HEALTH INFO
There are many types of collars on the market. They range from training collars to cute ones, small and large, snap or buckle.....your head can explode just trying to make a decision.
Below are some types of collars and their uses though I will say that if at all possible, never leave a collar on your dog in the house or when it is unattended. That is when situations like Annie's arise and tragedy can strike. Annie was left outside with a choke collar on and it became caught on a fence and in her panic she choked herself to death. I was told she was unattended for only 5 minutes. While I feel it was longer, can you imagine those 5 minutes in her place? . Accident? Yes, but it could have been easily avoided.
Buckle Collars: My first and foremost choice for every day use. They come in leather and nylon. Identification can be easily attached. While alittle more difficult to put on if your pupper is really excited it is one of the most secure collars you can get. Make sure it fits snuggly on the neck (you should be able to lay only one finger between it and the neck) so that it does not come off.
Snap Collars: Easy to use but these collars have a history of snapping if you have an extremely strong dog or if your dog lunges forcibly at something it sees. Make sure it, like the buckle collar, is also fitted properly.
Chain (slip) collar: These collars should be used only for training purposes and you need to put them on properly for them to work. Chain collars should never be left on a dog when it is unattended!
Prong (pinch) Collar: I absolutely detest these collars. Used basically for those dogs that are not walking on lead properly they say they do not hurt the dog but try putting it around your neck and applying 80 lbs of Boxer strength to it. If you have an issue with your dog not walking on lead properly the first thing needed is to go to obedience class and apply what you are taught. If you are still having difficulties, then try the chain collar first. Prong collars should never be used unless you have received instruction from your veterinarian and should never be left on an unattended dog.
While we are on the topic of dogs that don't walk well on lead (yep, Dakota and Bella pull a great deal!) I'd like to mention two other alternatives. First is the Promise Halter. It is sometimes difficult for Boxer lovers to utilize these as Boxers have such short muzzles but I did find it to work well with a particularly head strong girl! Also, they are helpful with aggressive dogs as it changes their whole personality when they are on. The back is cinched snuggly (by your veterinarian only!!) up behind the ears and then there is a loop that goes over the nose and your lead is hooked to the bottom of that. It takes the smallest of touch to correct the dog. It is very important for a veterinaria to size it to your dog and once again, it should never be left on an unattended dog!
My most favorite alternative to a collar is the body harness. I'll be the first to admit that my kids pull like crazy and I have very little time for walking (bad Mom!) but I've been using the harnesses on both Bella and Dakota for almost a year and when we do get to go places we have the most fun!!! They can be easily sized per the instructions and make sure you get one that has padding on the lines that go underneath their front legs.
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