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 a 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 to 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.
Related: Best Chew-Proof Dog Collar
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.
Related: Best Dog Collar For Pulling
Dog Throat Injury From Collar: Here’s What You Need To Know
One of the most important accessories that dogs wear 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 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?
An 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 a 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 to 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 a 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 materials 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
- 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
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