Types of Dog Collars Explained

by Robert Bradley

About 10 million cats and dogs are lost each year in the US, and a portion of these pets end up in the nation’s shelters. Although shelters can help reunite a pet parent with their lost pet, only a small percentage of pets without ID make it home. 

You can show your pet has an owner and can be found by fitting them with a collar and attaching ID tags. By keeping a collar on them at all times, you ensure that your dog can be identified if they get loose. 

But if you go into your local pet store, you will see a ton of different types of dog collars to choose from. So, how do you know which one is right for your dog? Read on to learn about the many different types of dog collars to make the best decision. 

Types of Dog Collars

What type of dog collar you get depends on your dog and what you need it for. Understanding the different collars and their features will help you make an informed decision. These are some of the most common types of pet-friendly collars. 

Flat Collar

Flat collars are the everyday type of dog collar most people think of when they hear the word dog collar. These dog collars can come in various materials, including leather, nylon, and velvet, and in a variety of colors. 

These collars have a buckle or plastic clasp that secures the collar around your dog’s neck. Some of these types of collars are breakaways in case it gets caught on something. They are durable and gentle to wear but can pose issues if your dog pulls a lot while on a leash. 

Martingale Collar

You want to make sure any collar is loose enough to be comfortable but snug enough so your dog can’t slip out of it. The rule of thumb is that you should be able to fit two fingers under your dog’s collar. But if you are worried about your dog slipping out of their collar while out for a walk, you might want to get a Martingale collar. 

Martingale collars are like flat collars but tighten up when you pull on the leash to prevent slipping. These no-slip collars have a built-in limit to prevent the collar from tightening too much. These collars are great for breeds with narrow necks that easily slip out collars but fit any breed. 

Smart and Specialized Collars

Smart collars have GPS tracking devices on them. So, if your dog happens to escape out of your home or yard, you can find them. 

Specialized collars can help you to train your dog as well. Shock collars are one type but are looked down on in the pet industry because they can harm animals. Instead, collars that vibrate or play a high-pitched noise to get a dog’s attention are more widely used for training. 

Head Collars 

Head collars look and work like horse halters. They have a strap that goes over the dog’s muzzle and another that secures it behind their head.

Head collars reduce a dog’s leverage, so they are great for energetic dogs that like to jump. They help you keep better control of your dog and redirect their attention. But they have to be appropriately used not to jerk a dog’s head and prevent a dog from slipping out of them. 

Choose the Best Dog Collars for Your Needs

With so many types of dog collars to choose from, it can be challenging to determine the best one for your dog. Flat, martingale, head, and specialized collars all have their pros and cons. Take the time to understand your dog’s age, breed, and energy to determine which works best for your situation. 

Are you looking for more pet care tips for your four-legged friend? Check out more articles like this one on our website.