A dog's collar is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that a pet owner can have. Not only does it identify the dog, but it also helps to keep the dog safe and secure. That said, it is important to know how to properly check the tightness of a dog's collar to ensure that it is not too loose or too tight.
Below are just a few tips that may help you determine this along the way.
First of All, What Is a Dog Collar?
A dog collar is a piece of material that goes around a dog's neck and is used to guide or identify the dog. They can be made of any type of solid material that can be fashioned into a strap.
How Tight Should They Be?
A good rule of thumb is to leave enough room to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. If you can't do that, the collar is too tight. If you can fit more than two fingers, it's too loose.
Basically, the two-finger rule is a guide to help you correctly measure the circumference of your dog's neck. You should be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. This will ensure that the collar is not too tight and is comfortable for your dog to wear.
If you want to give your dog a little more wiggle room in their collar, you can try making the neck a few centimetres larger. Just be careful not to make it too loose, or your dog may be able to pull it right off its head.
Essentially, you want to ensure the collar you buy will fit your dog throughout the entire year, considering both the length of their neck and the amount of hair they have. This means that when you are measuring your dog's neck circumference, you should consider that it may change in size (get larger or smaller) and not be a consistent measurement.
A dog's collar should not be too short or too narrow, as this can choke or cut the dog or damage its larynx. The dog may also become stressed if its collar does not fit properly.
Doing a Regular Collar Check
Dogs, like people, can outgrow their original collars. A puppy, for example, will eventually grow too big for its initial collar. Additionally, an adolescent dog may become stronger over time, making the original collar too tight or narrow.
The dog's collar can even become too tight and can strangle or cut into the dog's skin. It is time to get the dog a new collar in both cases.
You should regularly check your dog's collar to ensure it is not causing irritation or discomfort. The collar should also be securely fastened and not too loose or too tight.
Conclusion
Basically, it is a quick and easy way to check the tightness of your dog's collar, and it can help to prevent discomfort or even injury. So be sure to check it regularly and adjust the collar as needed.
If you are looking for some of the best dog collars in Australia, look no further than our amazing selections here at Native Collar. We offer hand-crafted dog collars, harnesses and leads made from paracord and BioThane in Perth, Western Australia. Check out our online shop for more of our stylish dog collars.