Snap Around Dog Collar? Quick Answer

As the name suggests, slip leashes and collars simply slide over your dog’s neck. They are excellent training tools to help your dog learn how to behave while walking on a leash.

Slip-on collars do not have a traditional buckle closure. They are designed as a loop. One end of the collar is threaded through the ring at the other end. The leash of your choice can then be easily attached. When using a slip leash, the collar and leash are combined, eliminating the need for an additional leash. With both a slip collar and a leash, a slight tug on the leash is all it takes to correct your dog’s behavior. The slip collar tightens and puts pressure on the dog’s neck if he or she tries to pull on the leash or strain. It allows for a dislike training method to teach the dog that their behavior is unacceptable.

how to use

Thanks to their similar design, your dog’s gear is the same with a slip leash or collar. Slide the collar over your dog’s head and position the ring on the nape of the neck.

When using a slip collar, the leash connects to the empty ring. You can choose any type of leash that works for you and your dog. In fact, you can also choose a leash that prevents pulling.

The collar should be loose and comfortable when your dog is resting. Make sure you have chosen a leash or collar that is comfortable for your dog. Softer materials like nylon or silicone are safer options than leather or other materials that lack cushioning or compliance. You can also find soft fleece slip collars.

When your dog pulls on the leash, the collar tightens. You should then quickly and firmly pull to the side on the leash and release immediately. Don’t move on.

When your dog corrects its behavior, the collar will loosen again. A slip collar should exert pressure. It should not suffocate your dog or compress his airway.

Why slip lines and collars are effective

The pressure from the slip line or the tightening collar is uncomfortable for the dog, but does no harm. This pressure keeps the dog from pulling on the leash. With enough consistent training, your dog will learn to walk calmly alongside you.

Slip collars and leashes are fast, effective, and convenient devices for training and everyday recreational use.

Types of collars and leashes

Sliding collars and leashes are available in many different materials and constructions.

Materials:

Chain

nylon webbing

nylon rope

Polypropylene rope

Construction:

With stopper tab (to make sure the collar doesn’t get too loose)

Without stop tab

MAYA slip collar ($15)

It is imperative to choose a material that is suitable for your pup. In general, avoid slip-on collars made of nylon, canvas, or softer materials if you have a dog that enjoys chewing or scratching at their collar. The same applies to slip cables. Don’t give your pooch the opportunity to chew off his collar or leash. You may not notice until your dog breaks free and runs away from you.

If you’re having a hard time teaching your pup to walk well on a leash, a slip collar or leash may be just the solution you’ve been looking for. With consistent training and regular walks, you can easily teach your dog that pulling or jumping around on the leash is bad behavior. The walk will soon become a pleasure for both of you. View dogID’s range of slip leashes and slip collars and learn more here.

To learn more about other types of collars and how to find the best fit for your dog, read our blog on choosing the right collar.

Clamp collars and why they can affect the welfare of the dog

A guest blog by Dr. Samantha Gaines, our passionate Pet Director.

In the last few days we have been asked several times about our position on pinch collars (also known as spiked collars) and whether their use is legal. Unfortunately, clamp collars are not illegal, and while their vendors say they are “pretty gentle exercise equipment,” we believe the opposite is true, and we want them banned.

How do pinch collars work?

To understand why we oppose squeeze collars, it’s important to understand how they work. Clamping collars work on the principle of putting on something painful or frightening to stop an unwanted behavior – quite simply, when a dog pulls on the leash, the collar’s prongs close around the neck, which can cause pain or discomfort, whatever the likelihood decreased The dog pulls on the leash again. Research has shown that aversive training techniques, such as B. Clamping collars, can cause pain and suffering and affect the well-being of the dog.

As the owner of Sidney, a 40kg Labrador Mastiff cross, I can sympathize with owners who walk a pulling or difficult to control dog. When I first adopted Sidney he had no understanding of walking well on a leash and would pull me everywhere! It is therefore easy to understand why some struggling owners buy a collar for what appears to be a quick fix for controlling their dog, especially since the marketing of these products implies that they are safe and fairly gentle.

Unfortunately, many will not realize that there may be a price to pay for their dog becoming off-leash, and will not realize that what is supposed to be a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience for the dog can be quite the opposite. The Lab I see regularly wearing a collar at my local park may not pull on the leash, but his behavior suggests he is not really enjoying his walk.

What can owners do instead?

We want these collars to be banned, not only because of the risks they pose to dogs’ welfare, but also because they have great potential to cause abuse or be abused.

In modern society there is absolutely no excuse or need to employ techniques that may affect the welfare of the dog. There are far better and more humane ways to train dogs. I used a well-fitting and comfortable harness to control Sidney and taught him to walk well at my side with food. I could also have contacted one of the many trainers across the country who would have helped me coach Sidney without exposing him to techniques that can cause pain or anxiety.

If you agree with us that spiked collars should be banned, please write to your MP.

We do not condone or encourage threatening or abusive behavior on any campaign. We urge that all members of the public who contact politicians, organizations or anyone else on this issue remain respectful at all times.

Buckle Collars: These are pretty much what they sound like, collars that fasten with a buckle. They are typically made of nylon, cotton or leather and are either flat or rolled. Buckle collars are adjustable but will not tighten around the dog’s neck once fastened. Rolled leather collars avoid chafing or hair breakage that flat collars sometimes cause.

Quick Release Collars: These are basically flat collars with nylon buckles and a plastic buckle that makes putting the collar on and off a bit quicker (similar to some luggage strap buckles). These collars are also adjustable and also do not tighten once attached.

ANTI-SLIP COLLARS: These collars are a combination of slip-on and quick-release collars. They are adjustable collars that are designed to tighten around a dog’s neck, but stop tightening before they actually tighten around the neck. They are good for dogs who tend to “slip” with the collar. Some varieties are referred to as “martingale” or “greyhound” collars.

Head halter: Head halters (Gentle Leaders, Halti, Promise) are commonly used for dogs that pull. They are designed to mimic a halter used on horses. Head halters are not muzzles – the dog can also drink, eat, bark and bite with a head halter.

Harnesses: Some people use harnesses to prevent their dogs from pulling on the leash. The best harness option is a FRONT CLASP HARNESS, which allows the handler to control the dog from the front. Popular brands are Easy Walk, Halti or Freedom No-Pull. Even if the dog can still pull, the chest is deflected towards the handler.

What NOT to use:

Retractable Leashes: While a retractable leash can make an owner feel like they are giving their pet freedom, the reality is that loss of leash control and breaking are common, as are injuries including leash burns and even finger amputation.

Pinch / Prong Collars, Choke Chains: These are the common names of metal training collars. Studies show that choke chains cause many neck, back, and windpipe injuries in dogs. Its use has also been directly linked to thyroid damage in dogs.

While the spiked collar is actually much safer than the collar when used properly, studies evaluating its use have not found any neck/back/trachea injuries as a result of using this collar correctly – its use is known to reduce the aggressive responses of a dog reinforced to other dogs, bikers, joggers, running children etc.

While the spiked collar is actually much safer than the collar when used properly, studies evaluating its use have not found any neck/back/trachea injuries as a result of using this collar correctly – its use is known to reduce the aggressive responses of a dog to other dogs, cyclists, joggers, running children, etc. Electronic (shock) collars (also used in electronic fencing) are for training purposes only and should never be used without professional guidance.

These types of collars work through violence, pain and intimidation. If used improperly, these collars can cause serious injury and/or destroy a dog’s confidence, willingness to work and general goodwill.

Not all buckles are the same.

Many dog ​​owners prefer buckle collars for their dogs, but you want to make sure the buckle on your dog’s collar is secure. We’ve all seen collars with those cheap plastic buckles that break far too easily, so obviously avoid those!

dogIDs buckle collars feature a side quick release buckle designed for durability, safety and comfort.

Below are a few reasons why you should consider a dogIDs quick release collar.

Reasons for a quick release dog collar

1. The buckle is for safety. It’s strong!

The plastic side-release buckles on the dogIDs collars are designed to withstand high impact and remain secure. You don’t have to worry if your dog is a “puller”. Walking on a loose leash is always a work in progress, right?

The buckles are also robust in all weather conditions. Yes, even in North Dakota winters!

2. Added security for dog parks and dog daycares.

Sometimes you need to be able to quickly untie your dog’s collar in an emergency.

For example, there are horrifying stories of dogs injuring themselves when their collars get tangled and twisted while playing. Sometimes the only option is to cut the collars apart, and that’s not always possible. (That’s why it’s important to remove chain/slip collars when you’re not training your dog.)

A quick release buckle allows you to quickly and conveniently remove your dog’s collar in most emergency situations.

3. Quick release collars are convenient.

A quick release collar is useful because:

It only takes a second to open or close. This makes it extremely easy to prep your dog for a walk, especially if you have a fidgety dog ​​that doesn’t like to sit still!

Once it’s the right size, it’s good to go (unless your pup is still growing!)

If you have a dog with a blocky head like my mutt, it’s easier to put the collar on and off than slide it over his head.

And if you prefer a martingale style, dogIDs also has martingale collars with a side buckle.

4. Engraving on the buckle – no more noisy labels!

With dogIDs you can have your dog’s name and contact details engraved directly on the buckle. This way you don’t have to worry about your dog’s dog tags falling off and getting lost (we all know that).

An added benefit is no more noisy markers when trying to sleep or when trying not to draw extra attention to your dog on walks. For example, if your dog tends to get agitated around other dogs, it’s generally best if other dogs don’t hear his jingling marks. Sometimes loud tags set off a chain reaction of barking!

5. The collars come in different styles – martingales, reflective collars, etc.

You can order a buckle collar with a quick release buckle in several styles.

Here are just a few examples:

Do you think a quick release buckle collar is a good option for your dog? Let us know if you have any questions in the comments below.

Would you like more information about dog collars? Check out these blogs.

How to choose the right collar for your dog

When should I replace my dog’s collar?

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.

Published: 07/26/2021

From choke chains to shock collars, there are many potentially cruel leash-and-collar combinations that pet parents should avoid. While some of these inventions are clearly unethical, you may be unsure if it’s okay to use a leash on your dog. Here’s a quick look at these controversial leashes and whether you should use a glide leash on your Doggo.

What is a slip lead?

A slip leash is a collar and leash in one. A slip line has a loop at the end that serves as a collar. The loop at the end allows the collar to tighten indefinitely when pulled, which is why many pet owners choose not to. That being said, slip leashes are pretty much inevitable, making them popular with professionals when catching strays or moving animals around animal shelters. Because a slip leash does not require a collar or harness, they are handy for quickly securing a dog in an emergency. Most problems associated with slip cables are caused by misuse.

How do I put a leash on my dog?

When putting a leash on a dog, you want to make sure you’ve put it on correctly. First, adjust the loop so it’s big enough to fit over your dog’s head and make your dog aware of what’s about to happen so you don’t startle them. You should place the loop of the slip leash at the top of the dog’s neck, behind the ears and under the jaw. Attaching a glide line lower on the neck increases the risk of injury. Once the leash is properly positioned, you need to tighten the loop by adjusting the ring or slider. You should tighten the loop to allow 2 fingers to fit between the leash and your dog’s neck. By putting 2 fingers under the collar, you know the leash is tight enough that it won’t come loose, but loose enough that your dog won’t choke.

Are slip leads cruel?

When used in the right setting, a slide lead isn’t necessarily cruel. However, glide leashes can be harmful when used on an untrained dog. Because a slip leash doesn’t stop tightening, you could injure your fur baby if she isn’t trained to stop pulling on the leash. If you put a slip collar on your dog and he keeps pulling, a slip leash essentially becomes a choke chain that can damage your dog’s neck, throat, and spine. There have been reports of dogs suffering severe whiplash from trying to run away while wearing a leash. Some people misuse slip lines as a training device to stop puppies from pulling. If they back off, they will be smothered, creating negative reinforcement that could make your dog anxious about future walks. In general, a leash is most useful when trying to move or catch a dog quickly. Most animal shelters, daycare centers and veterinary surgeries do not recommend the use of leashes due to the high risk of injury if the dog is suddenly absent.

Should I give my dog ​​a leash?

Many people believe that semi-plaid collars are just a “training aid”. There are many advantages to using semi-plaid collars that are unrelated to the original purpose for which these collars were created.

There are many names people use for these collars, half-plaid, half-slip, martingale…

Half plaid collars are a type of dog collar where the collar contracts to a limit when pressure is added. We often hear people say that half-plaid collars are cruel. This is simply not true, there are many advantages to using a semi plaid collar.

A RIGHT SIZE semi plaid collar is sized to fit snugly around the neck at its smallest size but not strangle the dog. A semi-plaid collar can be a very cheap life insurance policy and a lifesaver.

1. EASE OF USE

It’s very easy to put on and take off a semi plaid collar without having to fiddle with the buckle or try to find the right hole in a collar while the dog tries to hop around excitedly, ready for a walk.

2. SECURITY

A properly sized semi-plaid collar will prevent the dog from coming loose from its collar. Many dogs wouldn’t be lost wearing a semi-plaid collar as one of the most common reasons for a missing dog is a slipped collar/harness (yes, dogs can slip out of many harness styles)!

A dog that is usually well behaved and has an excellent recall may back away at the moment of panic, remove its collar and run as fast as possible.

Adolescents in particular go through phases where the silliest things can frighten them, and the last thing you want is for them to run away as this can cause permanent psychological (or physical if you are very unlucky) damage. Many dogs also disappear and are never found after escaping the owner.

3. COAT CARE

Half plaid collars are also great for dogs with lots of hair or thick manes as the collar will lie looser when there is no pressure/leash attached to it. This leaves less “collar mark” on the coat and the semi-checkered collar often sits better on the neck.

Below is a story from our own lives. This is also one reason why we encourage the use of semi-plaid collars:

On a dark November night in 2008, Sasha, a 15-month-old Leonberger, was excited to see another dog and slipped out of her collar.

She decided it was more fun running and jumping than coming back to us. She was hit by a car. She was taken to the vets and they did some x-rays and it was confirmed that she had a fractured pelvis.

The next few days were awful as we waited to see if she had any further internal damage – luckily she didn’t.

The vet said she was lucky to escape with only a fractured pelvis considering how hard she was hit causing her pelvis to fracture (big dog, big bones).

If you look at the first x-ray (taken the night it all happened) you can see how out of place Sasha’s pelvis was and we definitely wouldn’t leave her pelvis like that! She was in great pain and had morphine injections every few hours, she used up the vet’s entire supply of morphine in a matter of days!

The vet operated on her pelvis and got her hips back in line. The second X-ray shows Sasha’s pelvis after surgery. Great job if you ask us!

I also have a very important message: if you are reading this and have been thinking about insuring your dog, do it now!

We never thought this would happen to us, but it did and the insurance really helped not having to worry about costs as anything else is quite enough to cause a few gray hairs.

I wouldn’t want to get into a situation where I wouldn’t give Sasha the best care available because I can’t afford it.

All this cutting-edge technology and surgery was available at a hefty price point, costing almost £7000 after completing physiotherapy and hydrotherapy.

Even if you’re ever in a position that we were in, don’t lose hope!

When we saw the first X-rays, the first thing that came to mind was that we need to let Sasha go and become an angel dog!

Our vet must have seen my face as he quickly said it’s not; The damage looks terrible, but it’s actually one of those fractures that heals well, and the dogs usually have perfectly normal lives after they recover.

Sasha lived as the leader of our pack until she was 11 years and 8 months old, not bad for a huge breed of dog.