How To Fit A Dog Collar

A dog collar is a necessary item for every dog to have. Dog collars allow owners to use a leash and place an identification tag on their dogÂ’s neck. Without having a place to easily hold a dog if they become out of control or over excited, an owner will put their dog in risk of harm.

The best thing about having a dog collar, other than the necessary uses of a collar, is that it allows you to add some style to your dog. You can use a feminine colored dog collar with nylon webbing to let others know that your dog is a female. There are also dog breed collars available that are great for purebred dogs.

Fitting a collar properly is crucial. A dog with an ill fitted collar can get injured easily. Loose collars can catch on sharp objects. Tight collars can restrict breathing and cause suffocation and breathing problems.

Before you select a collar size you must measure your dog’s neck. Use a measuring tape and measure the lowest part of the neck where the collar will sit. Take that measurement and add two inches. This will be the size of dog collar with nylon webbing that your dog will need.

The material on a collar should not be uncomfortable for a dog. They will be wearing the collar day and night and need to have something that will not bother their skin. Low quality collars may even bleed dye into a dogÂ’s fur that can be poisonous.

When you place the collar around the dogÂ’s neck a good rule of thumb is to be sure that there is enough space for two fingers to fit tightly under the neck. Of course, this may need to be adjusted for smaller breeds to one finger.

After you have placed the collar on your dogÂ’s neck be sure to check the spacing for the next couple of days. Some materials on dog collars even with nylon webbing may stretch, especially if a dog is scratching at the collar. You may need to readjust the collar several times for the first few days.

Be sure to fit your dog collar properly and check it often. Dogs can gain and lose weight and checking the fit of the collar is the best way to identify weight changes.