If you are a dog owner, then you can agree that leashes, harnesses, and collars are must-haves. Your furry friend can easily wander off and get injured as they explore their environments. So, keeping them safe and managing their whereabouts are top priorities, and these tools can greatly help.
This article highlights some quality collars you can buy and their purpose. It also answers questions like how tight should a dog collar be, how to put on a harness, how to stop a from pulling on a leash, and more.
Tactical Dog Collar with Handle
Specs
- Manufacturer: Spark Paws
- Breed Recommendation: Pitbulls, Labradors, German Shepherds
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 10.79 x 5.51 x 1.93 inches
- Size: L: 80-150 lbs [1.5″ wide]
- Item Weight: 8.4 ounces
- Age Range Description: Adult dogs
- Care Instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth; air dry
- Customer rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars, 332 ratings
The Tactical Dog Collar by Spark Paws is a user-friendly tool designed to help you take full control of your dog during training or walks. It has been fit-tested on over 10,000 dogs, including the most enthusiastic pullers. You can rely on it to easily guide and handle your pet, even in difficult situations. The handle also offers a firm grip while reducing strain on the dog’s neck.
Made with premium-grade nylon and metal alloy buckle, this collar is built to last, making it perfect for adventurous outings. The interior is soft and mainly padded with neoprene. This ensures a gentle and comfortable fit while protecting your dog from irritation and chafing. As a heavy-duty dog collar, Tactical is ideal for the strongest and biggest dogs like Great Danes, German Shepherds, Pitbulls, American Bulldogs, Boxers, Rottweilers, Labradors, etc.
Made to ROAM Premium Dog Collar
Specs
- Manufacturer: Flowe Incorporated
- Breed Recommendation: All breed sizes
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 23 x 1.5 x 0.04 inches
- Size: Classic 4
- Item Weight: 2.11 ounces
- Age Range Description: All life stages
- Care Instructions: Soak in water with a small amount of detergent for 1 hour. Use a soft bristled brush to scrub the nylon. Wipe metal hardware with a damp cloth. Hang to dry.
- Customer rating: 4.7 stars out of 5, 8,069 ratings
Made to ROAM Premium Dog Collar is an accessory that blends fashion and functionality. It’s created with double-layered 1000D nylon webbing strengthened with multiple stitching lines. This makes the collar long-lasting and able to withstand different kinds of outdoor adventures. It also features a 3-inch/4-inch nylon handle wrapped in vegan leather, offering both comfort and control for easy handling.
Fitted with a sturdy, high-quality, quick-release metal buckle, Made to ROAM ensures you can quickly unlock your dog in case of an emergency. The collar is weatherproof; no need to worry about it getting damaged by rust or other elements.
Easy and quick leash attachment is made possible by a durable D ring featured. There’s also a designated small D ring for handling all your pet’s tags. The collar comes in different colors and 3 different widths— 0.5″, 1″ and 1.5″ wide—providing room to custom fit your collar to your dog.
Slip Collar with Adjustable Stopper and Slidable Stop Ring
Specs
- Manufacturer: Aiminto
- Breed Recommendation: Medium
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 7.44 x 4.33 x 0.71 inches
- Size: M(1/3″) – 18″ Long with stopper
- Item Weight: 1.76 ounces
- Age Range Description: All life stages
- Care Instructions: Wipe with a damp cloth as needed. Avoid submerging in water
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 605 ratings
Manufactured by Aiminto, the Slip Collar with Adjustable Stopper and Slidable Stop Ring helps keep your dog safe and on leash. You can customize the fit to ensure comfort without putting undue pressure on your dog’s neck.
The collar integrates a premium-grade polyester material and leather, adding to its robustness and durability. It’s also easy to clean as it requires a quick wipe with a damp cloth, preventing odor buildup. No matter where you are, be it in town, home, part, or the forest, the collar allows you to train the dog on the go.
Featuring an adjustable stop ring, this slip collar ensures your dog doesn’t get choked from tightness. While you may find the O-ring a bit challenging to adjust initially, this feature is crucial for keeping the collar secure during use. Generally, Aiminto braided dog collar doesn’t break or wear out easily; you can trust it to serve you for a long time.
TSPRO Tactical Dog Collar
Specs
- Manufacturer: TSPRO
- Breed Recommendation: Large dogs
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 23 x 1.5 x 0.04 inches
- Size: L-for neck size (adjustable 20.5″-23.5″)
- Item Weight: 6.5 ounces
- Age Range Description: Adult
- Care Instructions: Hand wash in cold water, air dry
- Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars, 3,402 ratings
TSPRO Tactical Dog Collar comes in different neck sizes. Whether you want to train your dog on obedience, prevent pull or just have a leisurely walk, you are sure to find the ideal size. However, the collar is contraindicated for dogs weighing less than 20 lbs or 9kg.
The collar is crafted with thick nylon material for durability. It’s also comfortable to wear, thanks to the soft padded lining in the interior part. Want your dog to look stylish and stand out even in a collar? That’s possible. With TSPRO, you have many color options to choose from—green, orange, pink, red, silver, yellow, blue, and more.
A D-shaped metal ring is featured for attaching a dog leash to keep your pet under control and remain close to you during training sessions or walks. And when it comes to design, TSPRO goes for simplicity. It runs with 4 adjustable points for easy attachment and adjustment to ensure a comfortable fit.
Hikiko Martingale Collar for Dogs
Specs
- Manufacturer: Hikiko
- Breed Recommendation: Medium
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 9.84 x 1.77 x 0.73 inches
- Size: Medium
- Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Age Range Description: All life stages
- Care Instructions: Clean after use
- Customer rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars 2, 001 ratings
The Hikiko Martingale Collar is an ideal option for your puppy or dog, especially if they are struggling with leash pulling or other behavioral challenges. Recommended by vets and trainers, the collar gives you control over your furry friend. It gently tightens when your dog pulls to prevent the behavior. Unlike traditional choke collars, martingale doesn’t strangle your dog or cause discomfort.
Hikiko has crafted this collar for durability. The company uses tough nylon material and heavy-duty hardware to ensure it doesn’t loosen or break easily, even under pressure. A quick-release buckle adds peace of mind, enabling you to open the collar quickly during an emergency.
The collar is available in various colors and sizes, ranging from extra small to extra large, to meet your dog’s unique needs. In addition to these, the martingale features a reflective design to enhance visibility during nighttime walks. Whether you want the collar for daily use or training, you are sure to get comfort, style, and functionality from Martingale in a single, reliable package.
Tuff Pupper Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar
Specs
- Manufacturer: Tuff Pupper
- Breed Recommendation: All breed sizes
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 13 x 0.5 x 0.11 inches
- Size: X-Small (10 – 13″ Neck)
- Item Weight: 1.62 ounces
- Age Range Description: Not specified
- Care Instructions: Wipe clean with a damp cloth
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars, 5,330 ratings
In need of a dog collar that can handle even the most adventurous pups? You may want to check out this Classic Heavy Duty Dog Collar from Tuff Pupper. It boasts a 3mm thick ballistic polymer weave, a very tough material that’s resistant to tearing and fraying. This makes the collar 10 times stronger than the conventional leather or nylon collars, guaranteeing extreme durability.
The buckle and other metal parts feature premium rust-proof brass, so they can’t corrode easily or break down over time, even in wet conditions. The collar is also waterproof and can spend countless hours in the rain, snow, or ocean without the material getting worn out. And because of that, you don’t have to worry about stinking, no matter how muddy your dog gets.
Tuff Pupper is available in vibrant colors, including sky blue, punch pink, and royal purple, just to mention a few. Constructed with a leather-like grain finish, this product gives your pup an elegant, elite look. You’ll also love that the collar is light and doesn’t exert undue pressure on your dog’s neck. Is your dog small, medium, or large in size? There’s a perfect match for each. Just choose the correct size for their neck, and the collar will rest comfortably.
SGODA Chain Dog Training Choke Collar
Specs
- Manufacturer: SGODA
- Breed Recommendation: Large breeds
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 2 x 2 x 0.5 inches
- Size: 22 inch, 3.0mm
- Item Weight: 2 ounces
- Age Range Description:
- Care Instructions: Not specified
- Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars, 7,818 ratings
Does your dog exhibit wrong behavior? Maybe he’s ignoring your commands, pulling on the leash, chasing after cars or jumping on people randomly. If so, you need a gentle yet effective solution like the SGODA Chain Dog Training Choke Collar. It’s trusted and used by many trainers to correct unwanted behavior without harming your pet. Made from stainless steel, the collar features a chain design that provides better handling during training sessions.
Using the collar is easy. Just slide the chain through one of the loops to form a collar. Also, remember to leave about 2 inches for adjustment based on your dog’s neck size to ensure a proper fit and added safety.
You don’t have to worry about the collar rusting, tarnishing, or breaking during training, thanks to the strong and durable steel material used. This makes SGODA great for large breeds like German shepherds and Pit Bulls. It offers a safe alternative to traditional choke chains, helping you train your dog effectively while prioritizing their comfort and well-being.
Things to consider when choosing the collar for your Pitbull
Choosing a collar for your Pitbull may sound easy. After all, it’s just an ordinary accessory on the neck that also helps with handling and training the dog, you may say. Picking a collar at random just because it looks nice and comfortable is not enough. You need to factor in these features:
Material
The material used to make the collar matters, and for good reasons. It determines its durability, comfort, and safety. Go for materials like nylon, leather, or steel (for metal-based collars). It could be that you are short on cash or don’t mind spending just to get a classy collar for your canine; whatever the case, ensure you pick a collar material that offers value for money.
Size
You don’t want a collar that’s too tight or too loose. It’s a good idea to measure the size of the pet’s neck to get the right fit before acquiring one. Luckily, vendors usually indicate the collar sizes they offer, making it easier to find the ideal size for your pet.
Safety features
In addition to size and material, you should also consider safety features like buckles or clasps that don’t easily come undone. Look for options that integrate reflective strips, especially if you want to perform some nighttime activities with your pit bull.
What are the types of dog collars and their purpose?
There are many options available, and here is a list to help you out:
Tactical Pitbull Collar with Handle
The Pitbull is an aggressive and strong-willed dog, so you need a solid collar to handle and keep it on a leash. An ordinary collar just won’t suffice. There’s the risk of breakage, discomfort, injury, or even loss since you don’t get value for money. That’s why a specialized collar, like the Tactical Pitbull Collar with Handle, is essential.
Often designed with tough, thick material, this collar type enables you to control your large breed canine while ensuring their safety. It’s also padded to prevent irritation and offer comfort against pulling pressures.
The Tactical Pitbull Collar is adjustable, allowing you to adjust it as your dog grows or gains weight; there is no need to buy a new one anytime these changes occur. Tactical collars from Spark Paws and TSPRO are great options to loot at. If your dog has sensitive neck or breathing issues, consider getting a tactical dog harness instead. It offers the same functionality but better support for your Pit Bull.
Breakaway Dog Collar
If your dog is the adventurous type, then you know how scary it can be when they get caught in bushes, furniture, or fences during explorations. Such situations can easily lead to serious injury or strangulation. Having a breakaway dog collar is a great way to mitigate such accidents.
Like tactical collars, the breakaway collar is built with durability and strength in mind, usually featuring materials like nylon or leather. This provides a strong grip on your canine. It also includes a quick-release mechanism that enables you to quickly release the collar when necessary to protect your pet from injury.
Depending on your preferences, you can choose from different color options, including stylish ones. Who said a collar can’t accessorize your pet even when offering safety?
Slip Collar
A slip collar is an ideal option if you want to instill etiquette in a dog that tends to pull on a leash. It’s also known as a training or choke collar and features a looped design. The material (leather, chain, or leather) is built to form a loop around the dog’s neck. There’s no buckle closure. When the dog pulls or lunges, the collar becomes tight while applying slight pressure to alert it to stop putting tension on the leash.
Slip collars are known to be effective but present a choking hazard if not properly used. Therefore, ensure you familiarize yourself with the item before purchasing it. Also, learn about the safety measures to apply during use. If you are searching for an ideal collar of this type, be sure to check the Slip Collar by Aiminto. It includes an adjustable stopper and a slidable stop ring to ensure safety.
Wide Collar
As the name suggests, this collar is relatively wider than standard collars. The goal is to offer extra support and safety. This makes it a go-to option for dog owners handling powerful dogs like Greyhounds, Pitbulls, Great Danes and Mastiffs with large necks. The wide design ensures that force is evenly distributed to a greater area, preventing injury or strain during training or pulling. It’s also ideal for pets with sensitive skin, given they offer a broader resting area.
If you have been using a regular-width dog collar for your breed, consider stopping. It may be doing more harm than good. Unlike wider collars, pressure is normally centralized, so it may cut into the dog’s neck, leading to possible injuries or infections over time. Your Pitbull or Great Dane deserves better. Ensure you get a wide collar for optimal comfort.
Martingale Collar
Martingale can be easily mistaken for a regular dog collar. At a glance, they look the same, but what distinguishes Martingale is the feature that allows it to tighten when the dog pulls. The collar is sometimes termed as limited-slip or no-slip.
It’s important to note that a Martingale dog collar differs from a choke collar. The latter lacks a safety mechanism that prevents choking. On the contrary, Martingale’s design focuses on safety, ensuring your dog doesn’t choke despite the pulling pressure.
If your dog has a narrow head and is at a greater risk of slipping out of a collar, a Martingale collar comes highly recommended. It offers nice features, including durable material, user-friendliness, heavy-duty hardware, a quick-release buckle, multiple size and color options, and a reflective design. On that note, why don’t you check out the Martingale collar from Hikkiko? You are sure to be impressed and get more value for money!
Custom Leather Collar
There’s something about leather that screams quality, durability, and style. You love your canine friend and can spend any amount for them to look good. In this case, getting this collar type for your pet shouldn’t be a big deal.
One of the great things about this collar is that you can customize it and add decorative elements to enhance its overall look and uniqueness. Not to mention the many color options offered.
The leather material is generally comfortable for your dog, even with sensitive skin. It is inherently durable and can outlast most collars in the market. With correct care, the collar can serve your dog for many years, saving you substantial money in the long run. Cleaning it is also a breeze and doesn’t get easily damaged when exposed to water for prolonged periods.
Chain Collar
The chain collar stands out from the usual collars made of nylon, rubber, or leather. It looks more of a bling and accessory than a tool for handling and managing your dog.
Generally, chain collars are made of metal links that tighten around your dog’s neck in case they pull on the leash, enabling them to walk and behave well. The good about this collar is its ability to hold persistently stubborn dogs, including Pitbulls. In addition, it’s durable and doesn’t rust easily, thanks to a coating feature that prevents water from penetrating and damaging it.
The collar isn’t heavy, so it’s easy to handle. Various color options and sizes are available to suit different needs. If your dog doesn’t have a chain collar, why don’t you look at the SGODA Chain Dog Training Chock Collar? It includes some interesting features that will wow you.
How to Adjust the Collar Size for My Dog?
Follow the steps below to make the adjustment:
- Make the buckle loose or release the strap from the collar.
- Lengthen or shorten the collar as necessary.
- Place the collar on your pet while ensuring it sits there comfortably without slipping off.
How to Clean a Dog Collar?
The method you apply on cleaning may be determined by the material used on the collar, but generally speaking, the process below should help you:
- Dip a washing cloth on warm water and put a small amount of washing-up liquid or dog shampoo on it.
- Rub the collar gently with the cloth.
- Once done, wash the cloth to remove the soap and rinse it.
- Wipe the collar again and leave it to dry. Never put a damp collar on your pet’s neck, as this could cause bacterial growth and infection.
How to Measure a Dog Collar?
Measuring a dog collar involves the following:
- Use measuring tape to measure your canine’s neck circumference. Place the tape gently around the neck, ensuring it’s not too tight to get the right measurement.
- Adding a few extra inches to the dog’s neck size is always a good practice to get an ideal collar size. In this case, you can add two inches to the measurement or leave room for two fingers between the neck and collar.
- Then, select a collar that aligns with your dog’s size.
How to Leash Train a Dog?
Leash training is essential as it helps your dog behave appropriately during walks. It also promotes safety and allows you to maintain control over your dog. Here is a step-by-step process to guide you in the training:
- Let the dog get familiar with the leash, collar, or harness first. Allow them to explore or play with it for a while before wearing it. Consider offering treats or praises when your pet interacts with the leash to encourage them to accept it.
- Practice using the leash indoors or in a regulated area before going outside. A quiet, familiar place makes the dog feel comfortable and less anxious for hassle-free training. After securing the leash and collar, encourage them to follow you while increasing your steps gradually. You can use fun cues like “This way” or “Follow me” for the behavior to stick. With practice, the dog should begin walking closely to you.
- Practice the leash outdoors, ideally around the home. Don’t go to far places yet. Select a place with minimal distractions, put the canine on a leash, and give them the freedom to explore the area. Then, place a treat on the ground in front of you to get their attention to start walking. You can continue placing the treats or use cues to encourage your pet to continue walking.
- Practice walking in other environments, like busy treats or parks, using the techniques mentioned above.
How to Stop Dog from Pulling on Leash?
Your dog may pull the leash sometimes when they get distracted. Even if you become annoyed, don’t yell or yank back as this could make the situation worse. Your pet may become agitated and even hurt themselves.
Pulling may also be caused by slow pace, a short leash, discomfort, or perceived danger. So, it’s important to understand the reasons behind the behavior, especially if it’s not typical.
If the pulling is simply a case of misbehavior, try standing still. Don’t move until the dog comes back to you. Only resume your walk once the leash is loose. This instills discipline and teaches the dog that pulling isn’t tolerated and won’t get them to their destination. In case you notice that pulling has become a persistent issue, consider reassessing your dog’s training to address it appropriately.
How to Put on a Dog Harness?
There are different types of harnesses, so the installation process may differ, but not that much. Here’s a general guide for correct installation:
- Unbuckle the straps.
- With your dog sitting or standing, place the harness over their head. The larger loop should go over the head and rest on the shoulders.
- Position the buckles over your dog’s body, securing them around the chest/midsection.
- Take the other side of the buckles and slide them under your dog’s front legs, then secure them in place.
- Adjust the straps as necessary to attain a comfortable fit.
How to Measure a Dog for a Harness?
Measuring your pet for a harness is vital to ensuring safety, comfort, and a suitable fit. Here’s how you do it:
- Begin by measuring the dog’s girth, which is the widest part of the chest, just under the front legs. Place a measuring tape around this area to get the size.
- Next, measure the dog’s neck, especially around the base.
- Get accurate measurements of the dog’s length (from where the collar sits to the base of the tail).
- Refer to the vendor’s sizing chart with your dog’s measurements to identify the correct fit. Ensure the harness you get leaves room for two fingers between it and the dog, just like with a collar.