Types of Dog Collars Defined
Your dog is a member of the family. They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, just like any other member of your household. That's why we want you to know about all the different types of collars out there so that you can make an informed decision about what collar fits best for each situation.
Flat Traditional or Standard Collars
Traditional standard collars are generally built with flat strap made out of leather, nylon webbing or polypropylene webbing. A belt type buckle is usually used with a prong that fits into adjustment holes in the collar strap adjustment holes. Another standard component built into these collars is a D or dee ring that is used for attaching a leash to and also attaching dog tags to. Some collars of this type also have a "keeper" for the billet or extra strap that passes through the buckle to hold it close to the rest of the collar strap. When most people think of dog collars, this is the tried and true design that's been around for a long, long time.
Center Ring or Safety Collars
Center ring collars are a type of dog collar that has a single ring in the center. They are used to attach a leash to and can be used as a training collar, but they should not be left on your dog when they're unattended or when they're being left alone at home (e.g., while you're at work). Center rings are best suited for dogs who pull on their leashes because it allows you more control over them than other types of collars do since you have direct access to their neck area without having anything else between your hand and it
Slip Collars and Martingale Collars
Slip collars are great for small dogs since their low body mass does not create a lot of cinch force and hence do not choke the dog. Large dogs on the other hand create a lot of cinch force and can cause damage to their neck and throat. We strongly discourage the use of slip collars with large dogs unless they are very well trained. They fit around their necks and tighten when pulled on by the handler, but can easily be loosened by simply releasing pressure on the leash. This makes them ideal for quick corrections or if your dog is trying to run off somewhere else in a hurry!
Martingale collars are best suited for large breeds because they allow some flexibility in size but still prevent escape by tightening around their necks when pulled hard enough (like when they're playing with another dog). Martingale collars however tighten more evenly around the dog's neck when pulled and have a limited amount of cinch travel as opposed to slip collars without a slip stop in place. These humane "choke" collars called martingale collars have been shown to reduce likelihood of injury during playtime by reducing stress levels and encouraging calming behaviors like panting rather than barking at other animals when excited. They are also a humane way to make corrections during training sessions. Many people also prefer martingales for dog breeds with wider necks and smaller heads such as site hound breeds like greyhounds or whippets because other collars that don't tighten when pulled can more easily slip over the dog's head and come off.
Waterproof Collars
Waterproof dog collars are usually made with nylon or polypropylene webbing as the core and then coated with a synthetic waterproof coating. They are mainly marketed for their waterproof qualities but there are many other benefits to waterproof collars. First and foremost, they are odor resistant. We all know how stinky and old nylon or leather collar can get, especially if your dog enjoys being in water, mud or snow. And if your dog is known to roll in the stinkiest things he or she can find at times, you're probably going to be buying many collars over your dog's life unless they are waterproof. Waterproof collars are so much easier to clean, keeping them looking great and odor free. Many people actually call waterproof collars no-stink collars because of this.
Training Collars
The training collars category is very broad and they are used for training purposes. Some examples are slip collars, pinch or prong collars, martingale collars, electronic collars (we strongly encourage positive reinforcement when using electronic collars rather than punishment or shock corrections every time your dog does something wrong), collars with handles on them or just a good solid leather or synthetic collar designated for training. Many people hear the phrase "training collar" and automatically believe that means electronic or shock collar but that simply isn't true. There are many other types of collars that are used for training purposes. They can be used to train dogs to heel on a leash, sit, stay, and other other obedience commands as well as many other more complex training regimens. Training collars should not be used as an everyday collar; they're meant for specific training purposes only and you should praise your dog when it's time to put on a training collar. It should be a positive experience every time, not a punishment. It's always good practice to designate one of your dog's collars as a training collar and only wear it during training sessions. When they are used for training only, no matter what type of collar, your dog will also know it's used only for special times when handler and dog are learning to communicate on a deeper level. They'll know it's "work time" and "learning time" when wearing their designated training collar.
Extra-Wide Collars
Extra-wide collars are used for dogs with extra large necks, such as Great Danes and Mastiffs. These dogs have a lot of fur, so it's important to make sure that their collar doesn't get caught in their coat while they're playing or running around. Extra-wide collars can also be used on dogs with long coats, such as German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers. Finally, extra wide collars are great for breeds like Greyhounds who have very long necks!
Dogs Need a Variety of Collars to Keep Them Safe.
Dogs need collars for a variety of reasons, including identification and training. Collars are also important for safety, control and behavior problems. In addition to these benefits, a collar can help your dog feel more comfortable by providing him with physical contact with you at all times.
Conclusion
There are many different types of dog collars. You can choose from regular or extra-wide collars, slip and martingale collars, training collars, and more. Each has its own set of benefits and limitations so it's important to understand what they mean before you make a purchase decision.