Collars

A collar is the single most important item to get as soon as you acquire a new puppy or adult dog.

It carries the dog’s identification, can be used to attach a leash, lets other know that your dog has a home should he ever get away and last but not least can be a fashion statement, too!

We strive to offer you the most comprehensive collar reviews on the internet. No matter what kind of collar you are looking for, we have recommendations for you!

Before we dive into specifics, let’s have a look at the most common questions around dog collars.

Should dogs wear collars 24/7?

Whether or not your dog should wear a collar around the clock will depend on your lifestyle, your dog’s coat and other dogs in the household.

A dog who spends a lot of time outside, perhaps even roaming on a large property, should absolutely wear a collar with his owner’s information on it at all times. If he ever got loose and left the area, the chances of being reunited are much higher if the dog is wearing a collar and tags.

A dog who is an inside dog doesn’t necessarily have to wear a collar. In fact, dog tags can get stuck in heating vents and trap dogs there. If your dog is alone by himself inside the house, it is safer to take the collar of.

If you have multiple dogs that enjoy playing together, you should remove your dogs’ collars while they are rough-housing. Otherwise they can easily get caught in each other’s collars and choke and injure themselves.

Lastly, if you have a dog with a very dense coat that tends to mat easily, a flat collar can lead to a lot of knotted hair. For dogs like this, it is important to take the collar off when it is not needed and to brush out the fur underneath.

Are Dog Collars Cruel?

A regular flat dog collar is not cruel at all. If it’s properly fitted, your dog is very unlikely to even notice that he is wearing it.

In order to ensure that your dog’s collar fits well and is comfortable, pay attention to:

• Snugness: The collar should be snug. If it is very loose, it could get caught and choke your dog. You should be able to just about fit 2 fingers underneath the collar.
• Cleanliness: Your dog wears his collar every day and gets it dirty. If it is a nylon/fabric collar, make sure to wash it regularly.
• Matting: A long-coated dog needs to be checked daily for any matting around the neck area.
• Safety: The o-rings on a collar can wear out over time. Especially if you have a leash-reactive dog, make sure to check the rings regularly before clipping in a leash!
• Itching: If you notice your dog repeatedly scratching his neck area, check if there are any burrs underneath his collar or if it is too tight.

Do Dogs Like To Wear Collars?

We cannot ask our four-legged friends if they truly “like” to wear collars – our best guess is that they are mostly ambivalent. In a dog’s world, there are so many more important and interesting things than a collar – ranging from sniffing bushes and fetching balls over playing with dog friends to gnawing on bones – that the collar really is not at the front of their mind!

Nearly all dogs completely ignore their collar and most likely have no idea it is even there.

Should Dogs Sleep With Collars On?

As mentioned above, this will depend on your dog and your lifestyle. Anytime that you fear your dog might somehow get loose and escape, it is crucial that he wears a collar.

If you are for example camping, your dog sleeps outside on a large property or you have just moved, he should wear a collar at night for his safety.

For “regular” nap times and normal nighttime sleep inside the house however, there is no reason for your dog to wear a collar.

Is It Bad For Dogs To Wear Collars?

Again – there is nothing wrong with having a properly fitted flat or round collar on a healthy dog with no skin conditions.

In some circumstances, wearing a collar could be bad for an individual dog. These are:

• Health conditions: If your dog has allergies, itchy skin, experiences chafing, or has a lot of sensory issues, even a regular collar might be uncomfortable for him. Discuss with your vet if and when your dog should wear a collar.
• Humid weather: If nylon or fabric collars get wet, they can take a long time to dry. When living in a humid climate, avoid having these collars on your dog or they could be permanently wet on his skin, leading to sores and infections.
• Small dogs: Small dogs can wear collars, but should always be walked on a harness in order to avoid collapsing tracheas.

Now let’s dive into our collar reviews!

Collar Reviews