Dog collar
A dog collar
is a is a piece of material put around the neck of a dog. A collar might be used for control, identification, fashion, or other purposes. Identification tags and medical information is often placed on dog collars. Collars are also useful for controlling a dog manually, as they provide a handle for grabbing. Collars are often used in conjunction with a leash, and a common alternative to a dog collar is a dog harness. Dog collars are the most common form of directing and teaching dogs like anything misuse may cause injuries or in the worst cases death.
Basic collars
♦ Buckle collars, also called flat collars, are usually made of nylon webbing or leather (less common materials can include polyester, hemp, or metal) with a buckle similar to a belt buckle, or a quick-release buckle, either of which holds the collar loosely around the dog's neck. Identification is commonly attached to such a collar; it also comes with a loop to which a leash can be fastened.
♦ Flea collars are impregnated with chemicals that repel fleas. They are usually a supplementary collar, worn in addition to the conventional buckle collar.
♦ Elizabethan collars, shaped like a truncated cone, can be fitted on a dog to prevent it from scratching a wound on its head or neck or licking a wound or infection on its body.
♦ Break-away collars look similar to buckle collars, but have a safety mechanism installed that allows the dog to break free of the collar if excessive force is applied. These collars are useful in situations where a non-quick release collar could get snagged and strangle the dog.
♦ Stud collars are leather collars fitted with dulled points and/or metal studs that traditionally prevented another animal from biting the dog's neck. In modern societies, stud collars are more commonly considered a fashion accessory.
Training collars
Several types of collars are used for the purposes of training dogs, though sometimes a collar is not used at all (such as in the case of dog agility training, where a collar could get caught on equipment and strangle the dog). Each training collar has its own set of advantages and disadvantages (briefly outlined below) which trainers might consider before using a select one. Training collars are typically used for training only and not left on the dog's neck all the time, as some collars can be harmful or dangerous if left on a dog unsupervised
Flat collars
Some dogs are trained on leash using a buckle or quick-release collar.
Slip collars
Slip collars (also called choke chains, slip chains, or choke collars) are a length of chain or nylon rope with rings at either end such that the collar can be formed into a loop around the top of the dog's neck, just behind the ears. The ring which connects to the leash goes over the back of the dog's neck, not under. When the leash is attached to the dead ring the collar does not constrict on the dog's neck. When the leash is attached to the live ring the chain slips (adjusts) tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released. A quick gentle jerk with an immediate release, called a leash pop, snap, or correction, is used to alert the dog that it has done something undesirable.
The reference to choking is due to the fact that slip chains typically have no limit to how far they can constrict on the dog's neck (versus limited slip collars which do have a limit to how far they can constrict). This name for the collar is deceiving however, as proper use of this training device not involve choking (strangling) the dog. Even so, it is important to note that improper use of this collar can result in injury and even death of the dog, for the aforementioned reason.
Prong collar
Prong collars (also called pinch collars) are a series of chain links with blunted open ends turned towards the dog's neck so that, when the collar is tightened, it pinches the naturally loose skin around the dog's neck. The design of the prong collar is such that it has a limited circumference; unlike slip collars which do not have a limit on how far they can constrict on a dog's neck. Similar to the martingale collar (below), any pressure from the collar to the dog's neck is spread out over a larger area than with most buckle collars, and with all choke chains. Prong collars can also be turned inside out (with the prongs facing away from the dog's skin), to function like a martingale. Rubber tips are occasionally placed on the ends of the prongs by some trainers to protect against scratching or puncturing the skin, though it is very difficult to actually puncture the skin using this type of collar, because of this spreading effect, the limited constriction, and the already blunted tips. Like the slip collar, the prong collar should be placed high on the dog's neck, just behind the ears. Some dogs are able to free themselves from prong collars by shaking their head so that the links pop out, so some trainers have come to use a second (usually a flat buckle collar) collar in addition to the prong collar
Martingale collar
Martingale collars are recommended for Sighthounds because their heads are smaller than their necks and they can often slip out of standard collars. They can be used however for any breed of dog if so desired. Their no-slip feature has made them a safety standard at many kennels and animal shelters. A martingale collar has 2 loops, the smaller loop is the "control loop" and it tightens gently when pulled to prevent dogs from slipping out of the collar. Similar to a prong collar (above) the martingale has limited constriction on the dog's neck, and also applies even pressure.
