by Miffy Locklin

Created on: December 17, 2011   Last Updated: December 20, 2011

The dog in your life is so special, you practically consider him a family member. You constantly watch out for your dog’s safety but there’s one detail most pet owners over-look that puts their dogs at risk.

Pet shops and animal shelters can’t stress to dog owners enough and in the United States it’s mandatory that all dogs in public places must wear a collar with your address and your name engraved on the tag. While the main purpose for the collar is the dog’s identification, finding the right collar is just as important. But sometimes, shopping for man’s best friend isn't the easiest task.

Many dogs suffer from collars that are too tight, too big or just plain uncomfortable. Choosing the perfect collar depends on your dog’s size, and disposition. First, you must measure the dog’s neck for the length. Remember to add at least 2 inches to the measurement to ensure the collar will be the right fit. It’s important to record these measurements because not all places will allow you to bring the dog into the store unless it’s a specified pet store.

When placing the collar on the dog, it should be high on its neck and not sliding toward its shoulders. To provide the perfect fit, the common trick is to keep the dog’s collar two fingers from the dog’s neck. A collar too loose will place the dog at risk of slipping out or allowing objects to yank at it. Collars that are too tight can lead to severe choking.

The majority of dog owners find the traditional flat collar to be perfect. The traditional flat collar is made of leather or nylon. The nylon is lightweight with an easy snap to connect the tag and the leash. It has a simple design and ranges from a variety of colors and patterns. This type of collar is for small dogs and puppies. The leather collar is a good choice for bigger dogs because it is more durable and stronger than the lightweight nylon. It is important to change the dog’s collar as it grows, which can require switching from nylon to leather. Consider the breed when purchasing the right collar since some breeds grow bigger than others. It is necessary to pay as much attention to your dog as you would a child. With the right collar, you can rest at ease and your dog will surely thank you. 

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