When you bring your first dog home to start your life together, it’s so easy to assume that a collar is, well, just a collar. It’s just something to put on and forget about, right?
Wrong! After years of trial and error with tangles, lost tags, rashes and questionable smells, here are some of the most important things I have learned about what a dog collar really needs to be!
Don’t Just Buy The Cheapest Option
It’s so tempting to buy an inexpensive $5 nylon collar, or just pick something that matches your carpet at home or that feels the most practical, but the truth is that cheap materials can cause so much unnecessary irritation for your precious pup.
Things like weak stitching and flimsy buckles are literal safety hazards, and the last thing you want is for your enthusiastic canine companion to break out of their collar on a busy street or at a crowded park. Opting for something well-made and sturdy is essential.
Leather Isn’t Just for Looks
A big mistake I made was assuming that leather collars were just a style statement, but the truth is that they are so much more functional than you’d think. They are durable, hypoallergenic when you choose something like vegetable-tanned leather, and stay comfortable across all seasons when cared for properly.
Compared to poorly made synthetic products, a good leather collar will last years and will absolutely keep your pup in the safest and healthiest condition possible.
Fit Matters More Than You Think
Another element to keep in mind is how well a collar is fitting. If it’s too loose, it’s going to slip over your dog’s head during active play, and if it’s too tight then your pet is going to be uncomfortable without being able to tell you directly.
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The general rule of thumb that I learned to follow is the simple ‘two finger rule’. You should be able to fit two fingers snuggly between your pup’s collar and their neck. Any more, it’s too loose, and any less could lead to struggles with breathing. Top tip, do this finger test when your dog is relaxed, because when excited their muscles can shift.
Don’t Forget The Importance of the Hardware
Solid metal hardware is just as important as the material the collar is made from. Rings and buckles made from stainless steel and brass won’t run the risk of rusting from rain, and they are much less likely to bend under normal daily pressures.
Avoid plastic at all costs, it’s too lightweight and too weak, not something you want to rely on when a squirrel dashes by!
Collars Are Not Forever
Don’t make the mistake of assuming that the collar you buy is the one your pup will have forever. Even the best products are going to break down over time, with leather drying, stitches loosening and metal oxidising. The best thing to do is give it a quick inspection every week, checking for cracks and any signs of hardware stress.
Even the smallest amounts of upkeep can help to prevent bigger problems occurring over time. Don’t worry though, spending extra on a great quality collar is always going to save you money in the long run, compared to having to replace cheap products every few weeks. When you take care of a high-quality leather collar, it can last for years and withstand all of the daily stresses that your dog’s routine puts it through.
Ultimately, it’s always going to be a case of trial and error and finding the best item for your pup’s particular needs, but following these tips and avoiding the mistakes that I made will put you in the best position to make the right choices at the first attempt!