Basic collars
Collars are made with a variety of materials, most commonly leather or nylon webbing. Less common materials can include polyester,Special-purpose collars and attachments
*Stud collars, also called wolf collars, protection collars, or spiked collars depending on the attachments, are collars fitted with metal studs, dulled points, or sharp points that traditionally prevented another animal from biting the dog's neck. Commonly, spikes are hand-set and tightly riveted for extra security. This type of collar dates back to ancient Greece, when dogs protectingMedical collars
*Flea collars are impregnated with chemicals that repelFashion collars
Dog collars are also used to convey the owner's style and have been used as a status symbol. The oldest known fashionable dog collars come from ancient Egypt, dating back to before the earliest of the Pharaohs. Today's fashionable dog collars come in a wide variety of designs, patterns and materials and may include accessories, such as bow ties and flowers.Training collars
Several types of collars are used for the purposes of training dogs, though sometimes a collar is not used at all (such as in the case ofFlat collars
Some dogs are trained on leash using a buckle or quick-release collar.Martingale collar
Martingale collars are recommended forHead halters
Head halters, also called head collars, are similar in design to a halter for a horse. They are sold under several brand names. Brands include ''Comfort Trainer'', ''Canny Collar'', ''Halti'', ''Gentle Leader'', and ''Snoot Loop'' amongst several others. Brand names are also used when referring to these collars most commonly ''Halti'' or ''Gentle Leader''. This device fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog's direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than most collars that fit strictly around the neck. Pressure on this type of collar pulls the dog's nose and consequently their head towards the handler. These type of collars can aid in stopping a strong dog from pulling an owner in an unsafe direction. They are also recommended for dogs that pull as the pressure will no longer be directly on their wind pipe. The theory behind the utility of head halters is that if you have control of the head, you have control of the body. The head collar generally consists of two loops, one behind the ears and the other over the nose. This tool generally makes it more difficult for the dog to pull on its leash. This is a management tool only, it does not train the dog not to pull.Controversy
Supporters of the head halter say that it enables the handler to control the dog's head, and makes the dog unable to pull using its full strength. They claim it is especially useful with reactive dogs, where control of the dog's head can be a safety issue. Those who do not recommend use of the head halter say that some dogs find it unnatural and uncomfortable. If the collar is too tight, it may dig too deeply into the skin or the strap around the muzzle may push into the dog's eyes. Cervical injury is a possible result from improper use of the head halter; if a dog is jerked suddenly by the leash attached to the head halter, the dog's nose is pulled sharply to the side, which might result in neck injury. If the nose strap is fitted too tightly, the hair on the muzzle can also be rubbed off, or the dog might paw and scratch at its face, causing injuries ranging from mere bare skin to severe abrasions. Some head halters such as the ''Canny Collar'' attach behind the neck and tighten around the nose when the dog pulls to deter the dog from pulling. Manufacturers claim they are safer than halters that attach below the muzzle because they do not pull the dog's head to one side, avoiding stress on the neck area. Some rear-fastening head halters can have the noseband removed during use, therefore providing an element of training the dog to eventually walk on a regular collar and lead.Aversive collars
Aversive collars use levels of discomfort or an unpleasant sensation to encourage a dog to modify unwanted behaviors. The use of aversive collars is controversial, with some humane and veterinary organizations recommending against them.Shock collars
Humane bark collars
There are dog bark collars that use a combination of vibrations and sounds. In several studies bark collars have been shown to be very effective. Because there are so many underlying reasons for your dog to bark, a collar may or may not work for your situation.Prong collars
Prong collars, also called a Herm Sprenger or pinch collar, are a series of metal links that fit together by connecting through blunt prongs that point inward toward the dog's neck. The design of the prong collar incorporates a chain loop connecting the ends of the prong series, such that it has a limited circumference (a ''martingale''), unlike choke chains, which do not have a limit on how far they can constrict on a dog's neck. The leash attaches to this chain section. There are two options on the prong collar for leash attachment, the dead ring and the live ring. The live ring is used when a dog needs more correction as it gives more slack when the leash is popped. The dead ring is used most commonly when first training a dog to use a prong. The leash is attached to both rings and as such there is not as much slack as when attached to the live ring. This section commonly has a swivel at the point of attachment to lessen the twisting and possible tangling of the leash. Like the choke chain, the prong collar is placed high on the dog's neck, just behind the ears, at a point where nerve endings are less padded(to cause more discomfort with less effort by the handler). This is perhaps one of the most misportrayed factors of "proper" prong collar use; the fit and placement of the prong collar are used to make the tool seem like something only used by more knowledgeable people. The collar is designed to prevent the dog from pulling by applying pressure on smaller contact points around the dog's neck as this causes discomfort. The limited traction of the martingale chain combined with the angle of the prongs prevents the prongs moving close enough to cause injury physically. Unlike flat, martingale, or slip choke collars the prong protects the trachea as a bonus to causing discomfort. It is used as a brief "corrective" tug which brings the dog's mind back to the handler by making them experience distress. The benefits are an overall reduction of time force is applied at the expense of a dog expecting bad things in everyday scenarios; enhances training/conditioning the dog to being handled with an ideal amount of slack on the dogs lead (no pulling or lunging because of the greater fear of being caused discomfort); improved command and control of your dog through the threat of positive punishment and negative reinforcement so you can care for your dog with the excuse to prevent possible tragedy(e.g. chasing squirrel into traffic). There are also prong collars that include a "safe buckle", designed to unsnap and provide enough space for the dog to slip out of and do not accidentally restrict the airway. Prong collars must never be turned inside out (with the prongs facing away from the dog's skin), as this may cause injury against the body and head. Further, one should never use to yank a dog back, choke, or hang/suspend a dog. They are used as "corrective" tools despite dogs having no concept of "good" and "bad". Footage of this collar being actively used typically shows a dog with common signs of discomfort(ears pointed back, lip licking, raised eyebrows and "stress lines" on the face) At times, plastic tips are occasionally placed on the ends of the prongs to protect against catching the fur and pulling tufts, or in the case of ''low-quality collars'' ''with'' ''rough or chisel cut ends'', irritating or perhaps puncturing the skin. Its important to examine the tips of the prongs to ensure they are rounded and smooth regardless if they have rubber tips so that they only cause discomfort and no visible injury. Like any collar the prong collar can fail if the dog has not been put into a state of learned helplessness. Some dog training organisations will not allow members to use them, and they are prohibited by law in Victoria, Australia.Force collars
Force collars are leather with metal prongs or studs lining the inside; similar in effect to prong collars.Choke chains
Choke chains (also called choke collars, slip chains, check collars, or training collars) are a length of chain with rings at either end such that the collar can be formed into a loop that slips over the dogs head and typically rests around the top of the dog's neck, just behind the ears. When the leash is attached to the "dead" ring, the collar does not constrict on the dog's neck. When the leash is attached to the "live" ring, the chain slips (adjusts) tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released. Training with this leash involves a quick jerk with an immediate release, called a "leash pop", "snap", or "correction". This is supposed to correct a dog's unwanted behavior, such as leaving the "heel" position. Pulling harder or longer on the choke chain presses on the dog's trachea and/or larynx and may restrict breathing. Cesar Milan's "Illusion collar" is a choke collar wrapped in a buckle collar.Fur saver collars
Fur saver collars are a kind of slip chain that contain fewer and longer individual links than a close link chain, also known as a long link fur saver collar. Fur saver collars can be used both for long and short-haired breeds limiting damage to the dog's fur. It can be used for training and daily use as well. The fur saver collar can be 'locked out' preventing it from constricting by attaching the leash connector to any link within the chain, this mitigates the unlimited traction effect associated with a slip chain.See also
* Muzzle (device) * Dog harness * Dog training *References
External links
{{DEFAULTSORT:Collar Dog equipment Dog training and behavior Identification of domesticated animals