The Different Styles of Dog Collars

Dog collars aren’t just for appearance. A collar is a practical part of a dog’s everyday life because it can prevent them from getting lost. When people see a dog wearing a collar, they’ll know the dog isn’t a stray, and your dog’s collar identification tags can help them return home.

Since dogs wear collars most of the time, it’s important to choose one that suits your dog well. So, what are the different types of collars, and which type is best for your dog?

Flat Collars (Standard Dog Collars)

Flat collars are what most people picture when it comes to dog collars. They’re made of a flat, adjustable fabric strip. They’re perfect for everyday wear. All dogs need a collar to hold their identification tags, so it’s a good idea to have at least one flat collar for your dog.

You can walk your dog with a flat collar, but in most cases, it’s safer to attach the leash to a harness instead of a collar to prevent choking. If you train your dog not to pull on the leash, attaching the leash to a collar is much safer.

Martingale Collars

Martingale collars are for training purposes. These collars have a loop in the spot that attaches to your dog’s leash. When your dog pulls, the loop causes the collar to tighten slightly. It tightens enough to prevent your dog from slipping out of the collar but not so much that it chokes your dog.

Trainers often recommend using martingale collars because you can teach your dog that when they feel the collar tighten, they should look at you. That way, if they start to pull, they’ll know to stop when the collar gets tighter.

Many dog parents also use this collar for dogs that are flight risks. If your dog has a small head that easily squeezes out of normal collars, a martingale collar is a great alternative because it can prevent them from escaping.

Slip Collars (Slip Leads)

A slip lead is a collar and leash in one. It’s a rope with a loop on the bottom that can tighten around your dog’s neck. Like a martingale collar, a slip lead/collar tightens around your dog’s neck when they pull. However, the main difference is that it can tighten infinitely, which could cause your dog to choke.

Slip leads are great for training because, like martingale collars, you can teach your dog that the leash tightening means to check in with you. Once your dog understands that, slip leads can be a great tool for walking your dog. Yet, they can be dangerous for your dog’s neck if used without any training. So, gradually introduce a slip lead to your dog so they can fully understand what it means.

Harness Collars

In most cases, it makes for sense to use a harness instead of a collar for walks. Harnesses distribute pressure across your dog’s chest and back when they pull, so they won’t choke your dog. They’re especially great for dogs with delicate necks, such as a dog with a collapsed trachea.

Harnesses come in a wide variety of styles, including mesh fabric ones, durable nylon ones, and ones that deter pulling. Most are slightly adjustable, but you’ll need to measure the widest part of your dog’s chest to ensure you get the right size.

Choke Chains and Prong Collars

Punishment-based training collars like choke chains and prong collars are controversial and not recommended by most dog trainers. They cause pain when your dog pulls as a way to teach them to stop. Yet, that training style causes lots of potential problems, such as physical pain, emotional stress, and confusion.

In most cases, these collars do more harm than good. A similar example is shock collars, which shock your dog if they misbehave. If you want your dog to learn new skills and bond with you, it’s better to use training methods that focus on rewarding good behaviours rather than punishing bad ones. So, it’s best to avoid these options.

Leather vs. Nylon Collars

Style isn’t the only important factor when choosing a dog collar. Material matters too. A collar’s material can affect its comfort, cost, and appearance. While collars can come in a wide range of materials, leather and nylon are the most common.

Nylon collars are the most popular because they’re affordable, lightweight, and easy to find. They can come in almost any colour pattern imaginable, so you can find a style that perfectly fits your dog’s personality. Plus, many of them are machine-washable, making them practical for dogs who get dirty often.

Even though nylon collars are the most popular, many dog parents prefer leather collars. Leather collars can be more expensive, but they’re typically more durable and stylish. They usually only come in solid colours. Some dogs are sensitive to nylon, so leather may feel better on their neck. It’s up to you to decide which material is best for your furry friend.

Which Dog Collar Style is Right for You?

There are so many dog collar types out there. To decide which one is right for your canine companion, think about their needs. Most dogs benefit from a flat collar for everyday wear, but you might need a harness for walking. If your dog needs to work on leash manners, a martingale collar or slip lead can be beneficial for training.

No matter what types of collars you get, make sure they’re comfortable for your dog. They should fit tightly around your dog’s neck while still having enough space for you to slide two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. The material should also be soft on your dog’s skin and not cause any irritation.

Most dogs wear collars regularly, so the collar should be comfortable for your dog and have an appearance that fits your dog’s personality.