Being a fur parent requires a lot of time and attention. Each dog has specific needs, and it’s part of your responsibility to ensure that they’re met. From checkups, healthy food, a clean environment, giving them walks, and playing with them, it can be challenging but worth it.
Even picking the perfect dog collar is important because you want the best for your pet. But sometimes, it can be difficult to decide on which to get. It’s even harder if you’re not sure where to find the right collars where you live.
Thankfully, countries in North America usually have access to a wide variety of pet supplies and accessories. The dog collars Canada offers are on the plentiful side, so there shouldn’t be a problem finding them online or in physical shops. But to make sure you’re picking the right one, here are some things that you might want to consider.
1. Know Your Dog’s Measurements
Since your dog will be the one that’ll wear the collar, it’s important to know their measurements. This way, the collar will fit correctly and comfortably. Sometimes, new fur parents purchase collars that are too big for their dogs because they’re afraid of choking them. On the other hand, it’s also important that you get the right size so that the collar doesn’t slide off.
To help you out, here’s a quick guide on how to pick the right collar size for your dog.
- First, prepare a tape measure;
- Have your dog sit with their head up;
- Then, measure around their neck with the tape measure;
- Ensure that it’s a snug fit;
- You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar; and
- Lastly, add 2 inches to the circumference to determine their flat collar size.
Extra tip: If you don’t have a tape measure, you could simply use a string and measure the length later with a ruler on a flat surface.
Remember that different dog breeds grow differently. If you have a large dog breed that grows exponentially all the time, you might have to check their measurements regularly just to make sure that the collar is the right fit. If you’re not sure about your pet’s breed information, you can keep an eye out for their growth. You could also check their measurements and do the two-inches trick to see if it’s too tight on them.
2. Have A Budget
The next thing you’ll need to keep in mind is to set aside a budget for it. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend on a dog collar is a great way to narrow down your options. However, it’s also important to be aware of cheaply made collars. These might be poor in quality and not last a long time. Some might even irritate your dog.
But this doesn’t mean that the price always reflects the quality of the product. Other expensive ones might be poorly made. Therefore, you might want to judge the quality of the dog collar from the price point. If you have a limited budget, you’ll be glad to know that many well-made collars come at a fair price.
3. Get To Know The Different Kinds
Dog collars might look the same for the most part, but there is a variety of collar types with varying features and purposes. If you’re not yet familiar with them, here’s a brief list to introduce them to. But it would also be helpful to do in-depth research on each one to aid you in your search for the perfect collar.
# Flat Collar
These are some of the most popular types of collars. They’re easy to use because you can snap the belt buckle to easily secure and remove them as you please. These can be made from various materials like nylon or leather. It also usually comes with limited adjustability to tighten or loosen it, which is handy for growing dogs. The design might also come with a D-ring to attach a tag for your dog’s information.
# Martingale Collar
If your dog has a narrow head, this type of collar might be a better choice. The design keeps dogs from slipping the collar over their head. Some dogs need time to adjust and get used to wearing a collar. And for this to happen, they should wear one that they can’t easily remove.
# Flea Or Tick Collar
For dogs with fleas or ticks or if you’re afraid that your dog might catch these pests, you might want to consider special flea or tick collars. These are more like extra ones that they could wear in addition to their main collar. Chemicals that help repel these insects are infused in the collar, so sometimes they could have a strong smell.
# Head Halter
This type of collar looks unique because it looks more like a nuzzle. It’s securely wrapped around the snout and under the chin to allow the owner better control. Aggressive and dominant dogs usually use these kinds for training. Using a head halter requires some research and getting used to because tugging too hard or quickly might hurt your four-legged companion.
These are only some of the basic dog collars you could find on the market. But there are many other kinds such as shock, prong, choke, electric, GPS (Global Positioning System) collars, and more. If you’re looking for something more high-tech or training-specific, you might want to look into all these different types.
4. Look For All Kinds Of Styles
Comfort and functionality are important aspects, but looks are also a significant consideration. Different colors, materials, and designs can give your dog a different look. Some even have accessories that could help your fur parents look fashionable and downright adorable. You could even have one customized so that you can be sure that your dog’s collar is one of a kind.
5. Be Aware Of Your Dog’s Needs
Dogs have different needs, and you might want to try out all kinds of collars to see how well your pet likes them. If your dog has medical concerns, such as skin conditions and allergies, you might want to consult a veterinarian to see which collar might be best for them. Sometimes, it’s possible that avoiding collars all together might be the better choice for a dog with skin allergies.
Conclusion
When it comes to dog collars, there are different important matters to consider. Look for something comfortable and safe for them. This way, you won’t have to worry about choking or itching. But you’ll also want to be practical by looking for something well-made and fairly priced.
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