Every dog needs a collar, primarily so that they have a place to hang their leash, license, identification tag, and rabies tag.
Since there are so many different collar designs available, it’s simple to find one that matches your dog’s (or your own) personality. However, collars serve purposes beyond identification and decoration, and not all collars are suitable for all dogs.
Discover which style of collar is ideal for your cherished dog by reading on.
This is the standard collar for dogs. It comes in a variety of hues and patterns, with a buckle or plastic snap (“quick-release”) closure, a ring for attaching identification tags, and a leash attachment point. A flat collar should snugly fit your dog’s neck; it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose so that your dog can escape from it. According to the general rule, you should be able to fit two fingers under the collar.
The martingale collar is also known as a limited-slip collar. For dogs with narrow heads, such as Greyhounds, Salukis, Whippets, and other sighthounds, this collar is made. Additionally, it is helpful for any breed of dog that is skilled at slipping out of their collar as well as for fearful dogs that might try to hide while out for a walk. For anxious and fearful dogs, a martingale collar is a requirement.
A length of material with a metal ring at each end makes up the martingale. A separate loop of material passes through the two rings. The leash attaches to a ring on this loop. The collar tightens around your dog’s neck when they attempt to back out of the martingale. If the collar is set properly, it will fit your dog’s neck perfectly and not suffocate them. For dogs who might unclip their collars, this is the most compassionate collar option.
The head collar functions similarly to a horse halter in theory. Your dog’s collar has one strap that wraps around its neck and rests high atop its head, just behind the ears. The other strap forms a loop around your dogs muzzle. The ring at the base of the muzzle loop is where the leash is attached.
The head collar is ideal for powerful, active dogs that may jump or pull. Your dog loses a lot of leverage because the halter is around their muzzle rather than their neck, making it impossible for them to pull as hard as they can on the leash.
To be effective, the head collar must be properly fitted. The head halter, like all training tools, should not be used to pull or jerk your dog; instead, it should be used to gently guide them in the direction you want them to go. Some manufacturers include instructions and a DVD with the collar. Otherwise, seek assistance with fitting from your dog trainer or a knowledgeable salesperson. The risk of harm to your dog should be minimized by proper fit and use.
The process of acclimating your dog to wearing a head collar may take some time, patience, and lots of treats. Give your dog lots of high-value treats while wearing it for brief periods of time until they feel at ease. Afterward, they ought to only use it when you are walking them on a leash. The muzzle loop will eventually be able to be removed by your dog, who will then use the head collar as a chew toy. Top 10 tips
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The use of aversive collars, or those that use physical discomfort or even pain to teach a dog what not to do, is not considered to be a humane practice. While they might stop the undesirable behavior, they don’t teach the dog what is appropriate, and they might even make him fearful or anxious, which might make him aggressive. Rewards-based positive reinforcement training techniques are more efficient and improve the bond between you and your dog.
This collar, which is made of metal links as the name suggests and is intended to tighten around your dog’s neck in order to control him, is a frequently uncomfortable and cruel training device. Since the choke chain’s tightening can’t be controlled, your dog could choke or be strangled, unlike with a martingale collar. Other issues it may cause include trachea and esophageal injuries, damage to eye blood vessels, neck sprains, nerve damage, fainting, temporary paralysis, and even death. Because there are so many effective, humane collars available, choke chains are unnecessary and should not be used because they are so simple to abuse.
The prong or pinch collar and the martingale have comparable designs. However, the chain-reinforced control loop to which the leash is attached is made. The fang-shaped metal links or prongs that make up the loop around your dog’s neck have blunted tips. The prongs prick the dog’s neck’s loose skin when the control loop is pulled. These collars, which are similar to choke chains in that they are easily abused, should not be used.
Shock collars send your dog an electric signal by using electric current flowing through metal contact points on the collar. This electric signal can cause anything from a painful shock to a slight tickling sensation. Although shock collars can be purchased as training tools, more and more businesses are removing them from the market. They are also used with pet containment (electronic fencing) systems. Shock collars are frequently misused and can make your dog fearful, anxious, and aggressive toward other people or animals. They may stop undesirable behavior, but they don’t teach a dog what you want them to do in its place, so they shouldn’t be used.
Shock collars are used in electronic fencing to shock dogs when they approach the boundaries of the “fenced” area. Usually, a tone is used to warn the dog before the shock to let them know what’s coming. Dogs that escape through the electronic fence will be shocked, but they will also be shocked upon returning, making them unlikely to come home.
Although there are many different kinds of collars available to reduce excessive or unwanted barking, none of them deal with the underlying issue. There are several reasons why dogs bark, including fear or territorial behavior Despite the fact that some bark collars can lessen barking, they cannot lessen the stress that causes the dog to bark.
These collars are chemically impregnated and aid in flea and tick prevention for your dog. They are worn in addition to a regular collar. Check the flea/tick collar’s duration of effectiveness and replace it as directed.
This kind of collar vibrates to attract your dog’s attention rather than shocking it with electricity. When training a dog that is deaf and unable to hear your voice or a clicker, vibrating collars can be helpful.
The Elizabethan collar, also known as an “E-collar,” is a broad, cone-shaped piece of plastic that you can use to stop your dog from licking or scratching wounds while they heal from a procedure or otherwise. The Elizabethan collar typically has tabs or loops that can be attached to your dog’s regular collar. Some models have hook and loop closures to secure them. These collars are available in a range of sizes to ensure that your dog will fit properly. With the collar on, your dog should be able to eat and drink, but he or she shouldn’t be able to access the healing area. There are other options, such as soft, round collars, if your dog won’t tolerate an Elizabethan collar because they don’t restrict their movement or vision.
If your pet becomes lost, this collar uses GPS technology to help you find them. Although these are a fantastic option for finding a lost pet, they frequently depend on satellite availability and battery life, making them less useful in remote areas.
Prong collar
As you can see from the photos, I still use prong collars on small dogs; however, what you may not be able to see is the size of Beau’s prong collar. Beau is wearing the Herm Sprenger 2.25”, also called a size small. This is the most common size for dogs under 50 pounds. Links need to be added or removed depending on the size of the dog’s neck. We definitely had to remove links for Beau but it still fits just fine. If I work with a dog who is too small for the 2.25, I’ll move to the micro prong. The micro is not made by Herm Sprenger, my preferred manufacturer of high quality prong collars, but it’s fairly easy to get from Leerburg and it’s well made.
If you’re wondering why I’d still use a prong collar on a small dog like Beau, I’d like to point out that one of the biggest myths about the prong collar is that it’s a harsh tool that is only appropriate for severe behavior cases. That’s not the case at all! When the prong collar is used properly, you’re controlling the amount of pressure the dog is feeling and you use only as much as you need to communicate with your dog at that moment. For the littles, that’s not much pressure at all! Thankfully, the prong collar has a broad enough range to accommodate any size dog. Same tool, same technique, just way less pressure.
The head collar is ideal for powerful, active dogs that may jump or pull. Your dog loses a lot of leverage because the halter is around their muzzle rather than their neck, making it impossible for them to pull as hard as they can on the leash.
Register to receive our free e-book, which contains vital details on taking care of your pet, including training methods and solutions to frequently asked questions.
The use of aversive collars, or those that use physical discomfort or even pain to teach a dog what not to do, is not considered to be a humane practice. While they might stop the undesirable behavior, they don’t teach the dog what is appropriate, and they might even make him fearful or anxious, which might make him aggressive. Rewards-based positive reinforcement training techniques are more efficient and improve the bond between you and your dog.
The process of acclimating your dog to wearing a head collar may take some time, patience, and lots of treats. Give your dog lots of high-value treats while wearing it for brief periods of time until they feel at ease. Afterward, they ought to only use it when you are walking them on a leash. The muzzle loop will eventually be able to be removed by your dog, who will then use the head collar as a chew toy. Top 10 tips
This kind of collar vibrates to attract your dog’s attention rather than shocking it with electricity. When training a dog that is deaf and unable to hear your voice or a clicker, vibrating collars can be helpful.
E-collar
Beau is also still wearing an e-collar, just like any other board & train trainee. The only difference here is I’m using a Micro Educator instead of the mini educator (both from the E-Collar Technologies brand—my favorite!). According to the E-Collar Technologies website, the Micro receiver is “approximately 20% smaller, 20% lighter and 20% less stimulation” than the Mini. It’s appropriate for dogs 5 lbs and up, and it also has some features that allow for a better fit on a smaller dog.
Beau’s case, in the short time he’s been with his family, he’s become a HUGE fan of door dashing—you know, darting out the front door and into the street. You might be wondering why we’d need an e-collar on a little Havanese, but small dogs need clear communication just like any other dog. His family was aware that they needed to address this behavior for Beau’s safety following a few near-misses with moving vehicles. The training program will do a lot to combat this propensity and assist Beau in forming better habits around open doors. The process will include e-collar training, but even more so, it will enable Beau’s family to contact him in a way that is meaningful to him even when he is in the middle of a rush. Yes, little dogs can and should be trained with an e-collar, as it may very well save Beau’s life!
FAQ
Can small dogs use prong collars?
Fortunately, the prong collar has a wide enough range to accommodate any size dog, so that’s not much pressure at all for the littles.
What can I use instead of a prong collar?
Alternatives to Prong, Choke, and Shock Collars Type of Walking EquipmentDetailsFlat or rolled collarUsed to attach identifications, license, and rabies tags for ID purposes HumaneMartingale-type CollarIdeal for dogs with narrow heads that can escape collars Adjustable so that it cannot strangle a dog
Does Cesar Millan recommend prong collars?
In his most recent television programs, he substitutes dog harnesses for prong collars and increasingly incorporates treats and other forms of positive reinforcement into his training methods.
Do prong collars make dogs aggressive?
Prong collars may have negative side effects, including depression, feeling powerless, acting out in inappropriate ways, deteriorating social relationships, and more. If you subject your dog to pain and fear-inducing techniques for an extended period of time, you’ll notice a marked decline in your dog’s health, vitality, and quality of life.