After all, most humans have their dogs wear collars with identification tags throughout the day, so a collar should make your dog look and feel their best!
How to Choose the Best Dog Collars
Many people assume that dog collars are used for walking a dog, but most of the time, that shouldn’t be the case. Walking a dog by attaching a leash to their collar can cause choking hazards, so using a harness for walks helps your dog stay safer and more secure. That being said, collars are still beneficial. Collars are the easiest form of identification for your dog. You can simply attach tags to a collar showing your contact information, dog license, and rabies vaccination proof. That way, if your dog gets lost, someone can easily bring them back to you just by looking at their collar. Therefore, their collar will need to fit them perfectly since they’ll be wearing it so often.
Dog Collar Size
Size is the most important part of a collar for your dog. If the collar is too loose, your dog could find a way to slip out of it. If it’s too tight, your dog could choke more easily or develop irritation. You should be able to fit two fingers in between your dog’s neck and collar when it’s on them, but no more than that.
Dog Collar Style
There are several different styles of collars, some of which are more desirable than others. Here are some you might come across:
Flat-buckle collar – a flat, traditional collar that seals with a clip or buckle. It can easily be tightened around the sides or using the buckle. Collars that only adjust with a buckle can be more difficult to take off in an emergency.Martingale collar – a flat collar that slides over your dog’s head and adjusts. It’s made to prevent throat damage for dogs that pull.Training collar – an electronic collar that can send a sound, vibration, or shock toward your dog. It’s commonly used for training, but the shock mechanism can be controversial. Many dog parents prefer to train their dog from home using more traditional methods instead.
For some dog parents, the appearance of the collar is just as important as the style. Most collars come in a wide variety of colors, and some come in materials that are more comfortable than others. Some even have cute bows or flowers attached to them. However, when choosing a collar, make sure safety and comfort comes first. Don’t choose a collar just because it’s cute without looking at how comfortable and adjustable it is.
Dog Collar Features
Like all products, certain dog collars have more features than others. Other than training collars, there are also waterproof collars, collars with handles, and durable collars for dogs who love to chew. Consider these aspects to help you decide if any of these features will benefit your furry friend. If you do choose to go with a training collar, remember to be careful when using the shock. Studies have shown that dogs typically learn best from reward-based training as opposed to fear-based training like shock collars.
15 Coolest Dog Collars For Training, Style, and More!
Choosing the best dog collars can be a difficult task. There are so many brands and styles to choose from, which is why we have helped narrow down your search. Here are 15 cool dog collars, with options for dogs of all lifestyles.
#1 – Blueberry Pet Essentials Classic Collar
Check PriceBuy now If you’re looking for a collar that’s simple and easy to use, then the Blueberry Pet Essentials is a traditional style. It comes in either a regular style with a clip or martingale style. Additionally, it can be purchased in four different sizes and it can be customized to have your number embroidered on it. It’s made with a nylon webbing fabric that comes in 26 colors.
Pros:
It’s affordable.It’s easy to use.It comes in regular or martingale.It can be customized.It comes in four sizes.It comes in 26 colors.
Cons:
It might not stand up to heavy chewers.The fabric can be itchy.
#2 – Illumiseen LED Dog Collar USB Rechargeable
Check PriceBuy now This unique collar is perfect for dogs that love to play outside at night. The collar glows brightly so you can see your dog in your yard, at a campground, or on any other outdoor adventure. It has a steady mode, rapid flashing mode, or slow flashing mode. It can be purchased in six different light colors. It uses a rechargeable battery that lasts for 5 hours after a 1-hour charge. It’s padded and adjustable to ensure that it’s comfortable for your pup. It comes in six different sizes to best suit all breeds.
Pros:
It keeps your dog safe at night.It’s padded.It has three different light modes.It’s rechargeable.It comes in six colors.It comes in six sizes.
Cons:
It might not last long.You could receive a faulty product.It’s dangerous if your dog chews on it.
#3 – AOLOVE Basic Classic Padded Leather Pet Collars
Check PriceBuy now This padded leather collar uses a latch instead of clip, which has five holes for adjustments. In addition to the durable leather, it’s made with nickel-plated hardware and a strong D-ring to ensure that it doesn’t snap. The exterior leather comes in ten fashionable colors. The collar can also be purchased in five different sizes.
Pros:
It’s affordable.It’s made with durable leather.It’s padded.It comes in ten colors.It comes in five sizes.
Cons:
It could be difficult to take off.The sizes might not be exactly as described.The material quality could vary.
#4 – Tuff Pupper Heavy Duty Dog Collar with Handle
Check PriceBuy now If your dog chews on anything they can grab onto, then they might need a more durable collar like this one. It’s made with fray-proof ballistic nylon with a padded interior. The buckle and hardware are stainless steel, and it has five adjustable points. The exterior has reflective stitching for safety, along with an elastic handle to help you better control your dog. It can be purchased in eight colors and three sizes.
Pros:
It’s durable.It’s reflective.It has a security handle.The hardware is stainless steel.It comes in eight colors.It comes in three sizes.
Cons:
It could be difficult to take off.The sizes could run big or small.
#5 – Dog Karma Store American Flag Dog Collar
This standard collar is ideal for patriotic pups. It’s a clip-on collar that’s easily adjustable. It comes in a traditional flag pattern, a weathered flag pattern, or a bald eagle flag pattern. It can also be purchased in three different sizes. The collar is a polyester webbing with a heavy duty zinc alloy D-ring. It’s made by a family-owned company that was inspired by a rescue dog.
Pros:
It’s affordable.It comes in three patterns.It comes in three sizes.It has a quick release buckle.
Cons:
It might not stand up to heavy chewers.It doesn’t have any padding.It could break easily.
#6 – Unique Style Paws Dog Collar Bow Tie
This adorable collar comes in six elegant patterns with add-on bow ties to match. Each bow tie can attach to the collar using an elastic strap. The collar can also be purchased in six different sizes. It’s made with pure cotton fabric to ensure that it won’t irritate your dog’s skin while still being sturdy and easily adjustable. The collar and bow tie can also be machine washed for easy cleaning.
Pros:
It comes with a bow tie.It’s made with a soft cotton material.It’s easy to wash.It comes in six patterns.It comes in six sizes.
Cons:
The clip is not durable.It could arrive damaged.
#7 – Dog Care Store Rechargeable Dog Training Collar
This collar isn’t made for everyday use, but instead, it’s for training your pup. It has three training modes: beep, vibration, and shock. You can use a security lock to ensure that you don’t accidentally shock your dog. The static has 99 levels, which can easily be adjusted depending on the size of the dog. If you buy more than one shock collar, the same remote can be used for up to 9 different dogs. The remote has a 330-yard range, and it’s rechargeable.
Pros:
It’s used for dog training.It has three training modes.It has a safety lock to prevent accidental shocks.You can train multiple dogs using one remote.It has a 330-yard range.It has 99 static levels.
Cons:
The shock setting is controversial.It only comes in one size.The collar might randomly turn off on its own.
#8 – Fedciory Calming Pheromone Collar for Dogs
Now, this option is much different than most dog collars. It looks similar to a flea and tick collar, but it’s actually used for calming your dog. It’s hypoallergenic and causes no harm or addiction to your dog. It starts working within one hour of your dog wearing it, and it should help them feel comfortable, especially outdoors. One size fits all dogs because it can be adjusted, and then the excess part of the collar can be trimmed off. It’s a natural solution for anxious dogs, and it should be replaced every four weeks.
Pros:
It calms anxious dogs.It’s natural and safe.One size fits all dogs.It lasts up to four weeks.It’s vet-recommended.
Cons:
It has a strong, unpleasant smell.It won’t work for every dog.It could negatively change a dog’s behavior when in use.
#9 – SportDOG Brand 425X Remote Trainers
This is another dog training collar with a remote. It has a beep, vibration, and shock setting, which includes 21 levels of static. The remote has a 500-yard range and can support three collars at once. Both parts are waterproof, and the remote simply has to be recharged when the low battery light comes on. It’s designed to fit any dogs 8 pounds or larger, or any dogs with neck sizes between 5 and 22 inches. The traditional color for this system is black, but it can also be purchased in camouflage.
Pros:
It’s used for training.It has a 500-yard range,It has three training modes.It has 21 levels of static.It’s waterproof.It’s rechargeable.
Cons:
It’s expensive.It might be too bulky for small dogs.The shock setting is controversial.It might not last long.
#10 – Garmin PT10 Dog Device Blue Collar
This is a unique dog training collar because it’s made with a smooth waterproof material. The collar is blue, and it’s designed to be adjusted for dogs of any size and coat length. It can be purchased with the collar alone or the collar with the remote. The remote is a simple design with four buttons that can control the stimulation, vibration, and tone of the collar. The shock can be set at 10 different levels. Additionally, the remote can even reach up to 1 mile away. The remote is rechargeable and has a light so you can easily find it in dark areas.
Pros:
It’s used for training.It’s waterproof.It’s easy to use.It has three different training modes.It has 10 different shock levels.It has a 1-mile range.It’s rechargeable.
Cons:
It’s very expensive.The shock mode can be controversial.The collar isn’t durable.
#11 – FunniPets Dog Training Collar for 3 Dogs
If you have multiple dogs in your home that need to be trained, this product can train up to three dogs at a time. It comes with three training collars, a regular collar, and a rechargeable remote. All of the collars are waterproof and have reflective strips. They can fit any neck size from 7.1 inches to 25.6 inches. The remote can emit a tone, vibration, or shock warning, but the shock is different than most collars. Instead of using metal contact points, it uses a shock that doesn’t touch the skin directly, which can prevent injuries. The remote can reach up to 2600 feet.
Pros:
It’s a training device.It comes with three training collars.The collars are reflective.The collars are waterproof.The remote is rechargeable.It has four training modes.The shock doesn’t come into contact with your dog’s skin.It can reach up to 2600 feet.
Cons:
The shock mode is controversial.The collars might not be comfortable.You could receive faulty collars.
#12 – Bestia Personalized Kennel Dog Collar
This personalized dog collar isn’t the look that most dog parents go for, but it’s unique. It’s a handmade dog collar with two layers of durable leather. The interior layer is padded for comfort. It’s made to withstand large breeds like Rottweilers and Mastiffs. The exterior is black with two metal plates for custom writing, like a dog’s name. There are also small spikes on the plates to make the collar look more intimidating. It comes in three different sizes, which are all for larger dogs only.
Pros:
It’s handmade with leather.It’s durable.It’s customizable.It comes in three sizes.It’s padded inside.
Cons:
It’s only for large dogs.It’s expensive.
#13 – Bestia Rocky Studded Dog Collar
This is another collar handmade by Bestia, but it’s more geared toward dogs of all kinds instead of only large dogs. That’s because it comes in seven sizes, so there’s something for every breed. It’s made with two layers of leather: a durable black exterior and a padded interior. The interior material can come in black, red, or white, and the exterior always has flat studs on it. It still gives your dog a tough look, but in a cuter and more traditional style.
Pros:
It’s handmade with leather.It’s durable.It’s padded inside.It comes in seven sizes.It comes in three colors.
Cons:
It runs small.The studs could rust.
#14 – Dogtra STB Beeper Training Collar for Gun Dog
Unlike the other dog training collars, this one doesn’t use any shock modes. Instead, it relies on lights and beeps, making it great for training dogs to hunt. It has two beeper modes, which can be heard from 400 meters away, making it easy for you to locate your dog from a distance. It’s thin, lightweight, and waterproof. The collar is also bright orange to make it highly visible. The batteries and rechargeable, and the collar can be used for any dog 25 pounds or larger.
Pros:
It’s good for training gun dogs.It has two beeper modes.The beeps can be heard up to 400 meters away.It’s waterproof.It’s highly visible.It’s rechargeable.
Cons:
It’s not for small dogs.It could be difficult to take off.
#15 – Bestia Genuine Leather Dog Collar with Studs and Cushion
This leather collar has a flat stud design, which covers the exterior. It has two layers of leather: a durable exterior and a padded interior. It’s handmade only with genuine leather. The exterior leather can come in three different colors: brown, red, or white. It also comes in three sizes, all of which are for medium to large dogs.
Pros:
It’s handmade with leather.It’s durable.It’s padded inside.It comes in three colors.It comes in three sizes.
Cons:
It’s not for small dogs.It could break if your dog pulls on it.
Final Thoughts
Choosing dog collars is about much more than just looks. Your dog should feel comfortable and safe whenever they wear their collar. Also, make sure their collar has identifications tags that are up to date. After all, the most important part of having a collar is so your dog is more likely to be brought home if they get lost. Sure, collars are cute, but style means nothing if it doesn’t also provide safety for your dog.
