Collars for dogs: what are and how to choose?

Collars are a necessary part of dog ammunition and are available in a wide range. A large selection of various models allows you to choose an accessory for all occasions pet, ranging from training and ending with participation in exhibitions and publication.

Collar for dogs performs several functions. First, it is designed to restrict the freedom of movement of the animal, and in combination with a leash is the main means of control over the dog. This is perhaps the most important functional purpose of collars and shleek, and ensures the safety of others, and the pet itself. Secondly, the collar often performs a decorative function and acts as an indispensable accessory with the participation of the dog at competitions and exhibitions.

In addition, the collar is used to correct the behavior of the animal during dog training and walks, to attach a personal badge with the address and phone number of the owner, as well as to control the animal at night (glowing models).

The classification of dog collars is made on several grounds, the fundamental of which is a functional purpose. According to this criterion, several types of ammunition are distinguished.

These models carry an extremely practical function and are distinguished by a simple design, material durability and comfortable girth. These collars are designed for constant wear and are different. durability and democratic price. Structurally, the products are a narrow leather or textile strap with a fastening under the carabiner of the leash and a belt buckle.

To participate in exhibitions, dogs acquire a special collar - a ringovka, which is a loop-like structure, which tightens around the animal's neck at the slightest tension of the leash. Such collars are often equipped with a “kadyk”, which prevents the dog from lowering its head during performance.

These collars are designed for the correction of the behavior of an adult pet, as well as for raising puppies. Training models are divided, in turn, into a number of varieties that differ from each other in their principle of operation and design.

They are a leather or metal strap with spikes pointing inward. The length of the spikes can be very different and is selected depending on the thickness of the animal's coat. For example, for Malamutes, Newfoundlands, St. Bernards, Moscow watchdogs and Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, it is necessary to choose models with a maximum length of spikes, which, because of too thick “collar”, will not cause physical harm to the dog, but only deliver quite noticeable discomfort when the leash is tensioned.

Powerful, but short-haired dogs, such as the Staffordshire Terrier, Bull Terrier, Great Dane and German Boxer will do. "Strogach" with short and round spikes, which also does not inflict physical injury to the pet, but quickly disciplines him.

They are made in the form of a freely sliding loop, which tightens around the pet's neck at every sudden movement, and on the principle of operation resembles a ringing. These models are used for non-aggressive, but too active dogs that do not want to go along with the owner and trying to ride forward. There are also semi-surpluses, which are a less radical version of strangulation. Such models are equipped with a limiter, due to which the loop is not fully tightened, but only to a certain level, and does not cause the animal severe discomfort.

This category of collars include jerk chains - strangulation made of metal links. Such models are much more effective than ringovk and textile strangulation, as they cause the animal much more painful sensations.

Also referred to as a halter, it is an excellent alternative to the noose and does not allow the animal to pull the leash. The design is a pair of loops, one of which is put on the dog's neck, and the second - on the mouth. Between the loops are connected by rigid straps located at the level of the pet's cheeks. Mount the leash is made to the bottom of the loop, which is located on the nose.

When a dog tries to pull the leash, its head will automatically turn back, not allowing it to accelerate. In addition, halti from the side looks like a muzzle, although it does not perform its functions at all.

Equipped with a remote control and built-in battery, which is enough to send a light electrical impulse to the animal when you disobey or fail to execute commands. This method of training causes a lot of controversy among dog breeders and has both supporters and opponents.

Some dog experts argue that the discharge that the dog feels is comparable to a mosquito bite, while others, on the contrary, are confident that the animal has a terrible fear of the next discharge, as a result of which it becomes depressed and fearful.

The collar also belongs to correctional models and helps to wean the dog from excessive "talkativeness". In comparison with the previous models, it acts on the animal more humanely, sending idle pet a jet of water or a vibration (sound) signal. However, many experts believe that The use of the device suppresses the natural reaction to external stimuli in the animal, which is expressed in the form of a barking, and therefore causes irreparable harm to the dog's psyche. As a result, the animal can get a nervous breakdown and even get sick physically.

Collars allow you to find out the exact location of a lost pet through satellite. Often, such models are equipped with a GSM-format GSM card, to which the owner of the missing dog can send an SMS and in a reply message get the coordinates of the pet's location. For collars that do not have SIM cards, a special application is installed in the owner’s phone or laptop, in which the exact location of the dog can be tracked via the Internet.

For owners of many breeds that are prone to regular shoots and vagrancy, such a collar will be a real find and will allow you to quickly and accurately find the fugitive.

Collars are based on LED strip, light bulbs or beacons. Many models are able to work in several modes, like a Christmas garland, and can stably burn, flicker or blink. This category of collars should be attributed reflective models or products with the application of a light-accumulating phosphoric coating, glowing in the dark.

They protect the pet from the appearance of fleas and ticks and are used, as a rule, only in addition to the main collar. However, for the sake of justice, it is worth noting that such products do not give a full guarantee of recovery from parasites and should be used in combination with other means.

Usually used for small dogs such as Yorkshire terriers, Pomeranian spitz, chihuahua and toy terriers. Products have a beautiful design and are often encrusted with precious and semiprecious stones.

The pheromone collar is designed specifically for dogs that are too restless and impressionable, which are difficult to tolerate separation from the owner, nervous at the visit to the vet and are anxious at loud noises and trips in the car.

Used mainly for pumping muscle mass and strength training pitbulls, Staffordshire terriers, sometimes Dobermans and other breeds that need to give relief. With the help of such models, the pet pumps the muscles of the neck and chest and at each walk receives the maximum physical load.

Allows the owner to quickly take control of the dog when walking without a leash. Such models are most often made of waterproof nylon and painted in different colors. When the handle is no longer required, it immediately retracts back into the collar and does not interfere with the pet running and playing.

Modern manufacturers of dog ammunition produce collars from different materials. Below are the advantages and disadvantages of each of them, as well as the scope of use of the product from a particular material.

• Leather collar is the most common version of equipment for dogs and is used for pets of all breeds and sizes. Wide models of genuine leather are great for large and heavy dogs as an option for every day. Leather products have an aesthetic appearance, can be painted in different colors and can serve for several years.

• Textile collar is an excellent option for a small pretty pet. Such models are often trimmed with sequins, decorated with bows and decorative buttons. Products are able to improve any dog ​​and give it a unique charm, but in this case it is not necessary to speak of high strength: textile collars are worn only for “appearance”.

• Canvas collar It is made of natural cotton threads and stitched with nylon heavy-duty fishing line.Models do not stretch, do not tear and do not fade, and are quite suitable for large breeds, which are entrusted with protective or protective duties.

• Nylon collar noticeably gains in quality and attractiveness from the canvas analogue and is available in a wide range of colors. Synthetic models are available in a wide variety of sizes and can be used for dogs of all breeds.

Dog collars are available in a wide variety of sizes, which allows you to choose an accessory for any dog. When choosing the right size, it is necessary to take into account the girth of his neck, the thickness of the woolen coat, the pet's temperament and the purpose for which the model is being purchased. Also remember that The collar should not be too snug against the skin and should always have a “gap”. In addition, depending on the purpose of the model, the measurement of the dog's neck is made at different parts of it. So, when choosing everyday models, measurements are taken near the base of the neck, and 5 cm is added to the results.

When choosing a strangulation, they add 6 cm to the girth of the neck, and when you buy a "strong man", measurements are made as high as possible and closer to the pet's ears, and the increase is 6-7 cm. should be too tight.

When choosing a collar for your pet, you need to consider a number of important factors.

• The product must be made of quality materials and not injure the neck of the animal. For a small puppy or a small dog, instead of a collar, it is better to choose a harness that does not put pressure on the neck and cause inconvenience to the animal.
• As a casual model, it is advisable to purchase high-quality leather products with a few stitches. Such collars serve not a single year and do not lose their original appearance for a long time.
• Do not buy collars with ornaments in the form of spikes, large rivets and other protruding elements. Despite its attractiveness, such models can injure the owner or other dogs with whom the pet plays on a walk.
• It is also necessary to assess the quality of fittings and check the operability of locks, fasteners, fasteners and carbines. Models with plastic fittings can be purchased only for small dogs and exclusively for decorative purposes.
• Puppies perfectly fit canvas collar, equipped with a plastic stopper. Such a model can be continuously increased in size as the animal grows.
• For dogs with sensitive necks, such as dachshunds and most hunting breeds, it is recommended to purchase a herring collar. The model has an extension in the middle part and is shaped like a fish. Such collars do not rub the neck, do not twist and do not suffocate the animal. In addition, they do not wash wool and allow the animal to hold its head high.

To accustom the pet to the collar should be from an early age. First, the baby must be given a sniff of a new accessory and only after that put it on the puppy. It is recommended to do this. in a calm home environment, just before feeding. A hungry baby will instantly lose interest in the collar and will be focused only on food. If the puppy is not in a hurry to approach the bowl and begins to scratch behind the ear, trying to take it off, then in such cases you should distract the pet with a game or give him a favorite delicacy. You can wear a collar before walking, but the option with food is considered more effective.

Some experts recommend to teach your puppy to the collar gradually, putting it on for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day and gradually increasing the duration of the socks. However, this method is good only if the pet does not accept the collar, as most puppies almost immediately get used to the new accessory. Particularly obstinate kids often show discontent and try to remove the accessory on their own.

In order for the collar to last as long as possible and to look as good as new, it must be carefully looked after. Leather and metal models should wipe regularly with a disinfectant and wipe nylon and canvas. In addition, metal collars and chains should be regularly inspected and to prevent the appearance of rust. You also need to monitor the condition of the locks and the reliability of the fixings and, if necessary, contact the shoe repair shop or leather goods in time.

Experienced dog handlers do not recommend putting someone else’s collar on the animal, especially if it is made of soft material - nylon, tarpaulin or leather. This is due to the rules of hygiene and dictated by safety requirements, since you can never vouch for someone else's ammunition locks and carabiner rings. It is also advisable to regularly check how the collar sits on the animal and relax it in time if it began to squeeze the neck. This requirement is dictated by the fact that Soft collar materials may dry out a little or stretch from constant temperature changes and frequent wetting / drying.

Moreover, during a molt, the dog's neck itself changes in girth both in one and in the other direction, which requires an adjustment of the length of the belt. It is also necessary to observe the uniform distribution of the load on the neck of the animal. For this, it is desirable that the collar buckle be located not too close to the ring. And the last thing - collars made of soft materials, despite regular processing, should be changed from time to time to new ones and not allow the pet to be found in a battered and dirty accessory.

How to choose a collar for dogs, see the following video.