Learn about various types of collars and leashes to find the best fit for your dog.
Types of Collars
Flat or Rolled Collar
Pros:
• Used to attach identifications, license, rabies tags for ID purposes.
Cons:
• Does not reduce pulling.
• Dogs can slip out if not properly fitted: Make sure there is just enough slack to fit 2 fingers, and no more than 2 fingers.
Martingale/Premier/Greyhound Collar
Pros:
• Good for dogs who can slip out of collars.
• Adjustable so that it cannot strangle a dog.
• Humane.
Cons:
• Danger of asphyxiation if the loop gets stuck on another dog’s mouth during playtime, or any other object. For this reason, these collars must be removed whenever the leash is removed.
Head Halter
Pros:
• Good for training loose-leash walking by redirecting dogs’ attention towards their humans.
• Humane.
Cons:
• Some dogs require acclimation to head halter.
• If not fitted properly, dog may slip out or can cause skin irritation or loss of fur.
• For instructions see: companyofanimals.co.uk
Front-clip Harness
Pros:
• Good for loose-leash training.
• Dogs don’t require acclimation to the harness.
• Can be used with all dogs including snub nose breeds, tiny dogs, and dogs with airway medical issues.
• Redirects dog’s attention by turning his body instead of applying pressure on neck.
• Humane.
Cons:
• Must be fitted properly, with proper size harness.
Back-clip Harness
Pros:
• Good for dogs with airway medical issues.
Cons:
• Can increase pulling.
Choke Chain
AVOID
• Can cause tracheal damage, asphyxiation.
• Can strangle dog if caught on anything.
• Can cause or exacerbate aggression or fearful issues from pain associated with the choke chain.
• Ineffective training tool, as fear and stress block learning.
Prong/Pinch Collar
AVOID
• Causes pain and stress.
• Can cause or exacerbate aggression or fearful behavior.
• Can cause injury.
• Inhumane – a pain inducing tool.
Shock Collar
AVOID
• Causes pain.
• Ineffective training tool.
• Can cause or exacerbate aggression or fearful behavior.
Spray Collar/Citronella Collar
AVOID
• Causes discomfort, fear, and pain, sometimes skin irritation.
• Unpredictable sensor/trigger makes collar an ineffective, inhumane training tool.
• Can cause or exacerbate aggression or fearful behavior.
Types of Leashes
4-6 foot Fabric Leash
Pros:
• Most recommended for walks and loose-leash training.
Chain or Rope Leash
Pros:
• Should be used if the dog is known to chew through fabric leashes.
Cons:
• Heavier than fabric leash.
Long Line (10-30 feet)
Pros:
• Useful when teaching dogs to come when called.
• Appropriate for walks in the park or in other open areas where your dog can explore further away from you.
• Use in the house for new dog or puppy.
Cons:
• Inappropriate for training your dog not to pull on-leash.
• Can get tangled or wound around objects and people’s legs.
• Unsafe during play because it can wrap around a dog’s body parts and cause injury
Retractable Leash
AVOID
• Can cause serious neck injury if lock is engaged too suddenly, especially while dog is running.
• False sense of control: it is often too late to react if dog is far away and encounters a dangerous situation (dog fight, cars, etc.)
• Cord can break, causing escape.
• Trip and injury hazard, as cord is difficult to see.
• Can cause injurious rope burns when retracting quickly.