Recommended Space Between A Dog’S Collar And Its Neck? Top Answer Update

Every dog ​​needs a collar, mainly because they need something to hang their leash, driver’s license, ID card and rabies vaccination certificate on.

There are so many styles of collars out there that it’s easy to get one that reflects your dog’s (or your dog’s) personality – but collars serve beyond identification and decoration, and not all styles of collars are for everyone or even all dogs suitable.

Read on to find out what type of collar is best for your beloved pooch.

Normal collars

Flat collar

This is the standard dog collar. It has a buckle or plastic snap (“quick-release”) closure and ring for attaching dog tags and leash and is available in many colors and designs. A flat collar should fit comfortably around your dog’s neck; It shouldn’t be so tight that your dog will choke on it, and not so loose that it can slip out. The rule of thumb is that you should get two fingers under the collar.

martingale collar

The martingale collar is also known as a limited slip collar. This collar is designed for narrow-headed dogs such as greyhounds, salukis, whippets and other sighthounds. It’s also useful for a dog of any breed that is deftly slipping out of its collar, or anxious dogs that are trying to back off during a walk. A martingale collar is a must have for anxious and fearful dogs.

The martingale consists of a sheet of material with a metal ring at each end. A separate gear loop runs through the two rings. The leash attaches to a ring on this loop. When your dog tries to pull out of the martingale, the collar will tighten around his neck. When properly adjusted, the collar will conform to the exact size of your dog’s neck without choking it. This is the most humane collar option for dogs that may slip out of their collars.

head collar

The halter is similar in principle to a horse halter. One strap of the collar fits around your dog’s neck and sits high on the head, just behind the ears. The other strap forms a loop around your dog’s snout. The leash attaches to the ring at the bottom of the muzzle.

The halter is good for strong, energetic dogs that can jump and/or pull. Since the halter is placed around your dog’s muzzle rather than around his neck, your dog loses a lot of leverage and cannot pull on the leash with his full body weight.

To be effective, the halter must fit properly. As with all training equipment, the head collar is not intended to be used in a jerky or jerky manner, but to gently steer your dog in the desired direction. Some manufacturers include instructions and a DVD with the collar. Otherwise, ask your dog trainer or a knowledgeable seller for help with the fitting. Proper fit and use should minimize the risk of injury to your dog.

It may take some time, patience, and lots of treats to get your dog used to wearing a head collar. Put it on for a short while while giving your dog lots of quality treats until your dog is comfortable in the collar. Then they should only wear it when you walk them on a leash. Don’t leave the headgear on your dog all the time; Eventually they manage to pull off the muzzle loop and use it as a chew toy!

As you have no doubt noticed, spring is just around the corner. In fact, spring is here on some days, thanks to February’s unusually warm temperatures for the time of year. If you haven’t already taken your pet for a walk around the neighborhood, we highly recommend putting that on your to-do list.

For most of us and our pets, that means a harness or collar and leash.

The conventional wisdom regarding a pet harness or collar has evolved over the years. A harness or collar should be secure but not overly restrictive, as a collar that is too tight can result in injury. Like us, different pets will have different levels of tolerance for what’s on their minds. You probably don’t want to make breathing a challenge by wearing a necklace so tight it cuts off your airflow, or investing heavily in lotions to combat constant irritants. You also don’t want to feel the need to make sure your necklace hasn’t slipped off every five seconds. Like people, your pet has a sweet spot—something that fits comfortably but does the necessary job so they can enjoy the neighborhood walks as much as you do.

Let’s start with collars. From flat collars to head collars, you have many options when it comes to finding the best collar for your dog. Spring is just around the corner and that means beautiful hiking weather for you and your pet! Your pet’s harness and/or collar should fit properly and comfortably to avoid the risk of injury. Think about it: do you want your necklace to be too tight and irritate your skin, or too loose and fall off with the risk of losing it? Chances are, you prefer to fit just right. Your pet feels the same way; They want their harness/collar to be comfortable so they can enjoy walks. Follow these tips to make your walks together a pleasant and joyful experience!

There are a variety of dog collars on the market, from flat collars to head collars. To properly fit a regular flat dog collar, make sure it is comfortably snug around the neck. Make sure two fingers can fit between the collar and your dog’s neck; A properly fitting headband is loose enough that you can fit a finger between the base of the neck and the collar – anything else is too tight, and to test if it’s too tight or too loose you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. A tighter collar can cause injury. On the other hand, a collar that is too loose can lead to a surprise escape attempt and result in it slipping off and losing your pet. A lost dog is not a happy dog.

Cat collars follow the same two finger rule as above. When to properly fit a head collar, make sure the part around the back of your dog’s head is loose enough to fit a finger between the base of the neck and the collar.

To properly fit a cat collar, follow the same two-finger rule. If your cat’s collar is too loose, things can cause things to get stuck in it. A collar that is too tight can cause injury and difficulty breathing and eating. Should your cat snag on anything – from fences to tree branches – you want them to have enough room to slip their collar off.

Harnesses, like collars, come in many styles for your dog around town, from easy walkers to flexible ones. In fact, harnesses have become increasingly popular in recent years as they help. There are many different types of dog harnesses on the market, from easy walk to flexi. Harnesses are a great option to prevent neck injuries and are usually more comfortable for your dog, especially when they are walking long distances. Before deciding on a harness size, make sure you are measuring your dog’s length, chest and neck correctly. If you find that your dog is in-between sizes, it is advisable to choose the larger of the two for a more comfortable fit. Your dog’s harness should be snug enough to avoid slipping, but loose enough to avoid irritation.

If you have an indoor cat that likes to go for a walk outside—that’s a pretty cool cat, by the way—then a harness is your best option. First you should choose the right size by using the circumference measurement mentioned above. Again, if your cat is between sizes, we recommend sizing up.

Much like a dog’s harness, your cat’s harness should be tight enough to avoid slipping, but loose enough to avoid injury.

We want your pet to enjoy their collar or harness! If you have questions about choosing the right harness or collar for your pet, please contact or take your pet to your nearest Petsway. Our friendly team of pet lovers will be happy to help you choose the right collar or harness and make sure it gets the perfect fit!

by Lindsay Lowe

Collars are an important part of dog ownership. They allow pet owners to walk their pup on a leash and they provide a place to hang ID and vaccination badges. However, if used incorrectly, collars can result in serious injury or even death. Here are five ways collars can potentially harm your dog, along with some tips for using collars safely and responsibly.

strangulation

If used incorrectly, collars can strangle your dog.

“A dog . . . can jump up and snag its collar on a fence post or window latch,” which can lead to choking, says Dr. John Pacy, owner of Healthy Pets House Calls, a mobile veterinary service in Palm Beach County, Florida. Hanging tags can also snag on boxes and other objects and cause choking, he says.

Even a well-fitting collar can be dangerous when used to tie down a dog in the yard, says Dr. Barbara Hodges, a veterinary consultant at the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. She says she’s heard of dogs trying to jump over fences tied to a long leash and ending up hanging themselves by their collars.

Limb or mouth injuries

Aside from the risk of strangulation, a collar can pose other serious physical risks, especially if it’s too loose. For example, if a pet “scratches its ear and the collar is loose, its back leg or front leg could get caught in the collar and be looped through,” says Hodges. “It can lead to a broken limb.” She’s also seen dogs leave their teeth or tongue stuck in a collar that’s too loose while grooming themselves, which can lead to broken teeth and other mouth injuries.

To avoid both physical injury and strangulation, Pacy recommends breakaway-style collars, which are designed to break apart when pressure is applied to the buckle. He has seen tearaway collars prevent many potentially fatal injuries, both to his clients and his own dogs.

skin problems

A collar that’s too tight can also be harmful to a dog, and even a “moderately tight” collar can cause skin irritation, says Hodges. Collars that are too tight can cause hair loss, and the skin in those areas can be more susceptible to infection, she says.

In extreme cases, a very tight collar can cut into a dog’s neck. This can happen with neglect when a growing dog is left with a puppy-sized collar, Pacy says.

In general, to protect your pup’s neck, Hodges recommends rotating between a few different collars and regularly checking to make sure they still fit snugly. She also recommends letting your dog sleep without a collar at night to allow your pet’s skin to air out.

neck damage

Traditional collars can injure a dog’s neck if it pulls hard on the leash or if a pet owner uses the collar to pull the dog around.

“You’re potentially damaging the dog’s neck by pulling on it,” says Hodges. “The throat is a very, very sensitive area.”

Repetitive straining of the neck can even lead to long-term medical problems — including damage to the thyroid and tissues in the neck area and salivary glands, she says. A chest harness can be a safer alternative to collars, which put a lot of strain on a dog’s neck, she adds.

General discomfort

While a collar won’t cause serious injury, the wrong collar can be just plain irritating for a dog. Pet owners should use common sense when purchasing collars. If a collar looks stiff and uncomfortable, it probably is, says Hodges.

“If you have a really stiff collar on a dog, it would be like wearing a piece of jewelry that’s really tight,” she says. “It will affect their mobility and they will not be a happy camper.”

Hodges says she has many clients who wonder why her dog keeps scratching his head and neck. Of course, scratching can be due to a number of factors, but it can also be due to mild irritation from a collar, she says.

Safety tips for collars

When sizing a collar, make sure your thumb fits between the collar and the dog’s neck.

“If I can put my whole hand in there, it’s too loose, and if I can’t even put a finger in it, it’s too tight,” says Hodges.

Also remember that a collar can fit differently depending on the position of the dog.

“When the dog sits down or turns over, their skin and body fat is redistributed,” says Hodges. “A collar that fits perfectly when standing may be too tight when the dog is leaning back.”

Finally, although collars are essential for keeping ID tags, make sure your dog is also microchipped so the dog can still be identified in an emergency if you remove your pup’s collar at night, which Hodges recommends.

By Robert Cabral, dog trainer and member of the Wag! Advisory Board Walking our dogs is one of the best things we can do for and with them. It’s fun, relaxing and healthy for both pet and human. With that in mind, we want to help ensure your dog’s safety and that starts with a properly fitting collar or harness.

In this post we look at some of the most popular collars and how best to use and fit them on our dogs to ensure a safe walk. Also check out our collar video! In a related post, we focus on harnesses.

Collars are my first choice

With few exceptions, collars should be your first choice when walking dogs. They provide a secure connection – one that has been used around the world for countless years. They vary from simple slip leads to slightly more complex ones. Slackline (sometimes referred to as a British Slackline) – This simple, one-piece collar and leash has a loop on one end for your hand and on the other end a ring for the rope to pass through, creating a loop for placing over the head of the dog. There is also a leather stopper at the end of the dog to prevent the collar from loosening which could cause the dog to run off the leash. The leash is a simple and effective tool to quickly leash and go your dog.

Flat Collar – Flat collars are popular because they can be simple or stylish depending on pet parent preference. They are usually made of fabric or leather and have a metal buckle or plastic clasp to fasten them around the dog’s neck. They look like a small belt. The most important thing to remember about the flat collar is that you don’t want it to be too tight or too loose. Too tight will make the dog uncomfortable, and too loose may cause the dog to slip out. The general sizing rule for a flat collar is that you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck. However, when a dog’s head is similar in size to its neck, even tight-fitting collars can ride over the dog’s head. You can assess this in your dog by placing a flat collar (fitting properly) around your dog’s neck and trying to pull it over his head. If it goes over easily, your dog may back away from the collar. In such cases, I do not recommend flat collars, instead recommending a “cinching” collar such as martingales or choker chains or a harness.

Martingale Collar – Martingale collars are among my favorites for a variety of dogs. They allow for a comfortable but loose fit while still protecting the dog from escaping. And they allow the walker to safely control the dog if necessary. There is a wide range of martingale collars with different adjustment methods. Martingales are either placed over the dog’s head and then fitted with an adjustable buckle, or the ends are placed around the neck in a manner similar to a flat collar and snapped together. I prefer the snap buckle because I can put the collar on the dog faster and with less effort.

Clamp collars – Clamp collars (sometimes referred to as spike collars) are beneficial for certain dogs, but should not be used on dogs that have not been trained to use them. When a dog has been trained and is used to using one, a clip collar can help the dog easily and fairly understand what the walker is communicating. The biggest mistake people with clamp collars make is putting them on too loosely. This can cause skin abrasions as the collar twists around the dog’s neck. A loose fit is often created when you place a closed crush collar over the dog’s head. To put the collar on properly, start with one end in each hand and then press a link to connect the two ends around the dog’s neck, making sure it sits securely behind the dog’s ears. If you are using a clamp collar, a gentle tug should be enough to communicate with the dog.

Choke Collars / Choke Chains Although the name may put you off, when used correctly, these collars ensure a dog’s safety in the event they attempt to break free of the collar. However, remember that a choke collar should not put constant pressure on the dog’s throat. The collar is there to protect the dog if it tries to get away or get close to another dog. Otherwise, you should walk the dog on a leash that is slack enough so that the collar doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s throat. Choke collars can be made of chain, cloth, or rope and, unlike other collars, should be placed over the dog’s head. The collars should be tight enough to fit 2 to 3 fingers underneath and the collar loop should form a “P” when you face the dog and place it over his head. This allows the pressure in the collar to be released when the leash is slack.

A special note about collars

Pet parents should exercise caution when leaving a collar on a dog when not walking. When a dog moves around the house or yard, a collar can get caught on many things. In extreme cases, this can lead to strangulation. A good alternative is a “breakaway” collar, which is designed to come loose if it gets caught on something. To walk a dog with a breakaway collar, connect the leash to the two metal rings located on either side of the breakaway point.

Summary of dog collars

Are you welcoming a new puppy dog ​​into your loving home? Already a dog fur parent? There are things you should know about tracheal collapse and how the walking accessory you choose can have a positive or negative impact.

Unfortunately, tracheal collapse is a common occurrence and cause of airflow obstruction in dogs. Trachea, also known as trachea, is a “cartilaginous tube connecting the pharynx and larynx to the lungs and allowing the passage of air, and is therefore present in almost all air-breathing animals with lungs”. [Source]

Certain breeds are prone to collapse of the trachea, particularly the toy breed. According to WebMD Pets, it can be associated with “a congenital abnormality in which the cartilage of the tracheal rings is less cellular and therefore weaker than normal.”

However, when it comes to dogs and tracheal collapse, there is growing awareness of how pressure around dogs’ necks can cause such damage. Collars, particularly choke collars, are walking and exercise devices that can cause the trachea to collapse due to the repeated pressure applied to the neck.

“Repeated corrections done ‘correctly’ to the soft tissue of the dog’s neck can result in damage to the trachea. This damage can be mild, causing a mild cough, or severe, including collapsed trachea and asphyxiation. A dog died from a choke collar at a Petco dog training class. The cause of death was “post-obstructive pulmonary edema (POPE)” secondary to “asphyxia” or “restraint”. ’” (Source: Kindred Companions)

For this reason, anti-choking harnesses like the Pug Life harness are recommended as an alternative to collars. Harnesses attach around the chest rather than the neck, making them an ideal option when it comes to canine long-term health.

Carole – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Size/Colour: N/A – Purple

“It’s difficult to attach a harness to a pom with all that hair, it’s easy. More importantly, however, Poms are prone to a collapsed windpipe. It takes the strain off my neck, but I still have full control without pulling.”

If my dog ​​already has tracheal damage, is it too late to switch to a harness?

It is not too late! Not all dog parents start harnessing early. Depending on the severity of the damage, which can sometimes be fatal, other dog parents who have used collars discover problems with their dogs’ windpipes and then switch to harnesses to prevent further injury.

Darlene P – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Size/Colour: S – Green

“My dog ​​has some issues with his windpipe so having the harness sit lower on his chest so it is very easy to put on and take off was exactly what I wanted. I’m so glad I found your site.”

Whatever phase of dog training you are at, it’s not too late to consider switching from collars to harnesses. If you’re undecided, we hope this breakdown of information will help you in your decision-making process. Our hope is to raise awareness of the negative effects that can lead to collapse and damage to the trachea so dog harnesses are not sought out as a last resort.

want more? Feel free to follow us on Instagram @puglifeharness for more Furbaby photos! New to Pug Life Harness and need help choosing the right size for your dog? We have a detailed informative blog post you can check out: click here to view

Prevent dog neck injuries with the right equipment

Dog collars can cause neck injuries. Dog neck injuries occur when dogs pull on their collars. While we assume this only happens to large dogs, it can happen to any dog ​​regardless of size. When your dog pulls his collar, it’s time to change his gear for neighborhood walks and visits to the vet. The equipment I’m about to tell you should be used until your dog has learned to walk politely on a leash. 🙂

Why dogs pull collars

Dogs pull their collars because it works for them. Dogs pull on shackles, such as B. tight collars, because these forward movements will inevitably get them and their pet owners where they want to go. It sounds too easy, but that’s why dogs pull. I see it happen every day. When a dog pulls its neck against a collar, both the pet owner and the dog move forward — or the pet owner’s arm grows three inches longer — but something has to give way.

Neck injuries in dogs are common

It is very common for dogs to suffer a neck injury or throat damage from pulling on their collars. When dogs pull their collars, the front of their necks suffer the most trauma. It’s important to understand that a dog’s trachea (windpipe) is located in the front part of his throat, which is why your dog will choke, gasp and cough when he pulls on his collar. Other areas are also affected.

For example, a dog’s spine can be easily damaged by collar pressure, their delicate thyroid gland can be damaged because it sits right where a collar digs into a dog’s neck, and their eye pressure can increase. Collar pressure can also cause glaucoma. A 2006 study conducted by a veterinary ophthalmologist “demonstrated an increase in intraocular pressure (IOP) in dogs while tugging on a collar, confirming a correlation between glaucoma and collar stress” (Tremayne, 2006). In addition, a dog’s eye pressure can increase after just one tug on the collar. I mean, if you think about it, all that forward pressure has to go somewhere.

RELATED: How to get your pup used to a collar

Best collar for pulling dogs

Of course, I do not recommend clamp or choke collars. These types of dog collars are the leading causes of neck injuries and neck damage. Somehow, clamp collar enthusiasts feel that clamp collars don’t suffocate a dog, but they think it’s okay for its metal tips to dig into fleshy and fragile areas of the neck. I would rather base my dog ​​training methods on facts from leading veterinary behaviorists than on feelings.

Research shows that clamp collars cause damage and dogs will pull on them as well. Know that flat buckle collars and martingale collars can still cause neck injuries in dogs if the dogs keep pulling on them. If your dog pulls on his collar, whether he is 5 pounds or 150 pounds, stop this behavior before your dog is injured.

For strong pulling dogs I recommend a front clip harness. With this type of dog harness, you attach the leash in front of your dog’s chest and back. Yes, instead of putting all of the force into one area of ​​your dog’s body, this harness distributes the force evenly to the front and back of your dog’s chest. You also have more control over your dog’s forward movements because you control your dog’s body and not just his neck.

Dogs pull on collars, it will happen, so it’s important that you have the right dog training gear to protect your dog and prevent you from being pulled to another dog or a moving car. Also, this harness is an excellent dog training tool to positively teach your dog how to walk politely on a leash.

But what about your dog’s collar?

Collars with flat buckles should only be worn for ID tags. If your dog pulls, try a front clip harness. It’s a new device that works amazingly and keeps your dog’s neck injury free.

Does your dog pull like a freight train?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: DIY Comfy Alternative to the Cone of Shame

You wouldn’t dream of letting your dog run around the neighborhood without his collar – if the worst happens and your dog gets lost, the collar will contain your dog’s personal identification and emergency contact information, which is absolutely vital (especially if your dog it is not chipped). According to American Humane, nearly 10 million pets are lost each year. Of the dogs that end up in shelters, only 15% of those without a tag or microchip are reunited with their owners.

But what if your dog is safe and sound at home? Is it better to leave your dog’s collar on or should you take it off and give him a breather? Do dogs even like collars?

Some pet owners remove their dog’s collar at night, but is it a safe move? Here’s what we know.

Do dogs like it when you take their collar off?

Every dog ​​is different, which means everyone will react differently to wearing a collar. Experts say their reaction depends on a variety of factors:

What happens after you remove the collar. There can be some excitement when removing your puppy’s collar if something desirable – such as B. Playtime with other dogs – follows. Likewise, they can object to his collar being removed if something undesirable happens, such as going into his crate before leaving the house.

There can be some excitement when removing your puppy’s collar if something desirable – such as B. Playtime with other dogs – follows. Likewise, they can object to his collar being removed if something undesirable happens, such as going into his crate before leaving the house. How the collar fits. If your dog’s collar is too tight, it may have irritated the skin and be a painful area for you to touch. If it’s too big, it can easily get caught on objects, which can cause panic and anxiety.

If your dog’s collar is too tight, it may have irritated the skin and be a painful area for you to touch. If it’s too big, it can easily get caught on objects, which can cause panic and anxiety. Skin and throat sensitivities. If your dog has skin allergies, the collar can aggravate them. If your dog has a neck injury — like a cut or muscle strain — he may not like having someone touch his neck.

When should you remove your dog’s collar?

Accidents happen and pets get lost, so it’s wise to keep your dog’s collar on whenever possible, especially when walking them on a leash, changing households or traveling. Still, there are times when it’s perfectly acceptable (and safe) to remove your dog’s collar:

When your dog is in his crate. Even the best-fitting collars can become a choking hazard when dog tags get caught on the bars of a crate. It’s also possible for your dog to get its leg caught in the collar when scratching its neck, which could result in a fracture or other leg injury.

Even the best-fitting collars can become a choking hazard when dog tags get caught on the bars of a crate. It’s also possible for your dog to get its leg caught in the collar when scratching its neck, which could result in a fracture or other leg injury. At bedtime. Removing your dog’s collar after the last potty break of the day can give the coat and skin underneath the collar a welcome breather. If your dog moves around a lot at night or scratches and shakes his head frequently, removing the collar can make the night quieter for the human household members. (Leave the collar on if your dog has access to a dog door.)

Removing your dog’s collar after the last potty break of the day can give the coat and skin underneath the collar a welcome breather. If your dog moves around a lot at night or scratches and shakes his head frequently, removing the collar can make the night quieter for the human household members. (Leave the collar on if your dog has access to a dog door.) When he’s playing with other dogs. Dogs are wild when they play with each other. If possible, let him run around without his collar (in a closed, supervised area) to minimize the risk of accidentally snagging him on another dog’s collar or limb. Each play area is different, so be sure to follow the rules. Many pet boarding facilities remove dog collars during group play; Some dog parks require your dog to wear their collar and ID tag at all times.

Let common sense guide you

Without question, a collar is the most logical place to put your dog’s identification tags. It’s also the first place someone looks if your dog, God forbid, gets lost. And unless you’re going to use a harness for a walk, a collar is the best place to attach a leash.

Aside from putting a collar on your dog, you can protect your dog by making sure he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation, securing closets and other areas where you store toxic materials, supervising them when they are outside are, and put stickers on your windows alerting rescue personnel that you have pets.

All in all, does your dog have to wear their collar at night? Probably not, especially if your dog is secured in your house and doesn’t have unsupervised access to the yard through a dog door; however, every situation is different. The key is to consider your dog’s behavior and lifestyle to create the safest environment for your pet.

Editor’s Recommendations

Dog collars are an important part of keeping your dog safe. Not only do they provide important identification information if your dog strays, but when fitted correctly, they also help keep your dog securely on the leash during walks. However, collars can only protect your dog if they fit your dog’s neck properly. Therefore, it is important that you invest in a collar that fits your pup properly. You should make sure the collar is not too loose, where the dog can wriggle out, and not too tight, where your dog could injure itself.

Size of a dog collar

Sizing a dog collar for your pup is easy and can be done in minutes. To accurately measure your dog’s neck circumference, use a cloth measuring tape and wrap it around your dog’s neck. Measure at different points on the neck as the collar may shift slightly while the dog is wearing it. Collars tend to sit at the bottom of the neck, so measuring this area will give you the most accurate reading of the ideal collar size. You should also add about two inches to your measurements for the correct collar size. Remember that it is best to buy a collar that is slightly too big for your dog as it can always be adjusted smaller. It is impossible to adjust a collar longer.

Sizing a Dog Collar: The Two Finger Test

After you have received your collar, it is always a good idea to double check that the collar fits your dog comfortably and securely. This can be done with the “two-finger test”. After you fasten the collar around your dog’s neck, make sure he has enough freedom of movement. The collar should not press into your dog’s skin – this means the collar is too tight.

Place two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. The collar is properly seated if it feels tight. If you have to force your fingers under the collar, the collar is too tight. If there is a lot of space between the dog’s neck and collar, it is too loose.

Also make sure that the collar cannot slip over your puppy’s head. If the collar can be slipped over your dog’s ears, it is too loose and should be tightened appropriately.

Dog collar size by breed

It is important to note that all dogs are different. Although two German Shepherds are more similar in measurements than a Newfoundland and a Beagle, you’re unlikely to find a collar that will perfectly fit two dogs of the same breed. Because even if two dogs are of the same breed, they can have different neck measurements due to their weight, lifestyle, and other factors.

However, your dog’s breed will affect the best type of collar for him. Dogs with relatively short necks, such as pugs or bulldogs, may benefit from thinner collars. Collars that are too thick can be uncomfortable for these types of dogs and cause chafing.

Dog collar size chart by weight

The weight gives you a basic idea of ​​where to start when looking for the right collar size for your dog. Below is a guide to what size collar to buy based on your dog’s weight:

Dogs weighing up to 10 pounds will likely need a collar that is 12 inches or less in length

Dogs between 11 and 25 pounds will likely need a collar that is 11 to 15 inches long

Dogs between 26-55 pounds will likely need a 13″-18″ collar

Dogs between 56-80 pounds will likely need a 16″-24″ collar

While these measurements are a good starting point, measurements cannot be guaranteed to be 100% accurate. Actual measurements may vary based on neck size and weight distribution. Therefore, measure your dog’s neck with a cloth tape measure if possible.

Dog collar size chart

Rather than being advertised as specific inch measurements, most collars are marked as “small”, “medium” and “large” sizes. And although these sizes may vary by brand, Mimi Green dog collar sizes are as follows:

XX Small: Adjustable length from 4″-6″

Extra Small: Adjustable length from 6.5″-9″

Small ⅝”: Adjustable length from 9”-12”

Small 1 inch: Adjustable length from 9 inches to 12 inches

Medium ⅝”: Adjustable length from 12”-15”

Medium 1 inch: Adjustable length from 12 inches to 15 inches

Large: Adjustable length from 18″-22″

Medium Length: Adjustable length from 15″-18″

Extra Large: Adjustable length from 22″-25″

Shop personalized collars at Mimi Green

While many dog ​​owners don’t think twice about it, collars play a crucial role in keeping your furry friend safe. Buy a collar that not only fits well and keeps your pet safe, but also suits your dog’s personality. Mimi Green offers a wide range of patterns, colors and designs for our dog collars and leashes.

As mentioned above, there are a few reasons why dogs exhibit this leash-biting behavior during a walk, and finding the root of this behavior is important. You must first realize that being outside is a high-energy, overly sensual area for dogs. There are so many smells, unusual movements and different creatures, plants and people to discover. It can overwhelm your dog’s senses and produce unwanted behaviors like leash biting. However, this is not the only root of their biting behavior. Dogs, just like humans, have different emotions that can cause this behavior, including playfulness, boredom, high energy, and frustration. Many dogs see a walk as “play time” and get overly excited. Your leash biting may be more of a “play with me” act than just defiance or acting out. When it comes to biting on a leash, your dog might be bored or need to be entertained. This is very similar to wanting to play. Leash biting is often a social behavior.

For example, you’ve been at work all day and when you come home your dog sits in the house all day, waiting to run and play. Just like children who have to sit in the car all day on a car trip, dogs have cooped up energy. This energy can lead to over-excitement and leash biting. Your dog may just be frustrated with the training, or the training session may have lasted too long and your dog is losing patience with it. This can be remedied with shorter walks or training sessions.

Biting on the leash could also be a cause and effect action for your dog. For example, I bite my leash, which means I can go for a walk. This causal effect is a learned behavior. Once you understand why your dog is biting his leash, you can help encourage better behavior. Leash biting is not a behavior you really expect from your dog. Therefore, it is important to understand the reason for your dog so that you know how to counteract it.

A shock collar, also called a training collar, works through electrical stimulation. The stimulation, which can vary in intensity and duration, travels to every part of a dog to which it is attached. It can be attached to the collar, to the dog’s genitals, or for the purpose of achieving the training that the dog is going through.

Training can include behavior modification, obedience training, animal husbandry, and even police or military training. The dog collar is controlled via a radio integrated into the device. The collar can be modified to include mapping and GPS tracking capabilities to keep the owner informed of the dog’s whereabouts.

1. Do police dogs use shock collars?

Police dogs use shock collars as a training and control tool. This allows police dogs to be effectively trained off-leash and remotely. Because of its electrical charge, a shock collar can be used effectively to get the dog’s attention when distracted by the “zap” and gets the dog to refocus.

Shock collars can also be used to regain control of the dog when his drive is high. When using a shock collar on a dog, a handler must use the lowest possible stimulation level. The handler should never use the collar as punishment or in a tantrum, nor should he lose his temper and instill fear in the dog.

2. When should you start shock collar training?

It is advisable to start training when the dog is young. Introduce a dog to a shock collar as early in training as possible. The aim is to get them used to the collar as a means of communication. Using the E-Collar along with a leash and hand commands will help transfer this understanding to the dog so he can adapt as early as possible.

If your pup is big enough and can adjust to the collar easily, coupled with an outgoing, happy personality, then you can incorporate the training collar as early as possible, as opposed to a slightly more reserved pup. Such puppies need more time, love and affection. They need more time to explore and positive outdoor adventures than they do to exercise.

3. Will a shock collar keep my dog ​​from running away?

A shock collar can stop your dog from running away. It may be necessary to use a shock collar intended for dogs with walking behavior where the dog cannot otherwise be contained or supervised.

Put the shock collar on the dog and hold a whistle. let the dog off the leash; if they run away from you, whistle; If he comes back, reward him.

If they don’t come back and keep running, activate the collar. Remember that shock collars should be used at the lowest voltage.

4. How do you test a shock collar on yourself?

The easiest and safest way to test the collar’s stimulation levels is to place your hand, arm, or even your finger over both (emphasis on both) contact points. I emphasize both points of contact because failure to touch both points at the same time will result in an incomplete circuit and therefore you will not feel a shock.

When you have decided which body part you want to connect, start the simulation at the lowest level and pay attention to where you can feel something. This will give you an indication of what your dog can and cannot handle, so as not to hurt him.

5. Do you leave rubber tips on the shock collar?

It is best to remove the rubber tips on the shock collar. The rubber can filter or prevent the stimulation, resulting in no shock stimulation. In order to complete the circuit and generate electricity, the rubbers must detach.

6. How long can you leave a shock collar on a dog

A dog should not wear a shock collar for more than four hours without adjustment and no more than 12 hours per day.

This is the general rule of thumb. Sometimes the handler forgets or overdoes doing other things and in turn forgets to remove the collar.

For this reason, it is recommended to make it a habit to remove the collar immediately after training. Leaving the dog’s collar for a long time can cause bed sores or pressure necrosis on the dog’s neck.

7. How do I know if my shock collar is working?

To know if the Receiver Collar is working:

First, close the strap in a mirror image of a dog’s neck. Hold the strap at the back and make sure the receiver is hanging from the bottom of the collar loop. And lastly, while still holding the collar in that position, go to any available space.

Be careful not to hold the collar higher than your dog when walking in this area. It is important to note that holding the collar higher up, say near your ears to hear it beep, will not work as the signal is not designed to work at a height above the dog’s neck .

As you near the end of the range you selected, you should hear the collar begin to beep. This alerts you that the collar is working.

8. Can you use a shock collar in the water?

Most electronic collars are waterproof; however, this does not apply to everyone. You should make sure that the type of collar you choose is waterproof before submerging it in water or putting it on a wet dog.

Certain dog collars are suitable for water-loving dogs for bathing in lakes. Getting a shock collar from a high-end company that ensures the safety of their products should help allay your concerns about potential problems.

9. Can a shock collar cause seizures in dogs?

A shock collar can cause your dog to have seizures. Repeatedly shocking a dog can lead to changes in the dog’s health system.

While there are still many arguments on this subject, dogs suffering from epilepsy are at a higher risk of developing seizures than other dogs.

Using waterproof shock cuffs can also cause electric shock if it malfunctions. When this happens, it repeatedly sends out electrical stimulations at random intervals, ranging from anywhere from 12-volt shocks to higher.

10. Is an e-collar the same as a shock collar?

The two terms are technically different. However, both products achieve the same goal.

A shock collar was developed in the 1970s as a shock treatment application aimed at behavior modification. The device used to achieve this was designed to shock dogs with an electric current in the neck, hence the adoption of the name “shock collar”.

In contrast, current collars use electrical stimulation as opposed to electric shocks. This method aims to stimulate the nerves and sensory receptors through vibrations.

This causes discomfort and anger for the dog; however, there is no pain. After all, the collar is designed to give the dog that discomfort, so that it will want to put an end to what is causing it.

11. How long do shock collar batteries last?

This varies by dog; In most cases, however, the batteries last between one and three months, with the highest time being six months. The batteries must be checked regularly.

Also Read: Best Shock Collar for German Shepherd Dogs.