What Is the Purpose of Dog Collars, and Who Should Buy These?
Dog collars serve several purposes, which can be used for various reasons by the customers:
- Fulfilling legal requirements – some states require dog owners to have collars and leashes for their dogs whenever they venture outdoors. Failure to comply with these regulations might result in fines and legal suits.
- Easy identification – most dog collars have an area for placing an ID tag with all necessary information. This information will include the dog’s name, emergency contacts, and the immunization schedule. If your dog gets lost, this information will ensure his safe return.
- Dog training – when walking outdoors, your dog will get excited and run after rabbits, cats, and other dogs. This can be dangerous for you and him, especially when he pulls you into oncoming traffic. Special dog collars help train your dog to walk beside you.
- Aesthetic purposes – some dog collars are quite stylish, and they can be a fashion accessory. Leather, neon and rose gold collars are a prime example of stylish dog accessories.
Common Questions about Dog Collars
Despite reading reviews of different dog collars, you might have lingering doubts about the safety, use, and care of these devices. Here are answers to some common questions that most dog owners ask:
Is it Illegal Not to Use Dog Collars?
The answer to this question depends on where you live. In some countries, like the UK, all dogs must wear collars and have leashes in public areas. In the US, some states have laws that require all dogs in public places to have a collar and leash. Other states do not have explicit laws about leashes but require that dogs be under control at all times. Therefore, you should familiarize yourself with your country and state’s leash laws.
Are Harnesses Preferrable?
Whether you choose a harness over a collar depends on your dog’s temperament. Trained dogs do well with a harness because they do not try to pull or run away. Untrained dogs and those that would easily get excited and try to run off should be put in well-fitting, anti-slip collars.
Should Collars Be Worn All the Time?
Collars are best worn outdoors under supervision. If your dog is indoors, you should remove his collar. It can easily get caught while he plays with other pets, leading to suffocation or strangulation. Collars should not be used while the dog is unattended to because they can get caught on various surfaces.
Do Collars for Puppies Exist?
Puppies can start putting on collars at a young age to build a tolerance. The collars must be the right size and free of abrasive material. Most of the collars in this review have small sizes that are perfectly safe for puppies and small breeds.
What Is the Ideal Stretch of a Dog Leash?
A longer dog leash is always the best option. The standard length is 6 feet. This length allows your dog to explore his surroundings without getting tangled in bushes, bumping into other people, or tripping on the leash. If you are walking your dog in an area with high traffic, you should reduce the length of the leash to 4 feet or less.
How Safe Are Dog Collars?
The safety of dog collars lies in proper usage. They should be well-fitting, leaving enough room for two fingers. They should not have any abrasive parts that can cause friction. All collars should not be left on dogs without supervision.
How Are Dog Collars Cleaned?
The cleaning procedure of dog collars depends on the material. Leather devices must be wiped occasionally with warm, plain water. Nylon devices can be washed with soap. Most collars do not get dirty easily, so washing them occasionally should be enough. Care must be taken to wash the rings and buckles where dirt and fur might be stuck.
Final Take
Buying these devices is an important task that should be done with much consideration. Buying the wrong size or material can result in skin irritation, suffocation, or accidental strangulation. Furthermore, you want to make a purchase that gives the most value for money. Therefore, you must take into account all the features of the device before making a decision.
The Soft Touch brand of collars comes highly recommended. It has high-quality material and construction that makes it perfect for all dog breeds and sizes. However, each of the other collars in this review is also worth buying. The particular brand you settle on should be determined by your dog’s temperament and your budget. Looking for another good collar? Read about gps pet trackers.