It is unnecessary to introduce what is a dog collar to dog lovers! They know it is a piece of material (nylon, cotton, leather, metal, mesh or anything else) made to be worn by a dog around its neck. But it is essential to know the nature of different types of collars. Otherwise, a dog owner may miss picking the right one for his dog.

A collar is the first tool used to train a dog in most cases. You may use it as a restraint, protection, fashion, or identification tag. As the collar is an unavoidable tool for training and security of your dog, so know the nature and efficiency of different types of dog collar to make a match of it with your dog. The following information may help you make a justified choice.

Everyday Collars

For everyday use of your dog, you will find mainly two categories of collars at different forms- 
➔      Buckle Collar
      ➔      Quick Release Collar

Both are basic flat collars, which are safe and comfortable. They are made of different materials (leather, mesh, nylon, etc.), and you will find them available in numerous patterns, designs, colors, and sizes from where you have to buy the most appropriate one.

An everyday collar needs to be more comfortable, collateral risk-free, and long-lasting. Don’t get confused with the term ‘collateral risk’. Suppose, your dog has a lot of long hair. What if you give him a weighty metal collar? He may suffer from hair loss, which you can call collateral risk here. Put a rolled leather collar on your dog’s neck in such a case.

You should prefer buckle collars for larger size dogs, as they are more robust, over quick release clasp collars. Though prone to break down soon, the latter type is often lightweight and comfortable, and a good option for smaller dogs, therefore.

A breakaway collar is another option for everyday use if your dog often plays with other dogs who are prone to grab collars. It breaks away when snagged and prevents the accidental hanging of your dog.

Most of the everyday collars are quite cheap. As you are addressing it for everyday use, make sure that the collar has an identification tag with your address.

Training Collars

When a collar is put on a dog’s neck for corroborating its training, it is commonly termed as a dog training collar. When your dog does not respond to what you are teaching or show any inappropriate behavior, such a collar is used to put pressure or buzz to get it controlled. Dog training collar itself is not a collar; it’s a category where numerous collars are available, including-

➔      Prong Collar
➔      Choke Collar
➔      Martingale Collar
➔      Head Collar
➔      Anti Bark/Shock Collar

A prong collar is made metal made and comes in an intertwined form of blunt prongs. Although metal-made, farm, and weighty, it does not inflict any pain on the dog's neck because of such structure. Usually, it is connected to a leash and put sufficient pressure on the dog's neck when leash pulled. While training, it prevents dogs from distractions and picking dirty stuff. A prong collar can be used for training of all dog breeds, check Custom K9 Heros more information.

The choke or chain collar is another contemporary dog training collar. It is a chain that tightens around the neck of your dog when you apply pressure. But there is a risk associated with this collar that you cannot set the degree of tightness, which may bring accidents. Therefore, it is ideal for too aggressive large dogs, not the smalls.

A martingale is a better option for training than a choke collar, although both are almost similar. The fundamental difference that makes it better is you can set or adjust the tightness limit, and your dog won't get strangled like the chain collar. It is suitable for both small and large size dogs.

Head Collars halt the dog by turning its head when pulled. It resembles to muzzle slightly, acts more like a reliable harness, and helps to train the dogs to walk correctly on a heel and leash.

Being electrical, the fifth category (shock or anti-bark) is different from other training collars. Anti-bark collars are designed to train the dogs not to bark unnecessarily, more specifically to control their barking. These collars detect dog barking through vocal cord vibrations or by recording the sound emitted while barking. Whatever the way is, these collars give corrections to the barking dogs to remind them that such barking is unfavorable for them. You can have an opportunity to pick the right option from a wide range of anti-bark or shock collar availability, including -

➔      Static Bark Collar
➔      Spray/Citronella Bark Collar
➔      Ultrasonic Collar

Among them, ultrasonic bark control collars are the smartest, a bit expensive too. Usually, dog training collars, especially the bark control shock collar, are more costly than the day-to-day collars; however, you can find some affordable options too. 


Last Words
Dog owners buy dog collars for so many reasons. Wearing a collar on neck is an identity to a dog. It has many uses and benefits. It even serves some particular purpose too, for instance, a flea or tick collar is used for dog’s protection from fleas and other insects. Lastly, make a match between your dog and collar before purchasing.