Selecting the Right Collar and Leash for Dogs

Dog collars and leashes come in a wide variety of colors, styles, fabrics, and sizes. This will be one of your first purchases for your newly acquired pet. Dog collars and leashes help teach and lead when you’re in training mode. The collar should always have a tag that includes your name, address, and phone number in case your pet gets lost. Most cities in the US have an “Leash Law” which means you must be in full control of your dog at all times outside of the house.

The different types of collars for your dog include:

Necklaces with charms that can be personalized with initials, designs, nicknames, purchasing the charms separately.

Jeweled necklaces are usually made of nylon and come with rhinestones in different shapes and sizes.

Leather collars are always a classic and can come studded in various shapes, spiked, patent leather, flat or rolled.

Nylon collars can be cushioned, padded, reflected and dry very quickly. These come in many different colors including camo.

Designer necklaces can be found with sterling silver designs and brass hooks, real gemstones, and are very unique and trendy.

Training collars can be useful for dogs that are a bit more aggressive or stubborn. Shock collars give a jolt when incorrect behavior is displayed with a buzzing or tingling sound. These are also used to train hunting dogs and dogs that bark constantly.

The different types of leashes for your dog include:

Cable straps are plastic-coated steel cables and are not extremely flexible. These are similar to the cable you wrap around your bike to protect it from theft.

Nylon is usually single ply and can come in a variety of designs, colors, and sizes. These also come adjustable for two dogs with a “Y” in the middle for less tangling.

Leather straps will always be the favorites. They are strong and durable with many different designs, including a flat shape and double twist for added strength.

Retractable leashes give your dog a little more freedom when walking. They have a braking system for added safety and come with a hard or soft plastic handle. There are different length ranges available.

When shopping for your new collar or leash, consider your dog’s size and weight. A small, lightweight collar would be great for a Yorkie, but would not be suitable for a Great Dane. A heavy chain leash would weigh down a small Pomeranian, but would be ideal for a Rottweiler. You should be able to fit at least two fingers between your dog’s neck and collar to ensure the correct fit, and as your pup grows, be sure to check that the collar is tight. If you live in an area that frequently rains, you may want to choose a collar and leash that are resistant to rust and corrosion to avoid buying a new one every month.