Walking your dog requires the correct tools to ensure the safety of yourself, your dog’s safety, and the passage of other people. With so many options out there, how does one know which collar is the right one for your dog? It is quite a task, but once you find the suitable collar – a safer and much more enjoyable walk for both of you. We have consulted the best trainers and have gathered the pros and cons of a few popular dog collars. 

Let us explore the five most popular kinds of collars, along with the pros and cons of each of them. Check out our products to learn about the yummy and healthy dog treats that can be used to help you train your pup!

 

Flat Collar – Neck Collar

Mostly every pet parent is familiar with the flat collar – it is one of the most commonly used collars that match the gold standard. These collars are the most popular collar that affixes around your dog’s neck. It is something with which you can express your style with a variety of flat or everyday collars for regular use. There are various materials, colours and types of collars - some are with metal buckles or quick-release clasps. 

 

• Buckle collars are primarily used for the stronger dogs as quick release clasps are relatively less sturdy than buckle ones. 
• The rolled leather collars are much more durable for everyday purpose. 

You must always make sure that the collar has the name tag with contact information in case your dog gets lost.

Mostly every pet parent is familiar with the flat collar – it is one of the most commonly used collars that match the gold standard. These collars are the most popular collar that affixes around your dog’s neck. It is something with which you can express your style with a variety of flat or everyday collars for regular use. There are various materials, colours and types of collars - some are with metal buckles or quick-release clasps. 

 

Head or Leading Collar 

Head Collars are pretty similar to that of the horse’s halter. It easily slips over your dog’s snout and attaches behind the ears of your dog. This dog collar resembles a muzzle. These collars act more like head harness and train your dog to walk on a leash. 

If used properly, these head collars can successfully discourage pulling and support dog training. One must not leave one dog with a head collar unattended, as they can back out of some types of head collars. 

Pros of Head Collar 

• It can easily redirect your dog’s attention and prevent him or her from pulling. 
• It adds a calming effect on your dog by making him give up control and feel safer while walking. 

Cons of Head Collar

• The prime disadvantage of this collar is that it can jerk your dog’s head abruptly if misused. 
• Some of the dogs are reluctant to put this on. 
• It can wear off the dog’s fur on the face if used improperly

 

Dog Harnesses

Dog harness are specially designed for placing them around the dog’s chest and abdomen while crossing over the back. One can attach a leash on the top of the harness; however, some dog owners prefer having a saddle over the collar. Especially for the dogs who have the tendency to pull - it doesn’t put any pressure on their neck.

There are two types of dog harnesses: 

A Back Clip Harness:

Here, the leash is attached to your dog’s back. 

A Front Clip Harness: 

Here, the leash is on your dog’s chest. 

Most of the top brands have made it convenient for dog parents by adding both clips on the modern harnesses.

 

Back-Clip Harness 

Pros of Back-Clip Harness

• The tension is not on the neck. 
• It is beneficial for short-nosed dogs, especially Pugs. 

Cons of Back-Clip Harness

• It gives your dog the leverage to pull aggressively, which hurts their back. 

 

Front-Clip Harness 

Pros of Front-Clip Harness

• It redirects your dogs back towards you only if he starts to strain or pull. 
• It helps you control your dog even more without straining his back. 

Cons of Front-Clip Harness

• You can pull the pup instead.. 

Trainer’s Tip

According to trainers, harnesses only encourage pulling. Thus, one must enforce leash and collar training. Trainers also suggest harnesses for dogs with medical problems, especially any neck issue.

 

Slip Collar

Slip collars are another commonly used collar that comes in a wide range of materials. It tightens around the neck and applies pressure around the dog’s neck when they try to pull or strain against the leash. It is for aversion training that teaches the dog that their behaviour is not acceptable. Trainers suggest positioning this collar closer to the top of the head rather than the neck to prevent choking and provides better control for the handler. When used properly, this collar gives the dog parent a lot of authority.

Pros of Slip Collar

• It allows you to overpower your strong and untrained pulls physically.
• These are mostly available at shelters and vet offices for conditions like – safety purpose.
• It helps you to train your extremely unhappy or untrained dog.

Cons of Slip Collar

• It causes severe damage to your dog’s neck if pulled or lunged frequently over time. 

Pinch or Prong Collar

Prong Collar is one of the most controversial collars who claim it to be perfect for training dogs. However, some users claim that it can hurt dogs and is abusive in some conditions. The trainers emphasize that prong collars must be used properly and one must check that it sits high on the dog’s neck. We recommend that pet parents should consult a professional before they decide to use this collar. The prong or pinch collar is for correcting or training your dog. 

Pros of Pinch Collar 

• It is a self-correcting tool for lunging or pulling. 

Cons of Pinch Collar

• It requires proper guidance before using it. 
• It must be fitted and used correctly all the time to be effective and humane. 

 

 

While choosing a collar, one must remember that the main purpose of having a collar is making your dog walk alongside without any pulling or lunging and for correcting their behavior. One of our delish dog treats can aide in the training of  proper leash walking. However, one must always remember to consult a professional before choosing a collar to teach your dog to walk properly on a leash or guide you on using it.