Hey Woofa’s,

In all my years of grooming, I’ve seen a lot of dog collars in my time.

While some are great, others have been questionable.

Let’s face it dog collars aren’t something we give much attention to.   Unless your dog is a fashionista that is!

Mostly, we put a collar on our dogs and that’s it.

In my profession however, it’s the first thing I notice on a dog and have to remove.

Whether your dog wears a collar permanently, or only while out walking, it’s important to be aware of your dog’s collar.

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR DOG’S COLLAR RECENTLY?

Here’s your Dog Collar Check-List!

Does Your Dog’s Collar Fit Properly –  I’ve come across many collars that are either way too loose and the dog can back out of them.  And others that are way too tight, almost choking the dog.

You need to check whether your dog’s collar fits them properly.  The general rule of thumb is, when doing your dog’s collar up you should be able to easily place your fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar.

So it’s loose but not too loose.

Almost like doing up a tie around your own neck, you don’t want to be choked, you want it wearable and comfortable.

Does Your Dog’s Collar Have ID – It’s important that your dog’s collar has some form of identification on it.  So if they happen to get away, someone can call you direct.

The ID can be in the form of a dog tag with the dog’s name, and your phone number and/or your name as well.

Some companies embroider these details directly onto the collar.

No matter how you do it, it’s important for your dog’s safety.

Is Your Dog’s Collar Clean – This is probably one of my pet peeves in the grooming world.  You have this beautifully groomed dog and the collar is all dirty and grubby!!!!  It hurts to put a grubby collar on a well groomed dog.

If it’s a canvas one throw it in the wash when you wash their bedding.

If it’s a vinyl or plastic type material wipe the dirt off it.

No matter what material your dog’s collar is made of, keep it clean.

Do You Give Your Dog Collar Free Time – Another thing I notice on some dogs is, their collar leaves a mark around their neck.

Not from being too tight but just from irritation.  Some dogs have some hair missing around their neck, or when you take the collar off there’s an indentation around the dog’s neck from where the collar sat.

I would suggest when at home and spending time with your dog, give them collar free time.  Allow the air and sun to breathe around your dog’s neck.

In warm weather it can become a bit hot and sweaty around there too.

Like when a baby has nappy free time, give your dog collar free time (when it’s safe to do so).

Do You Brush Around Your Dog’s Neck – Once the collar is removed, it gives your dog a lot of pleasure to have a scratch around the area.

I notice a lot of dogs, while being groomed, don’t mind a good scratch where their collar has been.

Especially if your dog is long haired, it’s important to take your dog’s collar off and brush the hair around their neck, to prevent any matting.

Is Your Dog’s Collar Safe – Does your dog’s collar fit your dog?  Is it the right style for your dog’s size?

Have you got a really wide collar that’s more suited to a Rottweiler, on your Maltese Terrier?

Or is your dog’s collar a chain that could easily get caught on something and potentially choke them.

Someone I knew a long time ago found their dog hanging from their fence (passed away) because the dog’s collar got caught on the fence as he tried to jump over it.

And because no one was around to see, the dog passed away from hanging!!! : (

Is The Style Of Your Dog’s Collar Right For Your Dog – There’s buckle collars, clip in collars, chain collars, martingale collars, there’s many different styles of collars.

You need to pick one that suits YOUR DOG!  Check out your dog’s lifestyle, are they active, are they lazy etc

Billy only wears a collar when we’re on a walk, or out the front, or in the car.  If we go out we put one on him while he’s at home alone, just in case.

While he’s at home with us he doesn’t have one on at all.

We use the material ones that just clip around his neck.

How Many Collars Are Too Many – Have as many collars as you like for your dog, as long as they are the right collar for YOUR DOG.

I just went and counted Billy’s collars, he has four.

That’s reasonable for a dog who hardly wears a collar at all.

How Often Should I Check My Dog’s Collar – Put an alarm on your phone to check it the 1st of every month.  Or sooner if they wear a collar all the time.

How Often Should I Buy A New Collar – Whenever your dog’s current one is too far gone from being washed, is all tattered and torn and no longer fits properly.

It’s a good idea to have at least two at the same time, so as soon as you notice one is ready for the bin, you have a new one to replace it.

Then when you’re next out shopping you can get another spare.

Where Can I Buy My Dog’s Collar From – Pet stores are good to go to where you can actually take your dog.  This way you can see what size is best suited to your dog.

You can pick a style that suits your dog etc.

Although I can appreciate some stores are expensive, it’s still a good way too see which collar suits your dog.  Then you can go on-line and see if you can get it cheaper.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

When was the last time you checked your dog’s collar?

Does it fit your dog properly, is it clean and is it safe for your dog to wear?

Dog collars are something we tend to put on our dogs but forget about.

This is to remind you to CHECK YOUR DOG’S COLLAR?

IN THE COMMENTS BELOW – BILLY WOULD LIKE TO KNOW – WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CHECKED YOUR DOG’S COLLAR?