Some owners don’t use dog collars because they don’t know how to tighten a dog collar, how tight it should be, or how to tie it properly. You must love your dog so much as a pet owner, don’t you? So, the responsibility to avoid any risks for your dog also lies within you.
A dog collar is a strap or belt worn around a dog’s neck. These are useful for many reasons. For example, you can identify your dog from other dogs, prevent him from running on roads and get in an accident. It’s a symbol of fashion for dogs. However, many dog owners do not realize the necessity of dog collars.
Today, we will discuss why you should put a dog collar on your dog and how to adjust a dog collar.
Why Dog Collars Are Important
No doubt, collars around your dog make sure to add security from any harm to your dog. Here are some specific points that should make you understand the importance of dog collars:
Appearance to the World
First of all, a collar around your dog’s neck tells the world that it belongs to an owner who cares a lot for the dog’s safety. Some people enjoy intentionally harming dogs on the street. A collar around the dog’s neck will prevent such risks and let the world know your dog has someone who loves him.
Training your fur baby is integral to daily care, whether you have a puppy or an older dog.
Helps Training Your Dog
A crucial reason for using dog collars is they help when you want to control your dog and intend to train several activities. For example, you can pull the collar forward and upward to prompt your dog to sit. Then, you can pull the collar and pressure it backwards to stop it from running fast. These actions tell your dog what to do in certain situations.
Control from Distance
Modern collars with remote control systems are available for dog owners who rarely take their dogs for walks outside. These collars let them press the push button and prevent any aggression. These collars receive transmission signals even from a distance of 1,000 ft. For instance, say you are in the kitchen, and your dog is barking excessively outside. You can push the button, and your dog will receive beep sounds, little shocks, or vibrations to stop.
Avoid Getting Lost
Your dog may play in the woods, your neighbor’s yard, or your nearest forest. He may be lost due to an injury, lose track, or have a fight with some other dog. In such a moment, you will hardly find your beloved pet. The finest solution is you can use a GPS-tracking collar around your dog’s neck. If not possible, use a regular collar and write your or your veterinarian’s phone number on it. So anyone who finds your dog in a worse situation can contact you immediately.
How to Tighten a Dog Collar | A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you know the importance of using dog collars, you should know how to tighten a dog collar and adjust around your dog’s neck.
Verify the Fit First
First, ensure enough space between the collar and your dog’s neck. At least two fingers should fit easily under the collar. This ensures it’s comfortable and your dog can move and breathe easily.
Find the Adjusting Buckle
Locate the collar’s adjustment buckle. It’s typically close to where the leash attaches. You can adjust the collar’s length with this buckle to get the perfect fit.
Slightly Loosen the Collar
Loosen the collar slightly before making any modifications. This prevents accidentally pulling your dog’s fur or skin during tightening.
Realign The Collar
Put the collar around your dog’s neck, ensuring it’s in the middle and not twisted. This helps to maintain a balanced fit comfortably.
Make it a Little Tighter Gradually
Pull the collar’s strap gently to make it snug. Make little adjustments at once to avoid overtightening. So, make minor adjustments each time to prevent overtightening.
Check the Fit Again
Recheck the fit by slipping two fingers beneath the collar after tightening. Be certain that there is still space for breathing and mobility.
Keep an Eye on Your Dog
Watch how your dog acts. If they seem uncomfortable, scratch the collar excessively, or you see any signs of irritation, the collar might be too tight. Adjust it accordingly for his comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
We often get more specific questions. Some of them are: how tight should an e-collar be, how tight should a dog harness be, how tight should a seresto collar be and many more. Let’s look into some of them:
Q: How Safe are Dog Collars?
Studies have shown that the danger of injuries from correctly fitted collars is relatively low. Less than 10% of lost canines found their way back home on their own. So, the risk of losing your pet is much higher than collars.
Q: How Can I Improve the Fit of my Dog’s Collar?
A: Once you know the correct measurement of your dog’s neck, adjust the collar so that your dog can wear it comfortably. Loosen the collar if you find there is not enough space for two fingers between the collar and the dog’s neck.
Q: How to Tighten a Dog Collar?
A: You can tighten the collar using the sizing mechanism. However, to know the procedure in detail, please follow the above steps we mentioned.
Q: Why should my pet have an ID tag and collar indoors?
A: Accidents do occur. When you go to work, your dog might run outside or get an extreme sickness unexpectedly. These incidents occur frequently; in such times, ID tags will help you enormously.
Q: How do you Make a Dog Collar Smaller?
A: A dog collar can be made smaller, but it is not advised. If a collar is made small, the dog could find it uncomfortable and over-tightened. It is preferable to either buy a new collar that fits perfectly or change the collar to match the dog’s neck appropriately using the adjustable straps.
Q: Do collars harm a dog’s neck?
This is an argument about whether collars harm a dog’s neck. However, most experts say that if collars are worn correctly and are perfectly adjusted to the size of the dog’s neck, it’s safe.
Conclusion
As a responsible dog owner, ensure your dog collar fits him appropriately. Tightening your dog’s collar is simple by following our step-by-step guide.
Checking your dog’s collar frequently and monitoring its behavior will help you avoid accidents. To learn more techniques on tightening individual dog collars, email us at info@metopet.com.
Patricia White is a pet enthusiast. With 10 years of experience in the pet industry, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to MeToPet. She is honored to be a part of the MTP team and is dedicated to sharing her passion for pets with our readers.
