DOG CARRIERS & TRAVEL PRODUCTS
The Best Dog Collar
Oct
What a dog collar is for
Any dogs that leaves the house or that could potentially escape from its home (and realistically, that’s all dogs) need a collar with owner contact info on tags and written on the collar itself (either stitched or in Sharpie). Consider your dog’s everyday collar its first line of defense if it gets lost—it’ll identify the dog and help it get home.
Most dogs also need a collar for walks, even if they’re not the type to escape. A good dog collar should be comfortable but also strong enough to handle any size or strength of dog. It should have a sturdy buckle that won’t come undone and a D-ring to attach a leash. Some collars also come with GPS tracking devices, which can be helpful if your dog does manage to get lost.
A collar should be loose enough to fit two fingers beneath, but no more.
How we picked
what qualities are important in a good dog collar or harness. We came up with the following criteria:
- Comfort: A collar or harness should not cause your dog any discomfort. This includes chafing, rubbing, or anything else that might make wearing the device unpleasant for your pet.
- Safety: A collar or harness should keep your dog safe and secure. It should be made of strong materials that won’t break easily, and it should be comfortable enough to wear so that your dog won’t try to escape from it.
Durable synthetic materials like nylon or polyester webbing. Leather can crack, is harder to clean, and can sometimes take on random smells (particularly a problem if your dog likes to roll in things). Synthetics dry faster and absorb fewer odors. We avoided PVC, since those collars tend to be less flexible, and, if chewed, can create sharp edges that can potentially injure your pet. - Durability: A collar or harness should be able to withstand regular use and still look like new.
- Simple, easy-to-clean construction: with no braids, studs or decorative grommets. If a dog gets muddy or rolls in something, you’ll have to clean in between all of that hardware. Thicker collars with intricate weaves also would take longer to dry.
- Ease of use: A collar or harness should be easy for you to put on and take off of your dog. It should also be adjustable so that you can get a perfect fit.
The ability to secure excess webbing once properly adjusted. Collars that can’t tighten properly can yield a built-in noose for other pets, or your dog’s dewclaw could get hung in it.
After considering all of these factors, you can pick the best Dog Collars for your dog!
