Thursday, March 24, 2011

Collars for dogs - Benefits and drawbacks


Don't assume all collars are the same. You will discover many different varieties and brands, and many performs best for several breeds and sizes. Deciding on the best one also varies according to the of the pet. Is he a puller? A jumper? Or maybe a pint-size poodle that is definitely content to trot at your disposal? Whichever breed you possess, or whatever unpleasant habit you want to break, one of them collars really should be only the ticket.

Harness (leash attaches in the shoulder muscles)

- Perfect for smaller breeds, like Shi-tzus or Yorkies, or any dog it does not pull to the leash.

- Unsuitable for all-day wear, since chaffing may appear at tender armpits. Longer haired breeds can suffer matting in the fur if worn excessively.

- Can in fact promote pulling. You will find there's causef sled dogs use harnesses--their strength is distributed evenly together with the harness, which are pulling more at ease.

"No Pull" Harness (leash attaches with the chest)

- Prevents pulling by steering your canine back when he pulls ahead.

- Perfect for larger breeds, or any dog that pulls within the leash.

- Unsuitable for all-day wear, per the issues stated above.

Head Harness (leash attaches on the jaw)

- Perfect for people that pull excessively to the leash.

- Prevents getting the identical manner being a horse harness, by steering canine because of the head as opposed to the neck.

- Perfect for teaching basic principles of heeling.

- Feels good. Even though it resembles a muzzle, canine has freedom to drink, bark, etc.

- Will take longer in your dog to get utilized to it. Some dogs may perhaps be immune, when they will stiffen their neck muscles to be able to continue pulling.

- If used properly, along with cooperation through your dog, it is possible to walk with one finger about the leash!

- I prefer such a leash with my 15 pound Cockapoo. I like the Halti brand.

Nylon Collar

- Perfect for everyday wear.

- Buckle or clip closures work fine.

- Might get wet and really should never stretch.

- Not suggested for leash training given it puts an excessive amount of strain around the neck.

"Choke" Chain

- Not advised for all-day wear, since it may snag easily.

- Some dogs will not respond, so they really will pull regardless, the same as using a regular nylon collar.

- When taught, the collar can pinch your sensitive skin in the neck.

- I generally tend not to recommend these collars to my clients, since there are better alternatives available on the market.

"Pinch/Prong" Collar

- Best for leash training for very stubborn dogs, small or large.

- Even if this collar looks cruel, when used correctly, it is going to mimic an alpha dog's mouth, gently squeezing to the neck. Proven to stabilize the most unruly dogs.

- You must never yank the leash when utilizing a prong collar. This may not be proper usage, which enable it to contribute to trouble for your four-legged friend.

- Unsuitable for all-day wear--injury may occur.

Leather or Suede Collar

- Can stretch eventually, plus your dog just might grab of the usb ports.

- Some dogs have seen irritation with one of these collars.

- Will warp or stretch when wet.

- If too stiff, the collar might be abrasive against your dog's skin, causing blisters or irritation.

Main point here: a normal nylon collar is actually perfect for daily wear. When going on a walk with dogs which do not learn how to heel, I might suggest employing a pinch collar or head harness, even on small dogs.