How to Size a Dog Collar
A good dog collar is safe, properly sized, comfortable, and most of all can keep up with your dog’s lifestyle. While any old dog collar will probably do the trick, the right collar will last longer and be safer for you and your dog. As dog owners, it is our responsibility to make sure our pups are properly fitted with a reliable collar with or without a leash attachment.
Before you begin looking for the best collars for dogs, it is important to know what size your dog’s neck is. A poorly fitting collar can lead to your dog getting off-leash, which can be very dangerous if you are far from home or in a crowded or unfamiliar situation.
The wrong size collar can also reduce the effectiveness of your training efforts. Certain collars designed to stop pulling and give you more control are basically useless if they don’t fit right.
You may see collars labelled small, medium, large, etc, but each brand will have a different measurement for each of those terms. So don’t rely solely on these vague sizing labels. Measure your dog’s neck and look at the size of the collar in inches to see if it will fit your dog.
Most collars are adjustable, so the measurements will be a range of the smallest to largest size the collar can be fitted to. This range allows you to buy a collar that can grow or shrink a bit with your dog.
This is great for growing puppies, dogs that are losing weight, and dogs with thick double coats that lose a layer of fur each season. This will save you money in the long run if your dog is still growing.
Tips for Measuring Your Dog’s Neck
Knowing how to properly measure your dog’s neck will help you find the best collar for puppy according to their needs and activities. There are 2 simple ways to measure your dog’s neck:
- Flexible or Fabric Measuring Tape
- A string and a ruler
The easiest way to measure your dog’s neck size is with a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the tape around your dog’s neck where the collar will sit. You want it to rest against his neck, but not tightly.
If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, then a string and measuring tape or ruler works in a pinch. Wrap the string around your dog’s neck, just as you would a flexible measuring tape, then measure the length of the string with a ruler.
To make sure you have an accurate measurement, here are a few best practices to follow when measuring your dog’s neck:
1.Measure Twice
There’s a smart saying when it comes to any kind of handi-work – measure twice, cut once. This rule can be applied to your dog’s measurements as well. Take the measurements twice. If you get different measurements, then you should take them again to get the most accurate one.
2.The Two Finger Rule
When you put your dog’s flat collar on, you should be able to fit two fingers underneath, between your dog’s body and the collar. Use this method when taking measurements. Hold the measuring tape or string around the neck with one hand and slide two fingers underneath, flat against your dog’s neck.
The measuring tape or string should not feel tight against your fingers. If they do, then loosen the measuring tool a little bit until it’s gently pressing against your fingers. This will add anywhere from ½ inch to 2 inches to your initial measurement.
3.Measure Where the Collar Will Sit
Not all collars are the same. Depending on the purpose and style of the collar, it may be designed to sit at certain positions on your dog’s neck.
Most standard collars sit in the lower part of the neck, near the base, just before the neck starts to widen, but others like the collar part of a face harness, or show leads are meant to sit up behind the ears on the upper part of the neck.
Alternatively, a collar that is meant to slide over the head, like a martingale, will need to either be wide enough when it’s loose to go over the widest part of the head or will need to be adjustable so it can be loosened to remove it.
Measuring all three parts of their neck/head will ensure you have the right measurements to find the right size for any collar. Here’s a basic diagram of the measurements you can take from your dog.
Not every collar will be available in the size you need. Some types of collars are designed with certain breeds or sizes of dogs in mind. Petitemleader has a wide variety of dog collars for you to choose. At the same time, we also provide customized services to meet any of your needs.
