Five Tips for Finding the Right Small Dog Collar

If you’re looking to purchase your first dog collar, there are some important things you need to consider before purchasing small dog collars. Just follow these five tips for finding the perfect collar for your precious pup.

1. A dog collar serves several different purposes. It allows you to identify your dog should he get loose. A collar generally has a place to add rabies tags and other important information such as whether he has any allergies or health issues, similar to a medic-alert bracelet. And you’ll want to add an identification tag so that if your pooch gets lost, it won’t be for long!

2. Finding the right small dog collar can be a challenge. Fit is a critical selection factor so it’s a good idea to measure your pets neck before ordering a collar. The collar should not chafe or scrape or otherwise cut into the skin as this could potentially cause infection. Check that the collar is adjustable and isn’t made of a harsh material like plastic. A tight collar will cause your dog distress, but a loose collar could be easily removed by your dog as well. If your dog coughs when he is wearing the collar, this is a sure sign the collar is too tight. One kind of collar that can reduce this choking feeling is a collar known as the martingale collar. With this collar the pressure is evenly distributed around the neck so there is not excessive pressure on any one point. These collars are also the perfect choice for dogs who like to take off their collar or pull on the leash. The straps can be adjusted to fit your pet well and will not become loose in response to pulling from your dog.

Leather Choke-free Shoulder Collar for Small Dogs – $ 39.00 Shoulder Collar Step-in Harness for Small Dogs

3. When buying small dog collars for a puppy, make sure it is easily expanded as puppies grow fast! What may fit one week, will be too tight a month later when your pup has nearly doubled in size. It is a good idea to check the collar frequently to make sure your puppy isn’t growing around the collar as this would require the collar to be surgically removed at the vet’s.

4. For toy dogs, it might be better to consider a harness rather than a collar, especially for walking your pooch. Dog collars on very small dogs can pose a danger of a crushed trachea if your pet strains against the collar.

5. We can’t forget about style. There are many options available, from studded collars, to magnetic dog collars, and even LED light collars so your pooch is visible to traffic when you’re walking your dog at night.

So when you’re shopping for small dog collars, follow these tips and you’ll have one happy pooch!

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A standard collar is worn around a dog’s neck, whereas a harness fits over the front shoulders and behind the front legs, and attaches at the top of the back, between the shoulder blades. The leash attaches to a ring at the top of the dog’s back, usually at the shoulder blades. Harnesses come in many different styles, materials and colors, but are mainly variations on the fundamental design and position a harness takes on the dog.

No-Pull Harness
The no-pull harness distributes the pressure in the area between the dog’s front legs and chest (armpits) when the leash tightens. The dog owner needs to keep an eye out for pinching under the front legs. The no-pull harness can cause abrasion in the armpits.

Regular Harness
A regular harness distributes the pulling force fairly evenly across the chest and shoulders, and can actually allow the dog to pull harder. Regular harnesses, when fitted properly, are favorable for their unobtrusive impact on the dog’s flexibility and comfort. They rarely cause pain, and work quite well on small dogs, who cannot pull against the harness. If your dog has had a neck injury, then a harness is the preferred option to a standard neck collar.

Fitting
Proper fitting is important. Harnesses attach in a variety of ways, depending on the manufacturer. Pay special attention to chafing under the dog’s front legs. The harness should not be too tight. Dimensions and sizing is often given on the packaging. Using dimensions of your pooch, estimate harness size and adjust the harness to your pet’s size. With the D-ring facing your dog’s tail, slip your pet’s head through the loop. A harness is ineffective when used to stop pulling by medium to large dogs, except when a no-pull harness is used.

Training
A small dog harness can be an excellent choice, as your dog cannot really pull against it because they are so low to the ground. It also protects their neck and trachea.

Here is just a sample of the many small dog harnesses available to you:

Poochee Leather Step-in Harness & Leash Set (3/8 in. width)   – $ 64.00 Poochee Step-in Harness & Leash Set for Small Dogs

Walkeez Harness from the Simon Edwards Collection by Releashme for Small Dogs from Golly Gear   – $ 49.95 Walkeez Harness for Small Dogs, sturdy fleece harness from the Simon Edwards collection from Golly Gear.

Poochee Cloth Step-in Harness & Leash Set (3/8 in. width)   – $ 37.50 Poochee Step-in Harness & Leash Set for Small Dogs

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Halti head collars are an effective way to put the control back into your hands when walking your pup or dog. The halti dog collar will not only prevent your pooch from choking himself but will eliminate any wrenched shoulders on your part.

A Halti Training Collar could make your life easier if:

• Your dog has more strength than you do and tends to pull you in all directions.
• You are concerned with injuring your pet by flicking a standard training dog leash.
• You suffer from joint conditions, poor balance, or are physically limited with conventional dog leash training.
• You don’t walk your dog daily, or are inconsistent with your dog walk training.

Benefits of a Halti Head Collar:

• These styles of training collars still allow dogs to participate in activities such as panting, barking, carrying tennis balls and sticks, yawning, eating and drinking.
• Over-excitable dogs can be physically contained.
• Leash training becomes easier.
• Over enthusiastic dogs can no longer choke themselves.
• You maintain control when out in public.
• Halti head collars can be fixed to prevent your dog from biting.

Considerations when using a Halti Training Collar:

• To prevent whiplash style spinal injuries it is important to avoid letting your dog run flat out to the end of the leash.
• Halti head collars are not designed to be left on your dog without human supervision. If the collar gets caught up on something, your dog might struggle and potentially cause injury to himself. The collar should always be removed when their walk is over.
• These styles of training collars are not designed for yanking. A gentle pull is all that is required to keep your pooch headed along the right path.
• Halti head collars need to be fitted properly to avoid twisting and creating uncomfortable friction points on your dog’s head.
• A correctly fitted halti collar will be snug fitting, and self adjusting, allowing only one finger under the collar behind the ears. Your dog’s eyes will be at  least a half inch away from the nose portion of the halter.
• If your dog is extremely active, then you might need the additional halti link which joins a standard collar to the halti collar to ensure your dog does not slip the halti collar off.

Training with a Halti Collar:

• Puppies will adapt faster to a halti head collar, but with a little patience over a few weeks, even older dogs can be taught new training techniques.
• Start slowly with the collar. Put the collar on and play with your pooch for a couple of minutes. Extend the periods of play until your pet is comfortable with the collar and is associates it with pleasant activities. Once your pet has grown accustomed to the collar then you can attach the leash. Once you have mastered walking around the yard, it is time to head out around the block.
• Reinforce good behavior with plenty of praise, rewards, and treats while he is wearing his halti collar.
• Never allow your dog to paw the collar off. If he is looking uncomfortable or is attempting to slip out of the collar, distract him quickly and then remove the collar yourself. If your pooch discovers he can paw it off, you will be in trouble.
• Halti collars work on the premise that dogs like to walk with their heads facing straight ahead. A simple pull on the collar will have their head facing in the direction you want him to go, putting control back into your hands where it belongs.

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