The DOs & DON'Ts of Dog Collars: The Guide

© Written by t3hsilentone





Classic buckle/ clip on adjustable collar(can come nylon, cotton, leather, etc.):

DO use them for general everyday use, such as walking for well trained dogs.
DO attach identification tags to this, in case your dog goes missing
DO make sure collar is not too tight or too loose on dog(if two fingers fit between collar snuggly, then it is fine)
DON'T tether your dog up to something that make this collar a choking hazard or get entangled easily
DON'T use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time.. dogs with more narrow necks, like Greyhounds and other sighthounds will require a wider collar
DON'T keep on puppies while unattended, especially if they have not been conditioned long enough that it wouldn't pose as a hazard

Breakaway collar:

DO use them for general everyday use, such as walking for well trained dogs.
DO attach identification tags to this, in case your dog goes missing
DO make sure collar is not too tight or too loose on dog(if two fingers fit between collar snuggly, then it is fine)
DO use them for your dog if you prefer this type over the classic buckle/clip on adjustable collar.
DO use them for your dog if you worry about your dog getting trapped/entangled on something outside, the collar will come off the dog from constant applied pressure
DON'T use this as a training aide or training to walk on leash
DON'T use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time

Slip-chain/choke chain or slip collar:

DO use the slip collar for obedience training, use sparingly as a correction, too much can be hazardous
DON'T use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time
DON'T tether your dog up to something that make this collar a choking hazard or get entangled easily
DON'T use on puppies, it's not recommended

Prong collar/pinching collar(such as a Herm Sprenger or JASA Force Collar):

DO use as an effective correctional collar
DO use caution when using these as they have been known to come a part upon usage so, it's best to have a back up collar and leash attached
DON'T use these if you do not know how to use them on your dog correctly
DON'T use if you haven't tried other methods of training first and your dog is difficult to work with, there are other ways of getting a better response out of your dog
DON'T use this as a heavy training aide or training to walk on leash
DON'T use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time
DON'T ever put this on puppies

Martingale collar:

DO use for obedience and leash training, a lot mild than using a choke chain for example
DO attach identification tags to this, in case your dog goes missing
DO make sure collar is not too tight or too loose on dog(if two fingers fit between collar snuggly, then it is fine), not to the point where the dog is choked by it tightening.
DON'T use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time
DON'T rely on this to completely solve any behaviors and/or leash training as it's mainly more of an aid than correctional means
DON'T tether your dog up to something that make this collar a choking hazard or get entangled easily

Show collar:

DO use within the conformation/show ring, it's not really intended for anything else

Head collar, like Halti and Gentle Leader:

DO use this as a training aide or training to walk on leash
DO use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, instead of pulling on the neck region
DO use this if your dog is hard to handle
DON'T leave this on your dog while not in use
DON'T tether your dog up with, this is not to be used for that!

Electronic shock or spray collar for barking or other correctional purposes:

DO test this product on yourself before allowing your dog to use it. Electronic shock collars are not always effective for all dogs.
DO reconsider other methods of training before use, especially if your dog is way too difficult to handle
DO use if your dog is found to improve while wearing the collar, make sure to keep the shock level on low.. they are usually adjustable and can become painful to touch!
DO consider just the 'beep' or tone mode for a electronic shock collar if possible
DON'T use this for walking on a leash or anything it was not originally used for

Light up or glowing collar:

DO use to enhance your dog's visibility in the dark
DO use on walks in near darkness or completely dark outside
DON'T use for anything else but it's sole purpose

Flea/tick collar:

DON'T use for means of doubling your dog's prevention, it will only harm your dog
DON'T use this because applying topical drops instead, such as Frontline, Advantage or K9 Advantix are a lot more effective and are completely safe to use. Flea/tick collars are not recommended due to the harmful ingredients they contain.
DON'T this could cause dermatitis and other skin irritations on your dog for prolonged usage
DON'T ever put on puppies either, it can be very hazardous to their health

Wolf collar:

DON'T use on your non-herding dog! Not recommended at all. This was used years and years ago and is rarely used on herding dogs for protection from wolves or other predators while on the job.

Harness:

DO use this if your dog pulls a lot on the leash, constant pressure from pulling can damage a dog's throat and windpipe over time
DO use for getting puppies used to something other than a basic collar and training to walk on leash
DO use for retractable leashes
DO use this for dogs used for tracking, there are specialty made harnesses for this purpose
DON'T ever tether your dog up with this because it can get entangled easily, this is not it's purpose
DON'T leave on a dog or puppy while unattended