What Collar is Best for My Dog?

Britt
by Britt
Photo credit: alexei_tm / Shutterstock.com

When choosing a collar for our dogs, we often focus on elements like the color, pattern, or preferred material. However, there is much more to consider than just the style and aesthetic. Selecting the best collar is essential for your dog’s safety, comfort, and overall well-being.


However, with so many different collar options available, deciding which will best suit your dog and their lifestyle can be overwhelming.


This guide will break down the different types of collars, their purpose, and the factors you should consider. From standard nylon collars to tick-prevention products, you’ll find everything you need to make a confident decision when shopping for your dog.


Choosing the Right Collar for Your Dog


Selecting a collar can feel overwhelming. There is so much to consider, from functionality to style. So, let’s start at square one. Here are the most common types of dog collars and the situations they are most often recommended for:


Traditional Flat Collar


This is the most common type of dog collar you will see. Traditional flat collars get their name because they lay flat against your dog’s neck. They come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and materials, including leather, nylon, cotton, and Biothane, among others. The collars usually feature a D-ring or O-ring to attach a leash or hold your dog’s ID tags and a buckle to make it easy to put the collar on/take it off as needed.


Flat collars are the most recommended option for ensuring your dog has basic identification on them on a day-to-day basis. Most dogs wear a flat collar around their yard, in the car, on walks, and in other routine situations.


Martingale Collar


At first glance, a martingale collar looks similar to a flat collar. However, when you look closer, you’ll see an additional loop on the back of the collar that tightens when the dog pulls. The slight tightening can be used to train a dog not to pull when walking, making it a popular training tool.


Martingale collars also help prevent a dog from pulling their head out of the collar and escaping, which is an important consideration for dogs who are a flight risk or those with narrow heads roughly the same circumference as their neck, like sighthounds. They are often used in shelters and rescue organizations for this reason.


Head Collar


Many will argue that these aren’t just a collar. However, they do include a portion that goes around the neck, and they serve a purpose comparable to other collars on the list, so I feel they deserve to be mentioned. Head collars are best described as a horse halter for dogs. One loop of the collar goes around the neck like usual, while a second loop goes around the snout. The leash attaches just below the snout, allowing the handler to direct the dog by guiding their head.


These are a popular choice for dogs who pull. If your dog starts to pull, as they would with another collar type or on a harness, the head collar will cause the head to turn and redirect the dog back toward you. They are also recommended for situations where the handler may not have the physical ability to hold back a pulling dog. Head collars are widely used in the service dog community.


Unfortunately, if misused, these collars can cause serious damage. This happens most often if the dog tries to bolt, jerking their head suddenly to the side and injuring the neck. The use of a head collar should be paired with proper training.


Tracking Collars and GPS Collar


If you plan on traveling or adventuring with your dog, you may want to consider purchasing a GPS collar. They are also commonly recommended for dogs who are escape artists or flight risks. These collars feature a unit that tracks your pet's location and movement using global positioning satellite technology. This can help locate your dog if they wander off or get lost.


There are two main types of GPS collars, such as:

  • Basic Tracking Collars: The most common type, these collars rely on a nearby phone or device or the presence of a cellular network to pick up and transmit the collar’s location. Example: Fi Series 3 Smart Dog Collar
  • Hunting or Backcountry Trackers: These collars are a bigger investment due to their advanced tracking technology. They are designed to work in remote areas where basic tracking collars fail to connect. Example: Garmin Astro 430/T 5 Dog Tracking Bundle


Additionally, tracking devices like the Tractive GPS Tracker for Dogs are separate units that can be attached to any collar, transforming your standard collar into a tracking collar.


It should be noted that many tracking collars are not a “one and done” investment. Instead, you will need a monthly subscription for a small fee to keep using their network. For example, the subscription for Tractive devices starts at $5/month. If you cancel this subscription, you can no longer access the collar’s location.


Flea/Tick Collar


Designed to help prevent fleas and ticks, these collars contain an anti-parasitic medication that is slowly released into your pet’s skin over time. Like a topical preventative, the active chemical is absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body. While all collars work by killing fleas and ticks if they bite, others will work to repel the pests from even showing interest.


These collars are still a chemical product and should be approached with caution. Some dogs will have adverse reactions. If introducing a flea/tick collar for the first time, monitor your dog carefully for any sign of trouble.


LED Collar


A growing trend with a focus on nighttime safety, LED collars feature bright LED lights that can be turned on, either as a solid light or with various flashing patterns, to make your dog visible in the dark. They come in one basic size and can then be cut down to fit your dog, making the collar easy to adjust to dogs of any size. Many of these collars are a one-time-use product, needing to be replaced when the included battery dies. However, with a growing interest in sustainability, companies are now selling rechargeable options.


Our dogs wear the Nite Ize NiteHowl Max Rechargeable LED Safety Necklace.


If you don’t want to deal with a full LED collar or prefer something you can keep safely tucked away in your pocket or purse to pull out when needed, the Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Collar Light is a great option. This little light just clips onto their existing collar or harness.

Calming Collar


Like the flea/tick collars, calming collars have a functional use. They contain essential oils and/or synthetic pheromones that mimic the natural chemicals dogs produce to communicate with one another. The pheromones tell the brain to be calm and relaxed, ensuring your dog feels safe even in new and stressful situations.


Elizabethan Collar (or E-Coillar)


Commonly referred to as the “cone of shame,” we often forget that the Elizabethan Collar is technically a collar. These plastic or fabric cones extend around the head of the dog wearing them, preventing them from being able to lick or chew themselves. They are most commonly used after surgery to protect the surgical site. However, they are also helpful when trying to help dogs who are self-harming by chewing at themselves or those who are recovering from irritating or uncomfortable skin conditions.

Photo credit: Luiza Kamalova / Shutterstock.com

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dog Collar


After deciding on the right collar style for your dog and their lifestyle, there are a few more factors to consider. These elements allow you to customize your dog’s collar to suit their needs. Here are some things to think about when shopping for the best dog collar for your pup:


Material


The material your dog’s collar is made of impacts how comfortable it is for long-term wear, its durability, how easy it is to clean, and the overall cost of the collar. Nylon collars, the most common material used in collars and harnesses, are low-cost and lightweight but pick up dirt, grime, and odors. Alternatively, Biothane is a popular choice for dogs who spend a lot of time on outdoor adventures as they are so easy to clean. Mud and dirt simply rinse off.


Buckle vs Quick Release


Traditionally, almost all dog collars featured a simple belt-style buckle. These are a stronger option for dogs who pull and test the strength of their collar. However, they are much harder to remove in an emergency.


An alternative that has quickly picked up popularity is the quick-release clip. Available in plastic or metal, these clips release easily by squeezing the sides, allowing you to quickly free your dog from an otherwise dangerous situation. Due to these safety concerns, many doggy daycares will only allow snap collars to be worn in their facility.


Safety Features


The buckle isn’t the only safety-related decision you will need to make. Some collars offer unique safety features that are invaluable depending on your lifestyle. For example, if you spend a lot of time outdoors and want to increase visibility, you can purchase a collar featuring reflective elements.


Other safety features you may see include:

  • A pocket for an airtag or tracker
  • Personalized embroidery or engraving with essential contact info
  • Breakaway clasps for dogs who are at risk of their collar getting snagged
  • Secondary leash rings to easily connect the collar and harness to prevent escape
  • Health trackers and smart technology


Size and Fit


You can purchase a collar with every safety feature and luxury element, but none of that will help if your chosen collar doesn’t fit properly. When your dog wears the collar, it should be snug but not so tight that it chokes them or causes discomfort. A properly fit collar should allow you to stick two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. But don’t loosen it up too much, or your dog will be able to slip their head right out of it.


In addition to the property tightness, you may also want to consider the width of the collar. A standard collar is great for medium and large breeds. Many brands make collars with smaller widths and lightweight clasps to suit the needs of smaller breeds better. On the other end of the spectrum, extra-large breeds generally need wider collars, covering more surface area on their neck.

Should I Have Different Collars for Different Scenarios?


Yes! Every style of dog collar has its unique needs and strengths. If different scenarios in your dog’s life are better suited with a different collar, it is entirely reasonable to have more than one. Using our dogs as an example, they have nylon flat collars or around the house, Biothane flat collars for outdoor adventures, tracking collars for on the hiking trails, and LED collars for nighttime. They don’t wear them all simultaneously, but we can rotate between them as needed.


Is it Better to Walk a Dog with a Harness or Collar?


There is a long ongoing debate about the benefits of harnesses versus collars. We feel they both have their strengths, but they vary. The biggest concern with walking dogs on a collar is the potential for neck injuries, especially if they try to bolt off or pull excessively. Harnesses distribute the pressure across the chest, an area of the body that is much more capable of safely handling that pressure than the neck.


If you’re unsure of the best option for your dog, try speaking with your veterinarian or a reputable dog trainer. Explain your concerns and the scenario you are considering. Know that it doesn’t have to be black or white. For example, our dogs wear collars at home, LED collars at night, and tracking collars on the trail. However, when hiking, their leashes are attached to a harness. More specifically, we love the RC Pets Momentum Control Harness.  

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Dog Collar


Selecting the most suitable collar for your dog goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about choosing an option that prioritizes their safety, comfort, and overall well-being. Not every collar is made the same – each style is designed to perform in a specific scenario or lifestyle. You may even need to consider multiple collars, which you can rotate between or combine as needed.


You can make an informed decision by understanding the different collar options and considering your dog’s unique needs. Plus, of course, there is the fun element of choosing colors or patterns that best showcase your dog’s personality (or your own). A dog collar is a stylish accessory and a safe and comfortable part of your dog’s daily routine.


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Britt
Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 2 cats – Pippen and Jinx. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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