How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be?

A dog collar serves various purposes ranging from the pet’s safety to being a fashion piece and identification mark. An ideal type is the one that perfectly fits your pooch without being too loose or too tight. There are a few things that make a neckband more than just an accessory for your pooch. Also explore different types of pet harness and how tight should a dog collar be here.

What is a Dog Collar?

A collar is a material piece or a strap around a dog’s neck. It is generally used to control and manage a canine and restrain its actions. A neckband is more commonly used with a cable or a leash that helps better control the Fido. The leash is connected to the collar during an outdoor walk.

Why Dog Collar is Needed?

There are many features of a collar that make it important for dogs.

A collar offers a more convenient way of handling dogs. Pet owners can easily control and manage their pet’s movements with the help of a collar. Also, it becomes more comfortable for owners to hold their puppy in busy and crowded places.
A leash can be attached to a collar during walks and outings. It is a conventional method of handling and instructing pooches in their outdoor visits.
It is ideal for restraining pets, as these instil discipline in dogs and protect them from dangerous situations. Also, collars can help contain pets without a crate or kennel.
A dog’s band also acts as an important identification mark with a tag attached with the pet owner’s name and information in case the canine gets lost.
Sometimes, pet collars are also made in use as fashion pieces. Personalized dog collar with the pooch’s name printed on them are used as a part of a canine’s accessory.

Types of Dog Collars

There are a variety of collars available serving different purposes each.

#1 Buckle or Flat Collar

These are traditional types of dog collars. These have a buckle that can fasten and adjust around the pooch’s neck. They are quite convenient to use for all mongrels that tend to lose out of their collars. In addition, tags or IDs can be easily attached to buckle collars.

#2 Breakaway Collars

These are much similar to buckle collars. However, breakaway collars have a clasp or a buckle that can be easily broken by applying enough force. These are more commonly used to avoid strangulation accidents. They can be used as regular collars for dogs while walking or training them.

#3 Safety Stretch Collars

These are specially designed collars to prevent injuries caused due to strangulation. These collars are made stretchable by attaching an elastic band to offer elasticity and stretch to some extent.

#4 Lighted Collars

Lighted collars come with LED fixtures in them, and it lights up the collar and makes a canine more visible in the dark. Such light up dog collar are rechargeable and often come in buckle closures. However, these are not apt for canines that are more inclined to chew.

#5 Reflective Collars

These are ordinary neckbands having a similar purpose as lighted collars. Reflective collars have reflective tape, reflecting light directly falling on them. These collars become more visible as light falls on them.

#6 Floatation Collars

These are a type of buoyancy aid for hounds. Floatation collars are different from life jackets and can be attached to normal pet collars. A lightweight strap is provided to ensure comfort and the pup’s safety. It also allows free movement in the water and prevents any water risks.

#7 Martingale Collars

These bands are perfect to restrain your pooch and handle it comfortably without hurting. It has an extra loop to fasten it around the canine’s neck to prevent them from slipping out of it. The martingale dog collar also offers a great extent of comfort while training a hound.

#8 Flea Collars

Dog flea collars are beneficial for canines and have a long-lasting effect. They contain chemical substances to prevent infestation. These are usually very effective in protecting your pet.

#9 Head Collars

A head collar is used to control dogs and manage their behavior. The straps of this collar also go along the dog’s face wrapping its nose as it focuses on calming and taming a hound.

#10 Shock Collars

Dog shock collar are also known as training collars as these are a part of pet training aids. These direct electrical impulses or stimulations to a pet’s neck with the help of a remote.

#12 Prong Collars

Prong collars are made of chain links connected, opening towards the dog’s neck. They are designed to distribute the pressure exerted by pulling all over the neck instead of a particular point. Check out the following steps for how should you place a prong collar on a pooch and simple tips, here.

#13 Choke Collars

Choke collars are made of interconnected closed chains. These can be loosened or tightened depending on how much pressure is applied on the leash.

The right sized neckband is important for your dog’s safety and comfort. Having a too-loose collar or an extremely tight one can cause adverse effects.

Problems with Loose Collars

Having a collar that is too loose for your pooch can become a great escape for it. The pup can easily slip out of the collar or find a way out. It would ultimately pose grave dangers to your dog.
It can even lead to injuries. Canines, particularly puppies, can try to bite to chew the extra piece of their collars, causing mouth or jaw injuries.
Skin infection or irritated skin is also a major drawback of loose neckbands. The free or loose portion can rub against the dog’s body, causing irritation and infection in that region.

Problems with Tight Collars

First of all you must know how should a dog harness fit? The most common problem that occurs due to tight neck bands is choking. As these are too tightly fitted around the dog’s neck, they can easily choke their airways, leading to breathing problems.
Tight bands can also result in injuries in neck muscles, around the neck and windpipe. As tight collars would exert too much pressure around their neck, it can cause severe damage to the neck areas.
Skin infection is a common problem in both loose and tight collars. Tight gripping bands would also rub tightly against the skin, causing irritation and infection.

How to Measure Dog Collar?

#1 Method

You know how tight should a dog harness be? A normal neckband should perfectly fit around the neck without being too loose or too tight. Its grip should be perfect for keeping the dog from sliding away. A common way to take a proper size dog collar is the two-finger method.

In this method, you require to place the index finger and the middle finger in between the band and your pet’s neck.
If the fingers easily glide through the space, the neckband is a perfect fit for your dog.
Also, ensure that you can comfortably move your fingers between the gap to ensure the canine’s comfort.
However, if you need to push your fingers with extra force to glide into space, do not try doing so.
This can be uncomfortable for your pet as the band is not of the correct size.
Keep in mind to check the band at regular time intervals to know if the neckband is comfortable or changed.

#2 Method

Use a measuring tape or a piece of string.
Wrap the string or measuring tape around the dog’s neck from a few inches down the neck.
Consider measuring along the thickest area of the pooch’s neck.
Pull the tape to a length comfortable enough.
Make sure not to make it too tight.
Allow some space between the collar and neck for two of your fingers to slide through

Make sure to know what is the recommended space between a dog’s collar and it’s neck? Otherwise, you can measure his neck and then add a few inches extra to get the final measure of the collar. The following is a basic measurement guide for the neck and its corresponding collar sizes.

Extra small for neck size for 8 to 11 inches
Small for neck size 10 to 15 inches
Medium for neck size 14 to 19 inches
Large for neck size 19 to 24 inches
Extra-large for neck size 24 to 30 inches

Conclusion

Collars are an essential part of dog accessories. Before choosing any accessory, always consider looking into the different varieties that best suit your doggo. Also, ensure that the collar you purchase is adequate according to your pet’s age, weight, strength and behaviour. A big sized neckband not only secures the hound but also guarantees comfort and safety during training.