As we know that the material which is put around a dog’s neck is known as a dog collar. The purpose of a dog collar is to control and direct a dog; however dog collars are also used for fashion and identification purposes. People who have dogs as pets like to have dog collars for better control of their dogs. With the help of a dog collar, one can easily grab and grip his or her dog. Collars are often used in conjunction with a lead, and a common alternative to a dog collar is a dogharness or halter style collar which has an extra band to control the head of the dog. Dog collars are the most common form of directing and teaching dogs. There are many types of dog collars such as basic collars, training collars, leather collars, choke chains, jewelled collars, wolf collar and many more.
Whenever a small dog is seen wearing a fancy jewelled collar, it surely looks cuter than the small dog without a collar. Dog collars are available in every type of material and in every colour.Leather dog collars are the most common collars among dogs because they are available at a very reasonable price. Jewelled dog collars are also becoming a fashion trend nowadays. A dogs name is usually written on its collar, although a number of security conscious owners only put a phone number and maybe address on the collar. Some of the dog collars also contain the first letter of the dog’s name.
Many types of collar for dogs are available both online and also in high street pet shops in every size and colour.
Basic dog collars
Leather buckle collar with traditional buckle, are 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 dog collar loosely around the dog's neck. Identification is commonly attached to such a collar; it also comes with a loop to which a lead can be attached Flea collars are impregnated with chemicals that repel fleas. They are usually a supplementary collar, worn in addition to the conventional buckle collar.
Stud collars are leather dog 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
A number of dog 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 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.Choke Chains
Choke chains (also called slip collars or slip chains) 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 lead is attached to the dead ring the collar does not constrict on the dog's neck. When the lead is attached to the live ring the chain slips (adjusts) tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released. A quick jerk with an immediate release, euphemistically called a leash pop, snap, or correction, is used to correct the dog into a 'heel' position. Prong collar
Prong collars are a series of chain links with blunted open ends turned towards the dog's neck. The design of the prong collar is such that it has a limited circumference unlike choke chains which do not have a limit on how far they can constrict on a dog's neck. The limited traction of the martingale chain combined with the angle of the prongs prevents the prongs moving close enough to pinch. The collar is designed to prevent the dog from pulling by applying pressure at each point against the dog's neck.Prong collars must never be turned inside out (with the prongs facing away from the dog's skin), as this may cause injury against the body and head. Plastic tips are occasionally placed on the ends of the prongs to protect against tufts forming in the fur. Like the choke chain, the prong collar is placed high on the dog's neck, just behind the ears, at the most sensitive point.
Martingale collar
Martingale collars are recommended for sight hounds e.g. Afghan hound, Greyhound, because their heads are smaller than their necks and they can often slip out of standard collars. They can, however, be used for any breed of dog. Their no-slip feature has made them a safety standard at many kennels. A martingale collar has 2 loops; the smaller loop is the "control loop" that tightens the larger loop when pulled to prevent dogs from slipping out of the dog collar. Similar to a prong collar, the martingale has limited constriction on the dog's neck and applies even pressure. Head halters
The halter-style collar controls the dog's head but does not restrict its ability to pant, drink, or grasp objects. Head halters, sold under the brand names Halti or Gentle Leader are similar in design to a halter for a horse. This device fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog's direction and the intensity of pulling on a lead than collars that fit strictly around the neck. Pressure on this type of collar pulls the dog's head towards the handlerShock collars
Shock collars (or training collars, remote training collars, e-collars, electronic collars are electronic training aids developed to deliver an electrical signal, vibration, tone, through contact points attached to a dog collar. Shock collars are illegal in Wales and in my opinion should be banned worldwide.
