How tight should a dog collar be?

Your dog’s collar is one the most important things they’ll ever have. But too tight or too loose can lead to big problems. Here’s how tight a dog collar should be and how to adjust it.

Types of Dog Collars

How to fit a dog collar depends on what type of collar it is.

Traditional dog collars are designed so you adjust the size one time, and that’s the size it stays on your dog’s neck. These types of collars are suitable for the majority of dog breeds.

Martingale collars are designed with an extra loop so the tightness around your dog’s neck can adjust as needed. When your dog pulls on the leash, a martingale collar tightens but doesn’t choke. Breeds with slim heads, such as greyhounds and Salukis, should wear a martingale collar. Otherwise, even a properly fitted traditional collar can come off of their slim heads!

Slip collars, also called choke collars, control collars, or training collars, don’t need to be adjusted, due to their design.

How to Adjust a Dog Collar to the Perfect Fit

So, how tight should a dog’s collar be? It should be snug without being uncomfortable for your dog. The way to test this is with your fingers. If you can’t fit two or three fingers under the collar, it’s too tight. If you have room for more than three fingers, it’s too loose. Adjust accordingly.

Now you need to know how to adjust a dog collar. For a traditional collar with notched holes, simply move up or down a hole for the right size like, just a belt. For other traditional collars and martingale collars, hold the metal or plastic slider and work the material through the slider to tighten or loosen the collar. You might find that tightening the dog collar is easier when the collar is off your dog.

Alternatives to Dog Collars

The best alternative to a dog collar is adog harness. Dog harnesses keep your pooch secure and easily attach to your leash. And since they don’t apply any pressure to the neck, harnesses are especiallygood for certain dogs prone to tracheal collapse, respiratory distress, and other breathing issues.

The Importance of a Proper Fitting Dog Collar

The right dog collar fit is important for health and safety reasons. A collar that’s too tight can choke your dog, lead to neck injuries, and damage the thyroid gland over time.

A collar that’s too loose is also dangerous. For one, your dog could slip out of a loose collar entirely and run off, possibly into traffic. A loose collar can also move and cause friction on the neck, wearing away the fur and irritating the skin. Finally, a dog can get a leg caught in their loose collar while scratching or grooming themselves, which can lead to limb injuries.

The Right Collar for Your Dog

Whether you’re after a traditional collar or a martingale collar for your furbaby, with our selection of nearly 1,000 dog collars we’ve got the one for you! Check them out righthere.