Dog collars are not new, they’ve been a part of the pet world for many centuries now. And why wouldn’t they be when the benefits are so many. Dog collars help with dog training and behavior correction also help with safety, identification, and more. I mean even the flower collar for dogs is a wonderful accessory that serves practical purposes.
Back in the day, these collars were used and abused for control. But, thankfully, that’s not the case anymore, at least for the most part. Dog collars and also leashes make you, as a pet owner, feel more confident about being out and about in public. So you don’t have to be afraid anymore of your adorable little playful pooch running away.
But then there’s a lot more you may not know about when it comes to dog collars. For instance…
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The Dangerous Side of Dog Collar – Types of Harmful Dog Collars
Needless to say, your canine companion is safe when he/she has the collar on and you know that they’re not going to run away from you. This accessory, no doubt, strengthens your bond with the dog because that’s what making your dog walk does. However, not all collars are safe to use. The bad ones actually hurt the dog and you may not even realize it.
So here are the most dangerous kinds of dog collars you should always stay away from…
1. Shock Collars
You might have heard of these somewhere. Shock collars are the worst of all as they literally cause physical injury and pain. Serious conditions like burns and cardiac fibrillation have been reported as a result of shock collars. Then there’s the psychological stress factor as well. Such as displaced aggression, anxiety, etc.
Whatever way you look at it, subjecting the dog to shocks, however mild, is a HORRIBLE idea. And to be honest, what’s mild for one dog can be severe for another. Unanticipated, repeated shocks give rise to confusion and anxiety, which takes a toll on the respiratory and heart functioning of the animal. Along with causing gastrointestinal disorders.
And let’s not forget that shock collars are prone to malfunctioning. Meaning they can end up producing nonstop shocks. A constantly barking or very disobedient and aggressive dog requires proper training, care, and attention, not shock collar punishment.
2. Choke Collars
These too are extremely dangerous. Sometimes I wonder why these kinds of collars still exist in this day and age with so much awareness and so many people advocating for the humane treatment of pets and animals.
Choke collars have led to a host of fatal conditions – paralysis, spine injuries, complete or partial asphyxiation, esophagus injuries, larynx bone fractures, brain damage, prolapsed eyeballs, trachea injuries, and many, many more.
And let’s not forget about the mental or psychological consequences of being choked. More aggression along with fear, anxiety, stress, etc.
3. Prong Collars
A prong collar consists of metal protrusions that pinch the skin on the neck in case the dog tries to pull. So these metal protrusions can actually puncture and damage the skin.
Once again, the outcome of this is not pleasant or humane on any level. You’re just causing so much pain to your dog and making him/her more aggressive and fearful.
Just Use A Simple Buckle Dog Collar
Choose a normal buckle collar, like a flower collar for dogs. The collar also carries your pet’s ID.
But let me make one thing very clear though. A collar around the neck is not the safest choice when your dog is pulling. Neck collars are painful either way, meaning even when you jerk on the leash. The collar puts pressure on and causes pain in the trachea, esophagus, and spine.
So even if you’re putting it on, please make sure there’s no pulling of any kind. Instead, go for the body leash, which is a much safer alternative.
Most Common Mistakes When Using Dog Collar
The best of the best collars for dogs can be potentially dangerous or harmful when you don’t use them the right way. So here are some things you should NOT be doing in order to enable a safe collar experience…
#1 Don’t Keep the Collar On An Unattended Dog
Let’s assume your dog is left unattended with his collar on. Then doesn’t it become more likely for the collar to catch onto something and get stuck?! This means not leaving the collar on when your playful little pup is running. It may not get stuck onto anything, rather the collar can get caught in the jaw of your dog.
#2 Don’t Keep the Collar On When Your Dog’s Playing with Other Dogs
It’s only inevitable for collars to get tangled and create a messy knot when there are too many dogs playing together. Even more so if your little canine companion is a mouthy fella!
The collar getting caught in the jaw is also a very serious concern. Even choking is a potential hazard in this scenario. It’s not always necessary for the dogs to get harmed, but it’s still an unpleasant and sometimes even painful experience. Broken jaws and dying due to choking are no easy or casual concerns indeed.
#3 Even Tags On Collars Are Not Safe
Along with the collar, any tags on it are also likely to get caught onto wires and stuff like that. So what you can do is tape the tags to prevent them from dangling or hanging out.
Many pet owners also buy dog tag pockets to keep the tags flat. Then there are slide-on dog ID tags and lightweight rings for tags that bend under pressure and then release. Along with the option of stitching your number into the collar.
Conclusion
To be honest, if you can’t decide what type of dog collar is safe for your dog, you must speak to a professional dog trainer or a reliable veterinarian. They know what works and what’s compatible with canines and their behavioural characteristics. But whatever the case, please NEVER choose shock, choke, or prong collars. No matter how mischievous your dog is!
Shock collar punishment is no way of teaching any animal to become less disobedient. If you really want to know the reason for your pet’s aggression, rather check this out…
Can I help this AGGRESSIVE Dog ? (Cesar911 Shorts)
Choosing a collar for your dog is a very important decision. Because taking your pet out for a walk is something that you do 2-3 times a day (if not, then you should for his/her physical and mental well-being). So that fun time for your adorable little furry companion better be comfortable and pain-free!
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