Tell me, do you purchase dog collars for fashion or function?
Recently I’ve been looking at dog collars differently…
For years, I’ve focused on the functionality of the leash and never really gave much thought to the collar.
Color consideration and making sure it didn’t mat their hair was about the extent of it.
THE BIG SHIFT –
A new friend gifted Jaxson with a Martingale collar a few weeks ago. It’s red, its fun, festive and oh so functional as a training tool. He walks like royalty with that thing on! He’s a gem to take out for long walks now!
The past year and a half Jaxson has worn a no-pull harness, but it looks really old and worn. It needs to be retired. I started him with the harness to reduce his pulling. The Martingale has eliminated the pulling altogether!
Because I wasn’t focused on the collar I was clueless to the rhyme and reasons behind all the different styles, materials, widths, snaps and buckles. I had no idea!
HERE’S WHAT I DID KNOW –
Although collars are extremely common to use on dogs, that doesn’t necessarily mean they will be appropriate for your Goldendoodle.
Barkspace
Some Doodle coats may mat more than others. That’s why their coat may dictate a specific type of collar. For this reason – I’ve never kept collars on the Boys when they’re inside the house.
Pawhaps this is why I stuck with the harness and/or focused on the leash as the important component. And I must add – both worked well. But the fashion pizazz – I’ve now found – is in the collar!
FASHION AND FUNCTION –
Collar us slow (pun intended) but it has been so much fun (and interesting) learning about the variety of types/styles they can wear.
Allow my models to show you some that we’ve looked at…
The ROLLED COLLAR by Auburn Leather Crafters…
Retails at $40.00+ and is universally approved by groomers. Great for dogs with long and thick coats. The round shape aids in the prevention of tangled and matted fur. The leather doesn’t hold moisture either. #goodtoknow
The MARTINGALE COLLAR is made by many vendors…
Prices range anywhere from $22.00 and up. Once associated with sighthounds because their necks were larger than their heads, they could often slip out of traditional buckle collars. With the Martingale, when the dog tries to pull, the tension on the lead pulls the small loop taut, which makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck.
Pawfect for strong pullers or escape artists and great as training tools.
Jaxson’s been wearing one with the metal chain for the loop which is audible and makes for easier training.
The Happy Pooch gives an excellent review on the Martingale Collar. I found it to be an in-depth look at why –
Martingale dog collars are recommended by veterinarians as one of the safest and most efficient ways to train your dog.
The Happy Pooch
The MEDOTA COLLAR by Mendota Pet…
Reasonably priced from $7.49 – $12.99 depending on the size of your pooch! They’re soft yet sturdy and durable. There are no pre-set holes so they can easily be adjusted to your dogs neck. The added plus is the hardware. Nothing plastic here, either brass or satin nickel metal clasps.
I like this inexpensive collar style for our summer’s at the beach. I can throw them in the washing machine over and over.
The MAX & MOLLY COLLAR by Max & Molly…
Average price at around $12.99. These are both smart AND extraordinary! Colorful, soft and comfortable. Their bright “happy” colors really pop! Machine washable as well. Smart ID tag is attached to every dog collar that you can register online. Design and technology working together to ensure your pup doesn’t get lost.
OUR CHOICE? –
Since I’ve been walking Jaxson in his new Martingale collar – it has been wonderful.
I’ve settled on Marvel characters (Batman & Robin ) like the Superman one Harley modeled in the first photo. The patients at the hospital will get a huge kick out of them as well…
This was NOT a product review. I just wanted to share our dog collar journey with you in the event the thought of purchasing a new collar has been on your your mind.
I hope this post will help you get started.
Make this Tuesday TERRIFIC – be kind to someone ❤️
February 3, 2020
Hera has a full collection of collars (and other accessories). Her mom is lazy to change the collars frequently as a fashion statement, But, when we do, we have lots of fun,
We have purchased a new harness and seat belt for safety while traveling in the car. As soon as the harness comes out Hera knows it is time for a ride.
February 21, 2020
Doodle Dad still uses the harness, he claims he has more control over Jax, so that’s his leash and collar combination of choice.
February 4, 2020
Our collars are fashion statements. Sure, we can also have a leash hooked up to them, but they take the place of clothing for us in Mom’s eyes. For walking, we all have harnesses. You boys have some fun collars too, it looks like.
February 21, 2020
Madison, I am hooked on the Martingale collars. It’s the first collar that I’ve found is visible with all their hair. That’s probably why I would never think about collars because you’d never see them. I’m having a blast now!
February 5, 2020
Collars can be functional AND stylish. Great post!
February 17, 2020
So I’m finding out and loving all the shopping!
February 8, 2020
I always use harnesses for walking, so Luke’s collars are purely for fashion (and for wearing an ID tag and flea/tick tag). Now I’m feeling he needs something new – you shared some nice ones here! I really love a good leather collar, and he’s currently wearing one with his name and my phone # embroidered right on it.
February 9, 2020
We always use those rolled collars made of leather to keep neck fur from getting matted but go hog-wild on bandanas.
February 17, 2020
I struggle with the bandanas. Neither one of the Boys seem to like wearing them, and they often fall downward on their chest and no one sees them. I think they are adorable on other dogs, but for mine, it’s a waste.
February 13, 2020
Hey Cathy. Believe it or not, we use two collars for our dogs. One to wear all the time, and another to wear just for walks. We had some really nice custom leather collars made up for them so we don’t want to ruin them with pulling. It sounds inconvenient but it’s been pretty easy.
February 17, 2020
The Boys hair gets too matted if I leave collars on them all the time, therefore they only wear them when we are out, so I don’t think what you described to be inconvenient at all. When it’s time to go out – I put collars on and you change collars! Do you find the leather ones last longer? I would love to purchase a nice rolled leather collar now that they are both older and 75% of the pulling is behind us (at least as long as we don’t have a squirrel sighting!).