Picking out a new collar or leash for your pup can be fun with all of the different colors and designs, but can be confusing as well due to the many different types. This detailed overview of the different materials and types of collars and leashes will help pet parents choose the right style and material for their dog's needs.
What Are Collars and Leashes Made Of?
Collars and leashes are available in several different materials, including cotton web, nylon, leather, and center cord. It is important to consider what the collar and leash will be used for in order to determine what material, hardware, and style will be the most functional for your dog.
Cotton Web
Cotton web collars are a lightweight, inexpensive choice used primarily for puppies in training. This material is not as strong as some other choices. These collars tend to show wear more quickly than collars made of other material.
Nylon
Nylon collars are available in single-ply or double-ply thickness in a wide choice of colors and designs. Nylon collars are an excellent choice for most dogs, as they are strong and have a long life. To ensure the collar can stand up to daily wear and tear, choose a wider width and thicker style for larger, stronger dogs.
Leather
Leather collars and leashes are very strong, attractive, and durable. A good quality leather collar lasts many years. Leather retains its good looks and even improves with age.
Center Cord
Center cord collars and leashes have a nylon cord core which is wrapped in either rolled leather or fabric. Center cord is also used in retractable leads and is quite strong.
Hardware and Leashes
Hardware refers to the swivel snaps, buckles, D-rings, or O-rings which secure the collar and provide an area for the leash or identification tags to be attached. Solid brass hardware is very strong and retains its attractive gold finish forever. Nickel-plated steel hardware is for pet parents who prefer silver color and is also very strong. Hardware is also available as brass plated. Swivel snaps clasp on leads and turn with the dog to reduce tangling. Traditional buckle collars with D-rings in front allow hardware to hang freely under the pet's neck. Collars with O-rings in the back offer quick attachment.
All pet parents should have a 6-foot leash or lead for training and restraining that matches collar style. Proper training is centered around having control of your dog. Leads are the only way to maintain in control in all circumstances.
Dog Collar Types
There are many styles of collars to choose from depending on your dog's size, disposition, and your training needs. For the majority of dogs, a traditional nylon or leather collar is sufficient. Other collars for specific situations are described below.
Traditional Collars
Traditional collars are available in a variety of styles, colors, and widths. Collars should ride high on your pet's neck, not loose so that it slides down near the top of his shoulder blades. Use a tape measure to measure your pet's neck, then add on two to three inches.
Collars should be snug with enough room to fit two fingers between your dog's neck and his collar. For your dog's safety, the collar should not be loose enough to slip over the pet's head. In addition to the risk of losing a pet that gets away, loose collars are more easily snagged on objects, and many pets die every year from accidental hanging. For this reason, collars should not be worn in wire cages. Collars should also not be so tight as to restrict breathing or cause coughing. Check collar size frequently on growing puppies.
Choose collar and lead width with hardware that matches pet's size. Smaller, lightweight choices are for small dogs and puppies, and wider, more durable styles are for bigger, stronger pets.
Every collar you own should have a current identification tag with current contact information attached to it at all times.
Harnesses
Harnesses, which go around the chest and the shoulders behind the front legs, are recommended for dogs who have upper respiratory disease or diseases of the throat or trachea, such as a collapsed trachea. If a dog with a collar pulls on the leash, it places pressure on the throat and trachea, causing irritation and coughing. Harnesses relieve that pressure.
Halter-Type Collars
Halter-type collars will give you the best control over your dog. They give you control of your dog's head and when you have control of the dog's head, you have control of the dog. There are several brands of these halter-type collars including Halti collar and Gentle Leader. These collars look more like a horse's halter, with a band going around the back of the head, and another around the muzzle. The leash snaps onto the collar under the chin. When you gently pull on the leash, the dog's head will either be pulled down or to the side - this makes it virtually impossible for the dog to move ahead or pull you forward.
Chain slip collars, pronged or pinch collars and remote training collars have the possibility of causing pain and injury when used incorrectly and have fallen out of favor amongst most trainers and behavior specialists.
Article by: Marty Smith, DVM and Angela Walter, DVM