Eight Different Types of Dog Collars

When you're a dog owner, choosing the right kind of collar is important. While they all provide the same key functions, different types of dog collars have their own pros and cons to bring to the table.

Chain Slip Collars

Also known as choke chains, this type of collar tightens around your dog's neck when they pull on the leash. They used to be popular for training, but they aren't effective due to an overreliance on negative reinforcement. What's even worse is that they can present health risks to your dog.

Metal Prong Collars

Metal prong collars inflict even more discomfort on dogs that pull on their leashes as compared to chain slip collars. It should be no surprise that they also present greater long-term health risks and short-term choking hazards, which means that it's best to stay away from them.

Martingale Collars

Martingale Collars have a slight tightening mechanism that helps prevent them from slipping loose. What distinguishes them from chain slip collars is that there's a limit to how much they tighten, which prevents them from causing discomfort or injury.

Clasp Collars

Clasp collars have convenient fastening or clicking mechanisms to hold a collar in place. They're suitable for small or well-behaved dogs, but can easily break if a dog continually pulls against its' leash.

Buckle Collars

Buckle collars function the same way that a buckle you might wear around your pants would. This is a bit more involved than a clasp collar but offers much greater strength.

Head Collars

A head collar loops around a dog's head much like a muzzle, but without being restrictive or uncomfortable. Instead, it's a specialized training collar that helps dogs learn how to follow along on walks.

Harnesses

Harnesses are a safer way to handle dogs that pull on their leashes. Since they disperse the pressure across the dog's torso, they don't present the same risks of injury as tight collars.

Smart Collars

The times they are a-changin', as your dog can carry the latest tech with them too. Smart collars can come with features like GPS tracking, wifi coverage, and waterproof functionality.