Our canine companions need training, and the right collar is among the first, not to mention most important, decisions that will be made for them. With the many options available in the market today, the ideal collar will depend on your dog's breed, size, and specific training needs. Look below for details on training collars for dogs.
Flat Collars: The Everyday Essential
Flat collars are the regular collar style and suit most dogs. They're comfortable, come in different sizes, and serve ideally for training basic commands like "sit" and "stay." In cases of small breeds, such as Chihuahuas or Dachshunds, a flat collar will normally suffice. Just make sure it's not too tight but rather snug: you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck.
Martingale Collars: For Gentle Control
Martingale collars are quite in vogue when dogs love to pull or slip out of their collars. They are very useful for those breeds that have narrower heads, like Greyhounds, as the collar tightens up a little in case they try to back out. This variety of collar strikes a very fine balance between control and comfort, thus making it the ideal choice for training big dogs, or breeds such as Labradors or German Shepherds.
Prong Collars: Effective, with Professional Guidance
Prong collars can be quite effective in the case of stronger and more stubborn dogs, such as Rottweilers or Mastiffs, that require extra guidance when fitted properly. They distribute even pressure around the neck and help restrain excessive tugging. A prong collar should be strictly used under the supervision of a professional dog trainer, one who ensures it is properly fitted and used correctly to humanely train dogs.
Harnesses: A Gentle Alternative
Not technically a collar, but harnesses should be mentioned. These prevent neck strain for small breeds or those breeds with respiratory problems and are excellent to use for positive reinforcement training. For no-pull harnesses, these are excellent for all sizes, but for especially for breeds that really love to pull like Huskies.
Ultimately, the ideal dog collar will be one that fits the size and breed of your dog, along with his specific training needs. With the proper collar and a bit of patience, training can be an excellent adventure for you and your pup. Check out the Leash Boss collar collection here!