Small Dog Harness | Small Dog Collars

Tips for Buying Small Dog Collars

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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Sep 25, 2009 | 0 | small dog collar

Buying Tips For Small Dog Harnesses

Every dog loves to be walked, but if your dog is a little too uncontrollable, a small dog harness might be just the ticket. The simplest form of dog harness involves double straps that run just behind the dog’s front legs, around their back, and then in front of their front legs. This design lessens the danger of injury to the dog’s neck from strong pulling. Dog harnesses also provide a stronger connection to your dog, making it easier for them to respond to a small tug instead of a sharp pull.

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.