What to look for when choosing the right Dog Collars and Leads?
They provide safety, identification, restraint, and personality to our pets. Because of this, they are must-have accessories. After all, many dogs spend the majority of their lives in a collar and on a lead. Due to their importance, it is worthwhile to keep certain values and questions in mind as you browse our dog leads and collars.
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Comfort
When it comes to dog collars, it’s best for them to stay on quite regularly as accidents can happen and it’s hard to predict escapes. So, the last thing we want them to be is uncomfortable. If it’s too tight, it can restrict their breathing. If it’s too bulky or rigid, they can’t comfortably lay down. So, you may ask – how do I choose the right collar for my dog? Well, a good dog collar should be light, have a degree of flexibility, and be loose enough for you to easily slide a finger between their neck and the collar. However, if it’s too loose they can slip the collar or get a leg caught in it, so adjustable collars are a good option.
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Quality
A collar will get just as dirty as the dog wearing it will. So, the collar needs to be durable enough to survive being put through the washing machine or a good hand scrub. When it comes to materials, nylon and polyester are common ones that are easy to clean. Leather is tougher, more luxurious, and less likely to tear and break, but doesn’t handle getting wet as well as nylon does. For leads, many dogs like to pull at their leads as they walk, so stay away from cloth and rubber - they lack the durability a lead should have and can fray. Leather and nylon are known to last and so are much more appropriate choices.
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Lead Length
What length lead is best? That’s up to you. If you have access to big, open parks and you want your dog to have some freedom to move around, a longer lead might be suitable. If you are training your dog to stay close and disciplined, perhaps a shorter one, around 1.2 metres, is better – though if it’s too short for your dog this will lead to them pulling. There are retractable dog leads too, but these are not as durable – their cords are thin and can fray over time, and low-quality builds of their inner mechanisms can jam and degrade. They do allow you to give your dog as much freedom as you want them to have but be aware that if the dog takes off and the lead runs out of length, the sudden stop can hurt their neck.
For the best of both worlds, a standard lead length is a great option for training and walking – these are usually around 1.8 metres.
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Style
Why not have some fun and give your dog collar and lead some personality? After all, a custom dog collar or accessory we purchase are an expression of their personality and an extension of our own. Bondi pet’s supply of Molly Barker & Queenies products are great if you want your dog collar and lead set to be fashionable and fun, and we also have options that allow you to get a personalised and engraved tag to go along with them.
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Are harnesses better than collars?
When it comes to choosing between a collar and a harness for taking your dog for a walk, there are pros and cons for each. Harnesses cover the dog’s chest, shoulders and back, while collars just go around the neck. This is the key, as harnesses put much less pressure on the dog’s neck and throat and give us more control – great for dogs that love to pull on their lead.
However, harnesses take more effort to fasten, can be uncomfortable to wear through the day, and don’t always have a place to attach an ID tag.
Collars are easier to slip on, making them more convenient and comfortable for the dog throughout the day, and they have a place for you to attach an ID tag. This makes them a great choice for general everyday use, and even short walks if they don’t pull too much. But harnesses are the better choice for exercising your dog or handling one that constantly pulls at its lead – especially for strong, rowdy dogs, or slim-headed ones that can slip out of their collars such as whippets.
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Are harnesses better than collars?
When it comes to choosing between a collar and a harness for taking your dog for a walk, there are pros and cons for each. Harnesses cover the dog’s chest, shoulders and back, while collars just go around the neck. This is the key, as harnesses put much less pressure on the dog’s neck and throat and give us more control – great for dogs that love to pull on their lead. However, harnesses take more effort to fasten, can be uncomfortable to wear through the day, and don’t always have a place to attach an ID tag. Collars are easier to slip on, making them more convenient and comfortable for the dog throughout the day, and they have a place for you to attach an ID tag. This makes them a great choice for general everyday use, and even short walks if they don’t pull too much. But harnesses are the better choice for exercising your dog or handling one that constantly pulls at its lead – especially for strong, rowdy dogs, or slim-headed ones that can slip out of their collars such as whippets.
Are there hands-free leads?
Yes! You can buy products such as Queenie’s Pawprints multi-function dog leads, which you can clip around your waist for a hands-free dog walk, due to the places all along the length of the lead to clip the carabiner! This also allows you to change the length of the lead or loop it around anything for restraint. Be aware, having these around your waist is not good option if your dog likes to pull or unexpectedly lunge around, so they are a better choice for well-trained dogs that will walk alongside you.
Why doesn’t my dog like wearing its collar?
If you find your dog constantly objecting to its collar, it may be for several reasons. Some dogs can be sensitive to the chemicals going into the curing for a leather lead. Or perhaps the collar is too bulky and heavy, and they need something softer or more flexible. For these reasons you may want to consider buying a collar made from a different material or with a different design – something softer and more flexible. They could also be irritated by prickles or grass from the garden which has been caught in the collar, and it needs to be cleaned. Whatever the reason is, we don’t our dogs objecting to their collars and scratching at it until they break the skin or a rash develops.