a collar at all?

It is a legal requirement to put a collar on your dog and it should state your details so that your dog can be identified and returned to you if they run away.

Are slip collars cruel to dogs?

In some cases, yes, a slip collar can be cruel, especially if your dog pulls at the lead a lot. This will then tighten the hold around their neck and can lead to serious illnesses and wounds.

You should always opt for a standard collar and leash to avoid injuries.

Are prong collars cruel to dogs?

Yes, prong collars are never a good idea, even if they are correctly fitted. They can cause many different types of injuries including to the esophagus, trachea and thyroid.