The Basics of Dog Collars

---

     Dog collars are one of the most common accessories for canine pets. This is mostly because they are mandatory in most countries, so in cases that your pet will get lost, they can be easily identified and returned to the rightful owner.

Aside from giving them an identity, dog collars have a lot of other uses as well. This is why these items come in a wide variety of designs and makes, as there would most likely be a collar that will match your dog's size, personality, and training.

There are two general types of dog collars, the regular ones and those for training. Regular collars consist of:

1. Buckle or flat collars that are normally made of nylon or leather. They're closed by a buckle, which can either be the belt or quick release types. They also normally come with a loop, where you can fasten the leash for walking.

2. Flea collars are treated with chemicals that can repel fleas and keep your dog clean and healthy. These aren't commonly used as primary collars.

3. Stud collars are one of the most common types that you can see around today. Its original purpose was to protect the dog from being bitten in the neck, but nowadays, it's more of a fashion accessory than a gear.

4. Elizabethan collars are the open soft plastic cones that are used to prevent the dog from scratching or licking his wounds, so it won't get infected. Non pet owners find these items weird at times.

5. Safety stretch collars are ideal for dogs that like to squeeze themselves in different places, which can lead them to getting strangled. Made of elastic, yet sturdy materials, these collars can help your adventurous dog keep himself safe from asphyxiation.

If you're training your dog, these items may not be the most ideal for use. Especially if you own a really big canine, then you'll need something that will give you extra support and easier control over your pet. Some of the things that you can consider for such purposes are the following:

1. Slip collars are usually used to train dogs to keep still. This is through the process of positive reinforcement, using the technique where the collar will constrict when the dog tries to move away. This normally coerces dogs into keeping themselves in the heel position.

2. Martingales are most ideal for Sight hounds because they tend to easily slip off regular collars, as their necks are larger than their heads. They can be considered as the most secure of all the products in this line, making them a standard in kennels and animal shelters.

3. Prongs or pinch collars are also designed for positive reinforcement. With the blunt open ends that are pointed towards your dog's neck, they can easily prevent the dog from pulling, as they'll definitely get a subtle pinching where the blunted points touch them.

4. Lighted collars are most ideals for dogs that are used for patrolling at night. As the name suggests, these collars have tiny bulbs, so they can be visible in the dark. These normally prevent them from getting in accidents or lost while out in the evenings.

5. Shock collars are probably the most ideal tools for training dogs because they emit mild electric vibrations, signals, or tones to train them in having controlled and desired traits.

These are the most basic dog collars that you can find in the market today. Hopefully, it helps you find the right one to use on your beloved pet.