Collars and harnesses are essential dog-walking accessories. While each has its pros and cons, knowing which particular situations they should be used in can help prevent accidents and injuries to dogs wearing them. A dog harness is highly recommended when taking your pet on leash walks or when riding in a car. It’s also easier to control your pet’s behavior when he is wearing a harness. Collars, on the other hand, are more comfortable to wear when your pooch is just hanging around your home. It’s where your dog’s ID tags are attached so it’s recommended that a collar should be worn at home for safety reasons.

Dog collars and harnesses come in various styles and materials-- the best choice for your canine buddy will ultimately depend on his size and personality, as well as the purpose.

What are the best dog collars?

The best collars for dogs are the following:

• Flat collars -- These are usually made of nylon or leather. It’s the most common collar pet owners are familiar with. It’s generally considered the gold standard in dog collars. It’s gentle on the neck of dogs when used properly. However, for dogs that pull, they could choke themselves.

• Slip collar -- These collars are available in various materials, like rope or cloth. It’s commonly used in strong, untrained dogs because it allows ease of control. These collars are often used in animal shelters and vet clinics. The downside of a slip collar is the damage that it could cause to the neck when the dog keeps pulling or lunging.

• Martingale collar -- designed as a combination of the flat collar and slip collar. It has a built-in stopper so the tightness of the collar can be controlled. The collar is suited for Greyhounds, whippets, and other narrow-head breeds. The collar is not ideal for dogs that pull excessively on their leash as it can cause potential damage to their neck.

Should you take a dog collar off at night?

Yes, a dog’s collar should be removed at night because sleeping with a collar can be potentially risky. Aside from being uncomfortable, it could get caught on something that could cause a dog to choke. Collars that are not removed can cause skin rash or irritation that can become infected particularly when it’s wet. Removing your dog’s collar at night can also minimize damage to the animal’s hair coat as well as reduce the noise that is made by the collar and dog tag when he shakes his head, scratches his body, or simply change position while asleep.

Why do dogs like their collars so much?

Dogs feel that their collars are part of their bodies. That’s why they act crazy when their owners take off their collars, almost saying “that’s mine!”. When a dog is presented with his collar, he’ll gladly smell it and stretch his neck so his owner could put it on. Dogs also associate their collars with time spent outdoors during leash walks, playtime, and other activities that they look forward to each day.

Are dog head collars cruel?

The use of a head collar for dogs is not cruel, per se. But this type of collars should only be used in specific situations, such as in certain training regimens or dogs with aggression issues. It’s also ideal for dogs that are hard to control during leash walks. A head collar minimizes a dog’s forward movement, such as pulling, while giving the person holding the leash directional control. Some experts don’t recommend head collars because of the possibility of a neck injury if the dog is subjected to sharp jerks when correcting movement or when the dog runs forward so fast and his head snaps back as he hits the end of his leash. Tight-fitting head collars can also cause eye problems or rub the hair off the dog’s muzzle. Dogs that are not used to wearing a head collar can also become depressed or distressed when forced to wear it.

Should dogs wear collars all the time?

Experts don’t advise letting dogs wear collars 24/7. In addition to the discomfort, it has several potential risk implications.

Why do dogs freak out when you take their collar off?

There are several possible explanations why dogs freak out when their collars are taken off. Dogs tend to associate the removal of their collars with freedom, or the end of an outdoor excursion or playtime. Some dogs just hate to be touched on their necks. A collar that’s too tight may cause pain and discomfort as you remove it, causing your dog to become distressed.