One of the oldest basic tools that was being used since the beginning of physical interaction between humans and dogs are the dog collars. Their primary purpose has not really changed much throughout history. Even way back in the old days, a custom dog collar was primarily used for two purposes: to help prevent the dog from running away – or simply to keep it under control, and the other purpose was to help protect the neck of the dog when they get to encounter predators such as wolves, hyenas, coyotes, bigger cats, et cetera. In many countries around the world, guardian dogs of live stocks continue to wear spiked collars that will protect their necks.
Even in the present time, collars are a much-needed accessory for a dog. It is needed to hang their leash, dog tag and even the vaccination for rabies tag. A custom ByteBest flea collar for dogs is used for purposes other than decoration and identification. Some might be used to train a dog, discourage barking, may also ward off those pesky fleas and ticks, or protect against serious injuries.
There are different types of collars, and each of them is uniquely designed to suit what is best for each breed of dog and what it is to be used for. Right now, there is a wide variety of dog collars differing in shape, the form and its specific uses. To make it easier to follow through, listed are some the different types of dog collars to choose from:
Flat or Buckle
This flat or buckle is a dog’s standard collar. It is also one of the oldest types that were used along with a wolf collar. The main purpose of this type of collar is to restrain the dog physically and try and prevent a dog from trying to leave or do any kind of harm.
It has a buckle or usually a plastic clasp and ring that is used for hanging an identification tag and a leash which the dog owner could also customize to make it more personalized and unique. A flat dog collar should fit comfortably on the neck of the dog. It is ought to be not so tight as to choke or strangle the dog nor loose that they can easily slip out. The standard guideline says that it ought to have a capacity to get two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.
Head Collar
A head collar is comparable to a horse’s bridle. One of the straps of the collar should fit around the neck of the dog and should sit high on its head, behind the ears. The collar’s other strap should loop around the dog’s nose and mouth. There is also a ring that is attached at the bottom of the loop’s muzzle.
This type of collar is useful for those dogs who are quite active and are fond of jumping around and pulling. Since the strap is around the muzzle of the dog, rather than their neck, they can easily lose a tantamount deal of control, and they will be incapable to pull on the leash considering even with the full weight of their body. For it to work effectively, the head collar must be fitted properly. For safety purposes, it should be remembered that the leash of the dog should not be yanked once they are wearing the head collar or halter.
When buying this type of collar, it usually includes an instructional DVD so the pet owner would be knowledgeable about the do’s and don’ts when using a head collar. They may also inquire and ask some questions with an experienced dog trainer and even a well-informed sales clerk may assist with the fitting. The appropriate fitting and proper use ought to limit the danger of damage or harm to the dog.
It might take a lot of time, persistence and a bunch of treats to get a dog acquainted with wearing a head collar. Start by putting it on them for brief periods until the dog is accustomed to the head collar. In time, they would be comfortable enough to wear it when they are going around and about on a leash. It also should be pointed out that the head collar should not be worn all the time since the dog will figure out, in the long run, on how they could loosen the muzzle and slip out of it.
Prong or Pinch
This type of custom dog collar has also been used for a long time. It is well known to be a collar for training dogs. The leash is attached to a control loop that is made of a chain. This loop, that is tied around the dog’s head, usually has metals that is shaped like fangs, although with a blunted point. When the dog owner pulls on the control loop, the fang-shaped metals will cut into the skin of the dog’s neck.
Just like with any other collar, it should be properly fitted. The size should be appropriate for the dog as to avoid pinching it the trachea of the dog. The collar should be comfortable and should sit up high on the neck of the dog, behind the ears.
Choke Chain
This collar is apparently made of solid metal links, as noticeably implied by the name, and is specifically designed to completely control a dog by tightening or clamping it around the neck of the dog. It is still supposed to sit high behind the dog’s neck.
With this type of collar, there really is no means of controlling the tightening of the choke chain, so it is very possible that the dog can be choked or strangled. It may also lead to other major problems, such as trachea and esophagus injuries, sprain on the neck, damage on the nerves and, worst, it may even lead to death.
It is not recommended to use choke chains in dog training. There are a variety of collars that can be used that are considered humane. It is therefore futile to choose this aversive type of collar.