Is a Custom Dog Collar Safe for Your Dog?
Dog owners love it when their pets look fashionable and trendy. At least, that’s true for me and my dog. I always make sure my dog uses a custom dog collar. There are so many types of collars for dogs out there. But it’s still a puzzle to a lot of people whether dog collars are safe or not. Before you buy a dog collar, please review this article to make sure you won’t hurt your dog.
Different Types of Dog Collars
1. Flat and Rolled Collars. Flat and rolled collars are the most common collars. That’s because they’re the most convenient to slip on and off. They’re also handy because they can hold the license, rabies, and identification tags.
Although flat and rolled collars retain their size, the collar can be hazardous to dogs. Dogs playing with other dogs roughly can get their mouth caught in another dog’s flat and rolled collar. This causes panic in one or both dogs. When they struggle to get loose, the collar may tighten and cause suffocation.
Another downside to this type of collar is that it causes pressure in the dogs’ eyes. According to studies, when a dog pulls the leash while wearing this collar, it raises the pressure in the eye.
2. Choke Chains. Choke chains are another type of dog collar. They’re only intended for training purposes. As you train your dog to walk on a heel and leash, you can easily make corrections by tugging on the leash. But doing that can cause the collar to close on your dog’s neck.
These collars are no longer recommended because they can hurt your dog’s neck. If you still use a choke chain, you should learn how to use it. Use it with caution and don’t leave your dog unattended with a choke chain.
3. Martingale Collars. Martingale collars are also called greyhound collars or limited slip collars. They are used in preventing dogs from slipping out of the collars while they’re walking on a leash. Just like choke chains, Martingale collars tighten when you tug the leash. But there’s a stopping mechanism which prevents complete closure on the dog’s neck.
People don’t use these collars the way they use choke chains. Rather, they use them because they’re less likely to slip over their dogs’ head.
4. Pinch Collars. Pinch collars are just as old as choke chains when it comes to dog training correction. They’re commonly called “power steering” by traditional trainers. That’s because you don’t need to exert much physical strength in getting an effective jerk.
Although others see pinch collars as a torture device, they’re a lot safer compared to choke chains. They produce less pressure on the dog’s neck when you jerk the leash. That’s because the surface area is greater compared to that of a choke chain.
5. Harness. Another popular type of dog collar is a harness. Dog harnesses are designed in a way where dog owners can place them around their dog’s abdomen and chest. It also crosses over the back.
You can attach the leash to the top of the harness. A lot of people prefer to use harnesses instead of collars. That’s because dogs tend to pull their leash and end up hurting themselves. Harnesses are safe to use and don’t put pressure on the dogs’ neck.
Some dog trainers think that harnesses only encourage pulling. They also think that leash-and-collar training needs to be enforced. However, harnesses can be perfect for dogs with medical problems.
6) Head Collars. Halters or head collars resemble muzzles. But they have a different purpose. Head collars act more like a harness for the head. The purpose is to help train dogs to walk on a heel and a leash. When a dog tries to pull the leash, the head collar will make the head turn. This helps in correcting the dog’s behavior.
If used properly, head collars will successfully discourage the dog from pulling the leash. But dog owners shouldn’t leave their dogs unattended with a head collar on.
There you have it. It’s an overview of the different types of dog collars and harnesses. There’s no such thing as a perfect dog collar. They’re all tools for training. But some of them are likely to cause problems for your pet. If you know how to use it properly, you shouldn’t have a problem with your dogs.
Where to Find Safe Dog Collars and Harnesses?
Dog parents who are looking for safe dog collars and harnesses can shop at My Custom Pet Supplies. They have everything your pet needs. They’ll also help you choose the one that’s best for your pet. Below are the popular types you can select from.
1)Flat Collars. They’re usually made of leather and nylon. They’re easy to use and they’re good for most dogs. They come in different colors, but you can choose your own custom dog collar. This will not only make your pet look adorable. It will also serve as an adorable name tag holder.
2)Martingale Collars. These look just like the flat collars, except that they use hoops. The small hoop attaches the collar to the leash while the large hoop goes around the neck. These are safe to use because they don’t constrict the dog’s neck or throat when they pull the hoop. Although they come in various colors, you can still choose your custom design.
3)Clip harnesses. They’re available with the clip at the back or front of the harness. Using a clip harness depends on your dog’s skills. Is your dog able to walk with a loose leash? The back design is the best option for dogs with smaller builds. The front design is perfect for easier steering while walking your dog with a leash.
As always, make sure you supervise your dog when wearing a custom dog collar or harness. Doing this will prevent any discomfort or choking hazards while your pet is left unattended.
