Dog collars and leashes come in a great variety of colors, style, fabric, and sizes. This will be one of your first purchases for your newly acquired pet. Dog collars and leashes both help to teach and direct when you are in the training mode. The collar should always have a tag on it which includes your name, address, and phone number in case your pet gets lost. Most cities throughout the USA have a “Leash Law” which means you must be in full conrol of your dog at all times outside the home.
Different types of collars for your dog include:
Charm collars which can be personalized with initials, designs, nicknames, with the charms being bought separately.
Jewelled collars are usually made of nylon and come with faux gems in different shapes and sizes.
Leather collars are always a classic and can come with studs in various shapes, spikes, patent leather, flat or rolled.
Nylon collars can be cushioned, padded, reflective, and dry very quickly. These come in many different colors including camouflage.
Designer collars can be found with Sterling Silver designs and Brass hooks, real gemstones, and are very upscale and trendy.
Training collars can be useful for slightly more aggressive or headstrong dogs. Electric collars give a jolt when wrong behavior is shown with a buzz or tingle to it. These are also used to train hunting dogs, and dogs that constantly bark.
Different types of Leashes for your dog include:
Cable leashes are steel cable covered in plastic and are not extremely flexible. These look like the cable you put around your bike to secure it from theft.
Nylon is usually a single ply and can come in a variety of designs, colors and sizes. These also come adjustable for two dogs with a “Y” in the middle for less tangling.
Leather leashes will always be a favorite. They are strong and durable with many different designs including a flat shape and double twisted for strength.
Retractable leashes give your dog a little more freedom when walking. They do have a braking system for added safety, and come with a hard or soft plastic grip. Different ranges for length are available.
When purchasing your new collar or leash keep in mind the size and weight of your dog. A small lightweight collar would be great for a Yorkie, but would not be suitable for a Great Dane. A heavy chain leash would weigh down a small Pomeranian, but would be great fit for a Rottweiler. You should be able to fit at least two fingers between your dogs neck and collar to assure the correct fit, and as your puppy grows, make sure you check the collar for tightness. If you live in an area that rains frequently, you might want to choose a collar and leash that would be rust and corrosion resistant so you can avoid buying a new one every month.
