Dog Collar Tips for Comfort & Safety

Dog collars play a very important role in dog safety. Not only do they give you a place to put a dog’s identification, they give you a way to restrain your dog, helping protect your dog and people who come near your dog. Properly containing your dog is one of the most effective ways to help reduce the chances that your dog will bite or attack someone.

Leash laws vary from city to city, but finding the right collar or harness is an excellent first step in the right direction toward meeting those rules and keeping your dog and others safe. With a sturdy collar and a good leash, you’ll be able to maintain better control over your pet. But since dogs should wear their collars at all times, it’s important that you find a collar that’s both strong and comfortable for the dog to wear.

Sizing is extremely important when it comes to dog collars. A collar that’s too tight will be extremely uncomfortable for the dog and one that’s too big will make it easy for the dog to slip out of the collar and get loose. The best way to use a tape measure to measure your dog’s neck and choose a collar based on that measurement. A good rule of thumb is to adjust the collar to leave enough room for two fingers to easily fit between the collar and the dog’s neck. This way, the collar is loose enough for the dog to be comfortable, but tight enough to prevent the dog from pulling out of its collar.

It’s also important to choose the right type of collar for your dog. There are a lot of different kinds out there and one that works well for one dog might not be right for yours. For many dogs, standard buckle collars are fine for everyday wear, but other dogs might need something different. If your dog has a narrow neck and has a tendency to slip out of regular flat collars, a limited-slip collar (also known as a martingale collar) might be a better option. These collars will automatically adjust to the width of your dog’s neck if they pull hard enough on the collar, preventing the dog from escaping but without hurting the dog.

Harnesses are another option for dogs who have a tendency to slip out of regular collars, for larger dogs who need some extra control, or for small dogs whose necks could be injured by pulling too hard on a leash. Since harnesses direct pressure from a leash away from the dog’s neck and toward the dog’s chest, this can give you more control over the dog without injuring it.

While dog collars can help reduce the potential for dog bites, they don’t completely eliminate it. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. Even if a dog owner takes steps to restrain their dog, they may still be liable for injuries their pet causes and a lawyer will be able to help you understand what legal options you have. At Goodwin & Scieszka, we have attorneys experienced in handling Michigan dog bite cases. Contact us today and tell us more about your case.