Types of Dog Collars Which is Best for Your Canine

In this article, we list and describe the six most common types of collars available. In addition we go over each style, and their most common use.

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6 Types of Dog Collars

1.Flat Dog Collar aka Traditional Collar

Above is a Regular Flat Collar on Amazon

The most common type of collar is the flat collar. It has a simple and basic design. Typically a flat collar loops around your dog’s neck closes with a plastic or metal clasp or buckle. In addition this type of collar typically comes with D-rings for attaching a leash and their identification tags.

Flat collars is best for well behaved dog who don’t pull when walking. They are available in a variety of sizes and many are adjustable to get the right fit.

With this said, if your dog tends to pull or is a potential flight risk (in cases such as a new rescue dog, or one that is skittish) then opt for the escape proof harness.

2. Head Dog Collars or Head Halter

Above Image: Amazon, Goodboy Dog Head Collar

Head collars, also known as head halters, is helpful to keep your dog focused on walking straight ahead. These types of dog collars slip over your dog’s nose and attaches behind the ears. Ideal for training your dog to walk without pulling, this style of collar help to redirect your dog’s attention. When using a halter collar it help point your dog’s head in the direction you want to go.

The benefit of a head collar or head halter is that eventually, you will teach your dog to walk with a loose leash and be less distracted. This type of collar is ideal for dogs that tend not to pull. At first this collar may not seem natural to you or your dog as it attaches to the snout.

It is important to note that while these types of collars may be useful for waking but not for daily use or to leave on. Such collar tend to rub the fur on your dog’s face, which may cause irritation.

One last important consideration with a head collar is if they are not used correctly it can pull your dog’s head around and cause injury if pulled taught too fast.

3. Slip Collar aka Choke Chain

When a dog pulls the slipknot design collar aka choke chain tightens around a dog’s neck. The idea is that when the collar is tight a dog will stop stop lunging and pulling. But that is not always the case. If a dog tends to pull they will likely continue to do so unless the get the proper training

In addition if it is used incorrectly choke chain can choke and damage a dogs neck and trachea. These types of choke chains are most often used with strong dogs or untrained dogs. However, with professional training, a slip collar may be helpful to teach your dog to walk without tension on the leash.

 4. Dog Harness Types of Collars for Dogs

Dog Harnesses on Amazon <<

Harnesses are made for dogs of all sizes. They are designed to reduce tension on your dog’s neck and keep a dog secure. Harnesses slip around your dog’s front legs, under the chest and then snaps closed behind the upper part of your dog’s back.

This type of collar is ideal for small breeds, medium and large dog breeds, that are not aggressive and don’t require the reminder of a collar. In addition a harness is ideal for any dog where there is a need to avoid using a strap on their neck and trachea.

While they work well for most dogs it won’t act as a deterrent to stop a dog from lunging. With a little training, your dog may step into the harness directly. Then you snap it together and clip the leash to either a clip located on the chest or the back. Certain harnesses can give you both options.

Attaching your leash to a front clip harness can allow you to regain control by redirecting your dog’s attention toward you. For even greater control, opt for a harness with a specially designed dual leash that attaches to both the front and back clips simultaneously.

Although they can help to avoid neck tension, a harness is not best suited for strong pulling dogs or ones that are tough to control.

In the above image you will see a hybrid type of collar. It is a combination of a flat collar and a choke chain(slip collar), the Martingale collars allows you to better control your dog without causing choking.

It has two loops that allow the collar to rest loosely on your dog’s neck when there’s no tension. As your dog pulls forward, the collar tightens, but only to a certain extent. Once your dog relaxes, the collar loosens.

Who is a martingale collar best suited for? In particular  martingale collar is designed to work on breeds with large necks and small heads, such as whippets and greyhounds. A martingale allows you to slip the collar over their smaller head and while adjusting to help stop them from escaping.

However, like all collars care must be used and training to use this canine collar with care. Even with the collar’s unique design, a martingale collar can continually put tension on a dogs neck and throat if they are constantly pulling and lunging.

See the Martingale Type of Dog Collars on Amazon <

6. Prong or Pinch Type of Collars

One of the most controversial choice of dog collars is the prong or pinch collar. If they are used correctly and with certain breeds it is said they can be effective tool. But when used incorrectly this type of collar can be a abusive and dangerous and in the wrong hands. Prong collars can be painful as well they can cause severe neck injuries.

The prong aka pinch collar have metal or rubber tips spike like pieces that dig into and pinch a dog’s neck. This is in relation to the tension on the collar. The idea is that the pinch is supposed to mimic the mother dog nipping at her pup to correct him. So in effect when a dog feels pain from the collar it will stop pulling. But instead of having the desired result it pain may results in a dog being unnecessarily aggressive.

It is important to know that not every dog will stop pulling while using a prong collar. And since most pet owner are not properly trained to use these pain-inducing collars appropriately the Humane Society have guidelines for proper use. Which include and urging dog owners to either forgo these collars or hire a professional trainer.

A collar is essential for dogs as it allows you to maintain control of your dog.

Finding the the perfect collar or harness may take time, and you may need to invest in a few styles to find the right one. In addition take the time to train with methods such as clicker training, this will not only stop them from pulling and excessive barking but it will help to build your four legged friends confidence.