How to Buy a Properly Fitting Dog Collar
Why You Want a Dog Collar That Fits
Have you ever been walking your dog on leash and had him put on the brakes so hard that his collar slides off his head? If you’ve been in this situation you probably had a moment of panic: “Oh no, the dog is loose without any identification!” It’s a scary feeling for good reason-it’s a dangerous situation.
You can avoid this problem by buying your dog a collar that really fits. What’s the best way to do this?
How To Measure For Correct Fit
· Take a string and place it around your dog’s neck where the collar should be. Mark the length and stretch it out on a ruler to find out how many inches or centimeters around your dog’s neck is. Write down the measurement and take it with you when you collar shop online or in a pet store.
· Choose a collar that appears to fit based on the measurement you have.
· Put the collar on your dog and adjust the size until you can slide two fingers under it.
· If the collar easily slides off over the dog’s head, make it a bit tighter until it is both comfortable and safe.
How to Choose the Right Width Dog Collar
· Don’t forget about width when you are choosing a dog collar. Too wide may make it difficult for your dog to move and eat, and too narrow may cause discomfort during leash walking.
· Check the collar regularly to make sure it still fits well. Like people dogs gain and lose weight, and even small changes might require an adjustment.
When to buy a New Dog Collar
Replace your collar as it gets worn or stretched. Even though your dog’s neck size may not change, you’re not going to get away with using the same collar for your dog’s entire life. Don’t just put it on your dog and forget about it!
Brenna Fender, Freelance writer and owner of three dogs
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