Choosing a collar for leash-trained dogs

Once your dog has been leash trained and is comfortable on a leash, you can explore the wide variety of neck collars available.  We emphasize that neck collars are NOT intended for training.  They are for dogs that are already leash trained and have learned not to pull while leashed.  (See our previous post on leash training.)

The most important consideration is that a collar should properly FIT your dog.  It should also be comfortable.  The best thing to do is to bring him or her into the store for a proper fitting.  Different breeds have different size and shape necks, so there is no one standard.  However, in choosing a collar, there are three main criteria you should take into account: 1) Width 2) Length and 3) Material.

1. Width – You want to make sure that your dog is comfortable, so you do not want to choose a collar that is too thick and that could irritate your dog’s neck. At the same time, if the collar is too narrow, it could not be strong enough and is at risk of breaking, especially on a large dog.  So important considerations are comfort plus durability.

2. Length – You want the collar to fit well and not leave any large gaps that your dog’s head could slip through. At the same time, you want a collar that is not too small that it cuts into your dog’s neck or could potentially choke your dog.

3. Material – There are three main types of materials used in dog collars: leather, nylon and soy fibers.  The first two can be irritating if left on too long, or if they get damp or wet.  Soy fibers – made of recycled soy – are softer and less irritating.

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Dog-walking safety: stay in control, protect against other dogs, predators

All dog owners love the chance to let their dog have a good run and get some exercise.  But save any off-leash running for the dog park as letting your dog out of your control just anywhere could result in serious injury or worse.

When walking your dog in public, make sure you have complete control.  This means the leash – no more than SIX FEET in length – should be firmly in your hand.  Avoid using a retractable leash unless you are in a fenced-in yard or dog park.  Even though you may be comfortable with, and trust YOUR dog’s behavior, you cannot control OTHER dogs who can quickly approach and distract your dog.

If you have a SMALL dog (or any pet), say 15 pounds or less – be on the lookout for birds of prey, like hawks, that can quickly snatch small pets.  When hungry, hawks and other predator birds are not intimidated by humans and can act in the blink of an eye with heartbreaking consequences.  Also be on the lookout for coyotes and foxes that are becoming more prevalent in urban and suburban areas, especially during dusk and dawn hours.

Finally, avoid using your cell phone while walking your dog.   This includes talking, texting, tweeting and all cell phone activity.  It can and will distract you from all of the above.  It can also take your attention away from oncoming traffic.  Instead, enjoy this time with your pet.

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Dog leash training: Head collars reduce leash pull; better than choke chains & standard collars

If you are training your dog to walk on a leash, head collars – like the one pictured —  are extremely good at getting your dog not to pull.

A head collar fits over your dog’s nose and places a gentle pressure on the nose and back of the neck.  This pressure is released immediately when the dog stops pulling so you never have to jerk on the leash.

The fit of the head collar is vastly different from how choke chains and standard neck collars fit.  Both of these put pressure on your dog’s delicate throat which can cause your dog to choke and cough, not to mention the discomfort.

In working with our own dogs, we have found that a head collar not only teaches your dog not to pull, but such a collar also changes your dog’s demeanor.  The head collar uses gentle e pressure to let your dog know that you are in charge, giving greater control to you, the handler. You will be amazed.

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