Dog Collars: Knowing the Difference, and Choosing the Right One

Searching for dog collars for your favorite pet can seem like an endless task because there are such an overwhelming variety of collars available. Although you may think it is as simple as heading to a pet store and picking out a dog collar, you really need to consider all of the different types, as well as the reasons that you need one, before you make a purchase.

Harness Collars
These collars are excellent for small, short nosed or short necked dogs, because a harness collar is meant to keep these dogs from feeling choked. Harness dog collars will go around the belly, instead of around the neck, so that the leash can be clasped around the top of their back. This will prevent them from having breathing trouble, which often occurs when using a leash with a choking neck collar.

Choker Collars
Choker chains are great for energetic or large breed dogs that have a strong lead and like to pull when they walk. The collar resembles a chain and can be found in many different widths and lengths, depending on the size of your dog. A choker is meant to put slight pressure on the dog’s neck to keep them from wanting to pull while on a leash walk. This type of collar is a great training device for basic commands, but should only be used when walking or training.

Another step up from the choker is a pinch collar that sends little prongs into the neck of the dog to keep them from pulling. Although it may look harmful or painful to the dog, it is actually considered safer by some training experts because they are not choking themselves, as with the choker chain.

Light and Reflector Collars
If you are in the habit of taking your dog for a walk at night, either on or off leash, or if you have a large back yard and can’t find your dog at night to bring him back in, you may want to invest in a lit or reflector collar. A lighted collar can be turned on and off, so that you can turn it on before a dog is let off the leash or is let out in the yard to play at night. The collar will let off a steady or blinking red or yellow light that lets you know where the dog is at in the yard.

Keep in mind that because of the light, this type of collar will almost always cost more than a traditional collar because it will come with a battery. As well, the battery will need to be replaced on a regular basis, depending on how often you use it. If you don’t want to bother with replacing the battery, you may opt for an easier reflective collar, although these will only give off light when a light is shined on them.

Designer Dog Collars
A variety of novelty dog collars are available for your pet in an endless variety. At specialty dog stores or ordered online, you can choose from sports team collars, luxury collars that have stones embedded in the material, and even handcrafted leather collars that come in a variety of different leather stained colors. Depending on the types of collars you find, you may also be able to purchase a matching leash, so that the leash and collar coordinate. Remember that because you are purchasing a specialty or novelty dog collar, you may be paying quite a bit more than you would for a basic one.

Electric Fence Collars
Electric fences are becoming a popular and less expensive way to keep your dog contained within your yard. Although electric fences are cheaper than the traditional wooden or wrought iron fence, they will still cost between a few hundred to a thousand dollars depending on the size of the yard. If your dog spends a substantial amount of time outside, this is a sound investment though. The electric dog collars that accompany the fence will remain around a dog’s neck whenever it is outside and will send off a slight shock if the dog goes outside the yard boundaries that are set in place.

When author Richard Livitski isn't busy trying to collar his own dogs, he's busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.