A collar, leash or harness are necessary attribute of a dog. When choosing the most suitable ones for your pet, it is useful to know how some choices differ from others, as choosing isn‘t as easy as it may seem at first glance.
Collars for dogs can vary depending on different breeds, life situations and training. In this article we will share useful tips for Australian Shepherd owners, that will help you properly choose a collar or harness.
Types of dog collars
- Classic soft collar
These type of collars are usually used for daily walks, protection and guards. Material most often is leather, plastic or a combination of both. Typically, these collars with a soft base (felt, thin skin with a soft filler) give the dog maximum comfort.
The most frequent sort of collar is for walking. Typically, these collars have a ring attached to a leash that is fitted near the buckle. Alternatively, on the opposite side of the collar – so that the owner does not have to search for a ring to fasten the dog.
Some collars have a handle, which helps to hold the dog comfortably. The leash ring is mounted on or under the handle. Such collars are most commonly used during trainings.
Collars for guards – the most reliable type. The collar is designed to keep the dog tethered permanently, so it needs to be especially reliable. It has a distinctive feature: the collar strap is first passed through a semi-circular ring and only then fastened with a buckle. In this way, the main loads do not fall on the buckles and mounting holes, but on the durable material passed through the ring. The buckle is on top and does not disturb the dog.
- Choking collars
Choking collars or loops are usually made from metal chain, leather or synthetic. These collars are most commonly used in training or shows. However, their light weight allows for comfortable use in everyday life as well.
However, any effect, especially on the puppy, must be precise and brief or any educational value will be lost. An experienced instructor must explain and demonstrate in detail how a dog should be exposed before allowing such a collar to be used.
Make sure that metal collars are made of durable alloy, parts soldered or welded. The surface should be smooth, so it would not injure your dog. Also keep in mind that poor quality products can stain a dog‘s fur. Therefore, before participating in the exhibition, be sure to test the collar in advance.
Note that Australian Shepherds have thick fur, so a metal collar with small holes can rub the fur in that place, therefore the rings of the chain must be as large as possible.
- Collars for the show
Collars for the show should be such as not to distract from the dog. Its better to choose based on the coat‘s color. It is important that it does not visually divide the animal‘s neck, is comfortable, reliable and practical. Usually plastic or metal chocke chains.
- Collars with navigation systems (GPS)
Collars with navigation systems have become a major breakthrough, especially in finding missing pets. Although originally intended for hunters whose dogs run deep into the woods in search of prey, these collars are now increasingly being used on the necks of ordinary pets.
The navigation system consists of a collar, a GPS signal transmission device on it, and a remote control receiver owned by the owner. The cost of these systems depends on how the receiver helps the owner find the dog: it can be a beep that indicates which direction to go, or an entire map showing the pet‘s location.
What kind of collar is best for an Australian Shepherd?
If you came to this question, what kind of collar is best for an Australian Shepherd and what to look for when choosing it – the most important that the collar is comfortable.
Soft collars are chosen so that the strap is fastened in the middle hole and does not hang on the dog‘s neck. If your two fingers falls under the collar, everything is fine, if it is not – it presses. If you can fill in more than two fingers – it may fall or rotate around the neck.
When choosing a collar for a small Australian Shepherd puppy, keep in mind that the dog will grow. Thus, the size of the collar must be as follows: firstly, in order to be able to raise the collar. Secondly, the remaining end of the strap should not be very long and should not interfere with the pet. It should be fastened int the farthest inner hole, and as the puppy grows, it will always be possible to raise the collar as needed.
For dogs who are outdoors often, it is best to choose a fabric collar. Such collars are not afraid of changes in humidity and temperature. When choosing a collar for an Australian Shepherd, don‘t forget the ID tag, which can contain the pet‘s name and contact details of the owner.
Remember to take off your collar after the walks so that your Australian Shepherd feels comfortable, does not rub his fur and breathes his skin.
What size collar should i get for an Australian Shepherd?
An average neck of adult Australian Shepherd is 16-22 inches (41-56 cm). Two fingers should easily fit between the collar and the dog. Experts also note that the optimal length is 2-3 centimeters longer than the circumference of the neck, because the smaller the collar will strangle the dog, and the larger it will dislodge.
For larger and long-haired breed dogs, it is recommended to choose a wider collar as for Australian Shepherds. Standard size collars, the choice of which is probably the largest – 25cm.
If your Australian Shepherd is still a puppy, choose a soft collar that is narrower than 20 mm, so you will not injure it and your dog will feel comfortable. It is best to start using the collar little by little, so that your puppy feels comfortable and can get used to it, about when your Australian Shepherd puppy is 10 weeks old.
Do shock collars work on Australian Shepherds?
Electric shock collars working principle is sudden electrical impulses to the animal‘s neck in order to stop unwanted actions. However, usually the results of electric collars could be completely opposite to what was expected. For example, they usually only irritate the dog even more, cause involuntary urination, unbalance the psyche, and thus the animal becomes even more difficult to control and less predictable.
Ultrasonic collars are less dangerous, they allow some sound and vibration, thus stimulating the pet. However, according to the expert, only 1 in 10 cases can be effective, so the recommended alternative – special harness for dogs that do not damage the neck, spine, and proper upbringing from a very young age. More about harness can be found below.
These kind of tools, such as an electric shock collars should only be used as a last option, when there are no other tools to deal with. In this case, it could be a justified tool. The first thing to realize is that no individual learns by force. In order to solve the problems of a dog‘s disobedience, it is first necessary to find out what causes them, and only then try to eliminate them.
Choosing a collar or harness
Although the harness and collars have the same purpose, they work differently. Therefore, the choise depends on several factors: the type of dog and its individual characteristics.
The collar is best used if the animal does not have any upper respiratory diseases and breathing problems, walks quietly next to the owner, pinned to the leash.
Advantages and disadvantages of collars:
The main advantage of the collar is that it can be applied quickly and easily even to a restless animal. However, they have many disadvantages. All overloads – both related to the dog‘s weight and its jerking on the leash – are transmitted through the dog‘s neck. This can cause him discomfort.
It is also difficult to fine-tune the perimeter of the collar. If he is too loose, the dog can easily break free and the owner will loose control of him. A slippery collar can cause hair loss on the neck. On the other hand, when it is too cramped, it can restrict the puppy‘s freedom of movement and even cause breathing and swallowing problems.
Advantages and disadvantages of dog harness:
The main advantage of harness over a dog‘s collar is that the leash is spread over a larger area of the body. in addition, the straps cover the animal‘s torso, making it nearly impossible for him to release spontaneously. This makes it much easier to keep your dog going. The disadvantage of harness is that they are more difficult to put on and take off than a collar. This requires the cooperation of the animal or at least for some time it should stand still.
In most cases, harness are a safer and more reliable solution for an animal than a collar. A puppy that can‘t yet walk side by side, has a great strength. Jumping on a leash creates pressure that can adversely affect your pet‘s health. It also deters them from the activities that a developing puppy desperately needs.
You should choose collars and harness for your puppy that are appropriate for his size. They cannot be bought in advance – products for adults are usually heavier and have wide belts.
Dog harness should not be on the dog 24/7, as it can be uncomfortable. It is recommended to take off your dog‘s harness when you came back from outside and especially at night.
Summary
The collar and harness for the puppy should be made of high quality, durable and comfortable materials. The width is chosen according to the age of the dog, lined with a layer of soft felt on the inside. Clamping collars, metal collars and spikes should be avoided. Due to skin pressure or incision, they can cause pain to the animal. In addition, the coat often enters the chain collars. It is also wrong to choose accessories with straps that are too narrow to stick to the dog‘s body. they should also not be made of materials that harden in the cold.