Monday, April 16, 2018

Guest Post :: Everything You Need To Know About Dog Collars

If you follow my Instagram then you know that I have two dogs, Coco and Ella, and have the biggest soft spot for any type of dogs. Does any one else have dogs that identify more as children than animals, or is that just me… Sometimes it seems it is easy to overlook all the things a pup might require and the research that goes into some dog products at times. When Cassy sent me her guest post about everything you need to know about dog collars I was intrigued right away. I’m one of those people that buys dog collars based on the cute factor alone, but Cassy brings up so many great points in her article. After all, dog collars are one of the things that your furry friend wears almost all the time so you want to pick the right one!
If you’re new to dogs or are simply trying to look up information in preparation for picking one up, then you might be wondering: is it really necessary to get a collar for your dog? They look painful to wear, right? Not only that, but it seems cruel to keep something like that on your dog all the time.

We’re here to tell you that yes, a collar is not only important in dog care but it’s practically a necessity, one that can really help your dog stay safe and healthy. The following is a list of everything you need to know about dog collars.

·       *  There are different types of collars, each one designed for a different purpose. Contrary to what new owners – and even experienced ones – may think, there are many more types of collars out there besides the usual leather buckle collar we see on dogs every day. In fact, each one has its own unique purpose and role in a dog’s life. For example, a good martingale collar can help train dogs to stop pulling and yanking on their leash every time they’re walked, as they are designed to gently tighten around the dog’s neck the more they try to pull their owner along in front of them. This of course results in them being choked, but the collar loosens as soon as they pull back and relax on it.

Another type of collar is the ‘fur saver’ collar, which is a collar made up of large links. As its name suggests, its design protects the dog’s fur from being pulled or chafed, as the large links allow for the dog’s long coat to slip freely through them and not get pinched or tangled. So when buying your dog a collar, ensure that the type you’re buying is perfect for your dog. If you’re confused, be sure to ask a veterinarian or a professional groomer about it.

·       *A dog collar helps keep your dog out of danger. One of the biggest things that a dog collar can do is to help protect your dog from the many dangers of the outside world. While our dogs do have a survival instinct – it’s why we see so many stray dogs all over the place – remember that our dogs are domestic pets, and they rely on us for safety and security.

A dog collar helps do that by not just being a convenient way to attach your contact information on them through dog tags, but also in securing your dog to a specific location so that they won’t wander off and get hurt in the process. In fact, one of the biggest reasons why dogs end up getting lost or missing is because their owners either didn’t get them a dog collar or they bought one that the dog can easily pull off.

·       * A dog collar helps in the training and instilling discipline in your dogs. No matter how much we love our dogs and see them as our best friend, we must also recognize the fact that dogs are inherently pack animals that look for a dependable and reliable master – an alpha – to follow and be a companion to.

Without this element, the relationship between dog and owner may become dysfunctional to the point that the dog can be a danger to itself and others. This is where a dog collar is really important, as it allows owners to exert their authority on their pet in a firm but painless way. One example of this is when we use a collar and leash setup to keep them at our side, preventing them from wandering off or snapping at other dogs.

·        * The material the dog collar is made of matters. There are many dog collars out in the market today, with many different styles and aesthetics that you can freely choose from. However, you need to take into consideration the material your dog collar is made up of before buying it, as it’s been proven that certain materials can induce skin irritation and allergies in certain dogs.

To play it safe, choose a collar that’s made up of nylon webbing, as it ensures that the collar is not only durable but also hypoallergenic. A collar that’s made up of hemp fiber is also a great choice, sporting the same benefits as nylon collars but also has the added bonus of being friendlier to the environment. On the other hand, collars made up of steel may seem like a sterile choice, but dogs have been known to develop allergies to the substance, so take that into consideration.

You don’t have to spend too much to properly take care of a dog. In fact, you can still have a happy and healthy dog even without many of the accessories sold commercially today. However, one of the things your dog cannot definitely go without is a dog collar. Without it, you are effectively compromising their health and safety.

5 comments:

  1. Such great advice! Thanks for the guidance!

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  2. My little one, Bono, the rock-star Maltese, wears his red collar when we go outside, along with a red halter, a soft fabric one which clasps in 2 places. I don't ever use just the collar for his leash as I think it chokes them, so the halter, which is wide enough to hold them securely is my answer. Yep, he's my kid. No doubt about it.

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    Replies
    1. I use a harness for Ella too when she goes for a walk outside; I'm always so afraid that the collar is somehow going to pop off and I think the harness is more comfortable for her as well.

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  3. Such great advice! Thanks for the guidance!

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