Importance Of Dog Collars

Dog collars play a versatile role, adding to the look and assisting in training of the pet. They have become a part of a dog's overall appearance and are used more as a fashion accessory available in different shapes, colors and designs. However, dog collars have much more to provide than just a status and fashion symbol to a dog. They are very useful in monitoring the movement of your pet. Collars, such as a choke collar, can help you guide your untrained pet to obstacles which they need to master. They can also be used to enhance the attention span of your dog and make the pet more alert thus, responding well to your commands. A dog collar should be purchased considering your pet’s breed, size, weight and temperament. Read on further to know the importance of dog collars and also explore their different types.

The basic importance of dog collars is that they assist in the safety and security of the dog. Dog collars are used as the pet’s identification tag, displaying the dog’s license. The identification tag can have the dog’s name and owner’s name along with other details, such as phone number and/or address, embedded to keep the dog safe. Apart from this, using dog collars make it convenient for the owners to monitor their pet during walks. Dog collars that have a leash attached help in preventing the dog from pouncing upon other people or things in public places, thus helping monitor the behavior and activity of your canine companion. Lastly, dog collars are highly beneficial in assisting the training sessions for the dogs.

 

Buckle collars or the flat collars are the most common dog collars available in the market. They are made out of nylon webbing or leather and come with a buckle similar to a belt buckle or a quick-release buckle. These collars loosely hang around the dog’s neck and serve the purpose of an identification collar in which the name of the dog and the owner details are attached.

 

Flea collars are collars infused with certain chemicals that rebuff the fleas. These collars can be used as a supplementary collar worn along with the normal buckle collar. The flea collar emits toxic gases or gets absorbed in the pet’s fat layer, thus helping in keeping away the fleas and insects from troubling the dog.

 

Elizabethan collars, also known as E-collars or cone collars, have got their name from the ruffs which the royal women used to wear around their neck during the Elizabethan times. These collars are shaped like a truncated cone and are usually used for medical purposes. They prevent the dog from scratching any wound or injury around the neck and also prevent the dog from licking any infectious area, especially around the face and neck. These collars are also referred to as the cones of shame.

 

Break-away collar, as the name suggests, can be easily broken away by the dog when excessive pressure is applied on the safety release tab. This buckle is especially designed to save the dog from getting strangled. Some dogs are playful and restless in nature and can get stuck in their kennel, shrubs, fences, etc. In such a situation, when they jerk to release themselves, the safety release knob will release them thus, saving them from getting injured. The advantage of this collar is that the buckle releases automatically if the collar gets entangled, and can be reused by snapping it back together.

 

These collars come with metal studs and their main function is to protect your pet from the bites of other animals. The metal studs on the collar prevent other dogs from biting on the neck of your pet thus, saving you and your dog from the trouble of combating other animals. However, these collars are nowadays used as fashion accessories for dogs, especially for large breeds that look more ferocious and dangerous after putting on the metal stud collar.

 

Also known as choke chains or slip chains, these collars are a length of chain or nylon rope with rings at either end that can be converted into a collar. When the leash is attached to the dead end of the collar, it does not constrict on the dog’s neck. However, when the leash is attached to the live ring, the chain slips tighter when pulled and slips back loose when the tension is released. This collar can be used to coerce the dog into a heel position and to constrict him/her from pouncing over other animals or passersby.

 

A harness collar fits along a dog’s back, stomach and sides just like a harness. It is a collar designed to guard and guides the entire movement of the dog and hence, can be used on walks. This collar guides the dog’s direction and pace while walking. This is a suitable option for dogs that are new to collars or those who afford to easily lose out of a traditional collar.