A Guide to Choosing a Collar and Lead for your Dog

Choosing a collar for a dog is very important. It’s without question one of the essentials, along with a water bowl and toys. However, you can’t just pick any old collar. You need to pick a collar that’s suitable for your dog to wear every single day. Here’s a guide to help you:

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Choosing a Collar

All collars for dogs should have a tag, complete with relevant information just in case your dog should ever go missing. This should be the dog’s name, your address, and a phone number or two. No matter how much you care for your dog, it’s still possible for them to escape somehow, You want to ensure that when found, they return home to you.

The collar should also be comfortable, as your dog will be wearing it every day. To make sure that it’s comfortable enough, ensure you can fit two fingers underneath the collar when it’s on. If you can fit more than two fingers, then it’s too loose and could come off.

Dog collars come in all kinds of colours and patterns, so in that respect you can choose what suits your dog best.

Choosing a Lead

There are many different kinds of lead that you can choose from. It all depends on the temperament of your dog, and how they behave on walks. Some leads are great for correcting certain behaviour, while others allow you and your dog to have fun together. Let’s take a look at a few of them now:

• The simple lead and collar - this no-frills lead and collar is good for dogs that aren’t an issue when being walked. If they don’t pull and walk alongside you or behind you happily, then this is the one for you.
• The Slip Collar - the slip collar is a lead and collar in one, that you simply slip over your dog’s head. This is a great lead for dogs with issues. If your dog is easily distracted, simply pull them to the side and it’ll knock them off balance and give you their attention. Don’t pull them back, as they’ll just pull against you. When pulling, you need to judge carefully. You don’t want to end up hurting your dog or actually knocking them over!
• The Harness - the harness is great if you want your dog to pull you. Why would you want your dog to pull you? If you enjoy going for runs with them or bike riding! It helps to relieve a lot of pressure from the throat, so it’s perfect. Running, roller blading, bike riding, and running are all great activities to try with dogs, so I highly recommend the harness.

If you train your dog well from an early age, they should be fine with a simple lead and collar. Providing you walk like a pack leader and ensure your dog stays next to you or behind you the whole time, rather than in front of you, they’ll know that you’re the boss!