Different Types of Dog Collars

As to express personal style can have a variety of dog collars for everyday use.

They are readily available and most widely used worldwide by the dog owners as they seem to be more comfortable for dogs.

Collars with metal buckles or quick release clasps are available in a variety of materials (like nylon, leather, cloth), colours, and styles.

Pros: This is the most advisable to ties-up for a short duration as there are very fewer chances of dog hurting by themselves.

Cons: Common mistake pet owners do like letting their dog wear this for longer duration like weeks, months and sometimes forever. This can cause skin conditions to your dog and sometimes will become hard to be controlled using a flat collar.

Often called as choke chains, these collars used intended for training purposes only.

This is a very interesting concept developed as it tightens when one end is pulled either by the dog or by the owner on the dog's neck and loosens when both owners and dog are relaxed.

They come in two materials like one is a chain-linked choker and other is sip collar which is made up of leather, nylon or any other soft kind of material.

Pros: They are used by newer trainers or handlers and mostly used in a show ring. They are used for high pullers.

Cons: Generally, these collars are not recommended because they could damage your dog's neck if not used properly or with negligence.

This is the most controversial collar and the main loop around the neck is made up of prongs. Many trainers find it effective for stubborn dogs who tend highly to pull on a leash.

They are also known as pinch collar and mainly used for corrections during the training similar to slip collars and which when pulled poke the dog, somewhat stimulating a bite.

Pros: They are useful for aggressive dogs, hyperactive dogs and heavy pullers with proper guidance and observation only.

Cons: It may cause severe injury to your dog if not used properly.

Also known as Greyhound collars, Martingale collars are used to prevent dogs from slipping out of collars while walking on a leash.

A hybrid type dog collar where most of the collar is of flat material like leather or nylon but the top has 3 metal rings which should form two loops, one of which is for the dog's neck and the other tightens and loosens when necessary.

These collars are especially suited for sighthounds but can be used on most dog breeds.

Pros: This collar was created for dogs like Greyhounds who have a very slim neck and prevent their heads from slipping out. After a time many people have started using on other breeds to play smartly with their escaping kids.

Cons: Most people found it difficult to use while training.

This is one of the great collars which is used for controlling the dog's skull instead of the neck.

This act more like harnesses for the head and are intended to help train a dog to walk on a leash and heel.

When a dog pulls on the leash, it will make the head to turn. This feels strange and will discourage the behaviour.

Pros: When used properly, head collars can successfully discourage pulling and will be helpful in other training.

Cons: Most people found it difficult to use while training.

Smart collars are coming in vast varieties nowadays. They are just like buckle collars and some may have different layout also.

Many smart collars have different attributes which help with GPS to track your dog, monitor changes in behaviour and assistance in training also.

Most are compatible with your smartphones and some are waterproof also. All works on different technologies like some have good wifi coverage and others work based on BlueTooth and much more technologies are evolving.

Pros: Helps in may ways to track different parameters of your dog.

Cons: Few are heavy to be on the dog's neck. Some may have Bluetooth and wifi connectivity problem while few have proper range issues. So while choosing do proper research first.

The harness was initially designed for working dogs like Huskies, Rottweilers whose job was to pull crates.

They are designed for placement around a dog’s chest and abdomen, crossing over the back. A leash can be attached to the top of the harness.

Nowadays many dog owners prefer harnesses over collars, and especially for dogs who pull a lot because they put no pressure on the dog's neck.

Pros: It is more preferable for dogs who might be harmed with neck collars like Pugs, Pomeranians, Greyhounds etc. They are ideal for dogs with medical problems in the neck and airway.

Cons: Many professionals feel that harnesses only encourage pulling.

This is again a highly misunderstood type of collars like choke and prong collars.

These days, electronic collars are often used to control a variety of stubborn and unwanted behaviours in family dogs, from excessive barking to food aggression, as well as to train pups to stay safely within a property line or to stick close by while off-leash.

This will work as transmitting a vibration or very low electrical pulse using a remote at the relevant stage as a corrective inducement.

Pros: The leash is not required while using this. It has an adjustable intensity. Some pet owners reported that it only took a few shocks to correct unwanted behaviour. And it's the most affordable.

Cons: Most pet owners can’t comprehend producing pain for their pet. Fear in dogs can be dangerous, so you never want to train a dog with fear. With shock training, some dogs may learn to fear people, objects, or situations they associate with the collar.

An Elizabethan collar (also known as an E-collar) are plastic or fabric hoods or cones placed around the head to prevent an animal from licking at a surgery site, scar, or dressing.

Both sides of the collar must be kept clean. If it is difficult to do this while your dog is wearing the collar, you may remove and clean the collar with a damp cloth, but make sure your dog is fully supervised so that he does not injure himself.

Pros: As you may hate this collar but the truth is, without it, healing will take longer. A correctly sized and adjusted collar should allow for normal feeding and drinking. If your dog normally eats or drinks from a deep bowl but refuses to eat with the collar on, try offering food in a shallow dish or plate.

Cons: The collar restricts vision from the sides and behind and initially causes difficulty for many dogs when they must walk in tight or narrow spaces. It is important to assist them as much as possible.