Leather Dog Collars Buyer’s Guide
As with any purchase, it’s important that you make an informed choice based on proper consideration. Here are some of the most important things to know when looking for the best leather dog collar:
Size & Design
You want your dog to feel comfortable when wearing its collar and that’s why fit is important. Thankfully, most collars are either adjustable or available in different sizes. It’s always a good idea to measure your dog’s neck beforehand to make sure that you get the correct size.
Durability
Leather is one of the most durable materials known to man which is why leather collars are unmatched in quality. But, there are different types of leather, some cheaper than others. You’ll do well to opt for a good quality option even if you need to pay more for it. A collar should also come with a durable metal D-ring that won’t break when you pull on your dog’s leash during walks.
Comfort
You also want a collar that’s comfortable for your dog to wear, one that won’t choke or irritate the coat. Padded collars with a soft leather interior are your best bet in this regard and are the first preference for most dogs.
Style
Style is a personal matter of course, but it’s safe to say that there are plenty of stylish options out there. Some leather collars are designed according to a rustic and vintage style, while others have a more modern and minimalist look.
Most dog collars come in the brown or tan color, but there are other colors out there for those who would prefer a more unique option. Some designs are even specially made to suit a specific outdoor activity – such as hands-free dog leashes. But, the most important thing is to look for durability first and style. Secondly, be sure to choose a color that suits your dog’s personality and temperament.
Keep in mind that it will take a few days to break in a leather collar and your dog might fidget during that time but after that, it’ll become completely comfortable.
To maintain the leather, it’s very important that you clean it whenever necessary and rinse it after every walk. Leather moisturizers are also a good idea if you want to preserve the quality of your dog’s leather collar.
How Tight Should A Dog Collar Be?
Getting a collar for your dog is essential, whether you own a puppy or an adult dog. The collar will help you keep your dog safe and protected as you go for a walk outdoors. You can also attach your contact info and other important details on the collar of your dog. That way, if your dog gets lost accidentally, whoever will find your dog will know whom to call.
These days, you’ll find a wide variety of dog collars in the market. They are available in different sizes, styles, and are made from different materials. But it's extremely important that you exercise caution when attaching the collar on your pet's neck since it tends to go around its neck and might lead to choking.
So how tight should the collar be? To address this question, read on as we talk about how you should attach your dog's collar in a way that your pooch will feel safe and comfortable.
How Much Space Should There Be Between The Collar And Your Dog's Neck?
Considering the things discussed above, it's vital that pet owners are aware of the recommended space that should be between the dog's collar and its neck. If you see a small space in between the collar and your pet's neck, then just leave it there. Otherwise, you'll run the risk of it becoming too loose and allowing your pet to be able to slip easily.
Try to slip your two fingers in between the neck and the leather dog collar, and if they fit snugly, then that should be right. Remember that your two fingers shouldn't feel tight when you push them in.
If you feel that they are too tight, then loosen the collar a bit. But there shouldn't be plenty of space around your fingers, or it will be too loose, and your pet will easily slip through. This method is what dog experts call the two-finger rule.
What About The Width Of The Dog Collar?
You should also consider the collar's width when choosing one for your pet. Small dogs like pugs would feel more comfortable with a thinner collar, but large dogs must have thick and wide collars to accommodate their large neck.
If you're going to use a thin collar on your large dog, this might make it feel uncomfortable while small dogs find thick colors annoying and uncomfortable.
If possible, bring your dog with you as you shop for a collar from a pet store. Get your pet to try the collar before deciding to buy it. The store attendants should be able to offer the best advice when it comes to the right collar for your pet.
Dog Throat Injury From Collar: Here’s What You Need To Know
One of the most important accessories that dogs wear in every single day of their lives is the dog collar. So when it comes to buying a collar for your dog, you should only go for the best. The leather dog collar is, without a doubt, one of the best types of dog collars out there. It's very durable and is guaranteed to last long despite the daily use.
But before you get a leather collar for your pooch, you need to first educate yourself about the dangers of a dog throat injury. Here's everything you need to know about this issue.
What Happens If You Don't Fit the Collar Properly?
Ill-fitting collar will cause your dog's neck to chafe and might eventually lead to long-lasting discomfort and injury to your dog's throat. It's truly unfortunate that some pet owners are not aware of this issue and that's usually because the leather dog collar conceals the abrasion on the skin. Also, dogs are not able to tell their master what it is that's causing the discomfort.
Usually, leather dog collars that are too tight on your dog could irritate its neck and could lead to chaffing. Some of the most common symptoms of a chaffed neck are hair loss, redness, and skinned appearance. The chaffing will usually come in the form of a string or line that mimics the shape of the collar.
Chaffing shouldn't be mistaken for dermatitis or other skin conditions, which usually come with inflammation and itchiness on the wrists, eyes, limbs, ankles, toes, and groin.
What to Do If Your Dog's Neck Gets Injured?
Here are some of the most practical solutions when it comes to addressing your dog's throat injury resulting from the use of dog leather collar.
Loosen Up The Collar
Understandably, if the collar is too tight for your dog, then this will most likely cause injury. When attaching the dog leather collar in your dog's neck, use the two-finger test to ensure that the collar is not too tight. Simply insert your two fingers on the collar and if it's not too loose or too tight, then leave it at that.
Remove Collars That Cause Pain
Don't use any collar that could trigger pain, such as the prong or shock collar. Instead, opt for other types of collars such as the Martingale collar that's made of leather. This is usually safer and more comfortable for your dog and prevents any throat injury.
Train Your Dog How To Walk When On A Collar
If you noticed that your dog tends to pull and strain as it walks with the collar on, then you should train your dog the right way to walk so it will not end up injuring its throat. Teach your dog to walk calmly, and when it does, encourage it by giving it treats.
Consider The Moisture
Usually, a wet or moist collar could trigger the chaffing of your dog's neck. Therefore, make sure you take off the dog leather collar when it becomes wet. Wipe the collar dry before you put it back on your dog's neck.
Treat Chafing Carefully
Minor injury on the throat of your dog resulting from the use of dog leather collar can be treated with salve, which is the same product used in treating nappy rashes. You can also apply coconut oil but keep the neck of your pooch free from the collar while you leave the treatment on.
Dog Collar Materials: What Are They Commonly Made Out Of?
Dog collars are available in a wide range of options. They come in different colors, sizes, and designs. This variety of choices can be overwhelming for most pet owners. Knowing what to choose and what to leave behind requires a lot of research, and it may take more time than you'd expect.
But once you have decided the type of dog collar you want for your pet, the next step would be to pick the right material. A few different materials have been used to make dog collars over the years. Each of the material has its advantages and disadvantages.
Let's dive into our list of some of the common dog collar materials, their advantages, as well as their drawbacks.
Material #1: Neoprene
Neoprene is a type of soft rubber that's reinforced with nylon webbing. It's a highly durable material that can stretch quite easily. Neoprene is also very water resistant.
Pros
- Water resistant
- Great for dogs with allergies
- Very comfortable to wear
- Dries quickly
Cons
- Costs higher than other options
- Designs and styles are limited
- Relatively bulkier compared to things like nylon
Material #2: Leather
Leather is a popular material that is used in dog collars. It has a classic appeal too. Although it costs more than your average dog collar, leather designs will give you long lasting service for years. Leather dog collars are also available in two broad categories. You can decide to go for either flat or rolled up options. Rolled up leather collars are often recommended, especially for dogs that have thick hair.
Pros
- Long lasting service
- Can be cleaned easily
- It's a natural material
- Breathable and doesn't stink
- Great for pets that have regular allergies and skin sensitivity
Cons
- The cost is relatively high
- Limited designs
- Without proper care, it may become smelly after a while
- Comes with colored dies that stain dog fur if used for long
Material #3: Nylon
Similar to leather, nylon dog collars are also very popular. However, nylon offers a much wider variety in terms of both style and design. If you are looking for a collar that also makes a fashion statement on your dog, you will get fanciful design options with nylon.
Pros
- Very affordable designs
- A huge variety of styles, patterns, and designs
- Easy to put on and remove
Cons
- Gets smelly sometimes
- Not nearly as durable as the other options
- Difficult to clean
Material #4: Chain
Chain collars are mostly used for dog training. They are also referred to as choke chains. However, you should never leave your dog unattended while wearing a chain. This is because there's always a risk of strangulation with these types of collars. If used inappropriately, chain collars may cause neck and trachea issues for your dog.
Pros
- Durable material
- Effective in training dogs
- Doesn't stink
Cons
- Shouldn't be used during extreme cold weather
- Incompatible with several leashes
- You can't leave the dog unattended
- Cleaning is very difficult
Does Your Puppy Hate Wearing Collars? Here’s 5 Tips To Help
Getting your puppy a leather dog collar is one of the best decisions you'll make ever as a dog owner. This collar is for their safety and protection because it keeps them from wandering far while you take your pet out for a walk. Also, it's a great tool to use when training your little pup, since it allows you to have full control over your dog.
A leather dog collar is a very useful device to get your pooch's attention and keep it from bolting as you train them. In fact, there are laws in some countries for dog owners to attach a collar on their dog as they take their canine companion for a walk.
If you find it a challenge to get your puppy to wear a leather collar, then here are some useful tips to keep in mind.
Don't Rush It
When introducing a leather collar to your pup, you should take it slow. It will take time for your puppy to get used to it, so don't be very pushy.
The first time you put the leather collar on your dog, leave it there for around five minutes only and take it off. Do this again after half an hour during the first few days, until your dog starts getting used to it.
Attach The Collar Properly
Make sure you attach the collar well enough. This is why when it comes to buying a leather collar for the dog, always choose a size that your puppy will find comfortable wearing.
Apply the two-finger rule where you place two of your fingers in the collar, and if they fit snugly, then that should be the right collar to get for your pooch. Anything tighter will make your little pup feel uncomfortable and might even lead to choking.
Ignore Your Dog's Struggle
Sure, you love your puppy a lot, and you hate seeing it struggle. But try to stay calm and relax. Leave the collar for around five minutes before taking it off. Try to ignore your dog's whining and resist the urge to remove the collar no matter what.
Your pooch might sound like it's hurt, but it's just trying to catch your attention. You should ignore all the fuss and leave the collar for a little while longer before taking it off.
Give Your Little Pup Treats
One effective way to encourage your pooch to wear the leather dog collar is to give it a treat after putting it on. This will make your dog see the leather collar as something good. Then it will not take long for your puppy to start associating the collar with its favorite treats, and it won't refuse to wear it no matter how uncomfortable your little pup finds it.
Remove The Collar When Your Dog Is Calm
Don't remove the leather dog collar while your puppy is making a fuss. Wait until it's calm before taking it off from its neck. That way, your dog will understand that you want it to behave while the collar is on. To make your puppy stay calm and forget about the collar, give it toys to play with.
7 Reasons To Use A Martingale Collar For Your Dog
When looking for a collar to buy for your pooch, you'll probably come across the Martingale collar. This dog collar is ideal for all breeds of dogs, and it's a great choice for pet owners that want to have full control over their pet, whether during training sessions or outdoor walks. Compared to other dog collars in the market, the Martingale collar has more safety features, which is why it comes highly recommended by dog experts.
If that's not enough to convince you, then here are more reasons why you should get a Martingale collar for your pooch.
Helps With Training
If you need a collar for dog training, the martingale collar is a great choice. In fact, this dog collar is made especially for dog training since it slightly tightens whenever your pet attempts to pull the leash. This will give your dog a warning to show it that it isn't supposed to pull.
But there's no need to worry about hurting your pet in the process because the collar will tighten just a little bit and won't choke your pet. If you need to train your dog with good manners while on the leash, then the Martingale collar is a great training tool to use.
Usually Comes With A Leather Collar
Most of the Martingale dog collars are made from durable leather material. Aside from being durable, the leather will look great on your dog's neck. The natural beauty of the leather dog collar looks elegant, and your pooch will surely be the center of attention when you take it for a walk outside.
Of course, when it comes to durability, the leather material will not disappoint. Thus, buying a Martingale leather dog collar is certainly a good idea.
Makes It Difficult For Your Dog To Slip
Dogs are curious animals, and they love to wander around whenever they find something interesting. Sometimes, they will do their best to let go of their collar so that they can escape from you and go to wherever they want to.
If you have a dog that's fond of slipping out of its collar when you go for a walk, the Martingale collar would be your best bet. This collar is especially great for dogs that have narrow heads like the shelties, whippets, and greyhounds. Because of their narrow shaped heads, it's often easier for them to slip through.
Prevents Neck Injuries
As mentioned, collars like the choke and prong collars tend to harm your dog since they keep on getting tighter and tighter whenever your pooch pulls. But this will not be the case with the Martingale collar since it will fit loosely on your dog's neck and will only tighten when necessary. The collar distributes the pressure around the neck evenly instead of only concentrating in a specific area.
It's Safer Than A Choke Collar
As pet owners, the last thing we want is to see our pet whine in pain. With the martingale collar, your pet will be safe and will not suffer from any pain due to choking. It’s much safer and gentler than a choke or prong collar.
These two collars tend to hurt your pet during training, but the Martingale collar will only tighten slightly as some sort of a warning to your pet. It can be used safely in small puppies and even senior dogs.
Gives You Full Control Over Your Pet
There are certain breeds of dogs that have much wider necks making it easy for you to harness them. But this is not the case for breeds with smaller necks and longer necks since they don't stick to a normal leash.
They can simply wiggle their neck away as a sign of protest, and this can be a challenge during training. With the Martingale collar, this problem can be avoided because the collar will allow you to have full control over your pet, even if it has a small or long neck.
It's Very Stylish
You'll find different colors and designs for the Martingale collars and all of them look stylish. For instance, the chain martingale collar is made from heavy-duty nylon on its first loop, and there's a steel chain attached on the second loop. There's also an embroidered nylon martingale collar that will look great on your pooch's neck.