Dog Community

Dog Collar Recommendations

Posted : 10/1/2012 1:10:01 PM

Anyone able to recommend a brand or website for extra wide (preferably leather) dog collars? Our guy is a bit of a brute...knocking his head into things and generally like a bull in a china shop so we're looking for something that matches his appearance and personality. We have a training collar that fits but his regular collar is getting too tight and now that he no longer looks like a puppy, the thin nylon collar just looks kind of ridiculous.

This is the style we're looking for (generally): http://www.fordogtrainers.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=66&products_id=400

If anyone has experience with that site, that would also be helpful (the flashing graphics make me hesitant but it seems legit).

The pic of him sitting on the hardwood floor is pretty recent if you want to get an idea of his look.

Thanks in advance!

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/1/2012 1:39:03 PM

If you're wanting recommendation for a studded "tough guy" type of collar I can't help you -- no dog of mine would EVER wear such a thing.

If you're wanting control, my favorite is still the Sporn harness. It's not a collar, but it really can help re-train a puller and they won't come off nor will they damage the trachea or neck.

For some dogs I like the mash insert on the front, but for most dogs I like just the straightforward harness. Essentially it's a collar but with straps that go from the front of the collar down under the front legs and up to the back of the collar so that as they pull, it tightens the strap under the front legs breaking that ability to successfully pull hard.

The first time you put it on it's a pain in the butt -- there are sherpa covers that slide over those straps. But after that first ttime, you never undo the straps - you just loosen the slide at the back of the collar and pull the straps under the feet and take it off over the head. Adjust it the first time and you're gold.

If he's a puller you don't want all that pull directly on the trachea -- that way lies damage. Something like a head halter can damage the neck (again if he's a strong puller they can really do damage to the neck fighting that).

WE use the sporn for training and then phase it out unless we're going to be in an enrionment we know is going to be tough going for some reason.

dnew1212

Posted : 10/1/2012 1:47:33 PM

Thanks for the info calliecritturs. I'm not a fan of the studded/spiked collars but I do like the thicker ones which (if they have braids or other embellishments) often have rivets.

It's mostly for looks and to hold his tags for rabies/contact info/license. We have a training collar and an easy walk harness but this would be basically to hold his ID in case he gets loose but we figure might as well hold the IDs in style :)

calliecritturs

Posted : 10/1/2012 2:35:45 PM

My dogs are medium-sized but all are prone to neck issues (either by breed or in reality) and I spend too much going to the vet chiro to want a heavy collar on the dog to exacerbate things. When we're walking it's "serious" and when we're home I don't want them to have to carry the excess weight to get caught on something.

Luna is like a suspension bridge on legs, Tink has seizure issues, and Cavalier King Chas can have a breed-related neck issue. In fact, the vet had me fit ALL of them with puppias simply so it wasn't creating tension in the wrong place. *grin* About as far from leather studded as you can get (and I SO HATE 'foofy" dog stuff). But the Puppia is actually better at control than I thot it would be.

In addition on "walks" I manage all 3 dogs with one hand while my husband pushes my wheelchair -- I've often thot I should just fit them for the Iditarod and be done with it and save David the trouble. LOL

JackieG

Posted : 10/1/2012 2:40:53 PM

Gun Dog Supply has some nice leather collars up to 2" wide. Reasonably priced and free brass nameplate. Another place I've bought leather collars from is Bridgeport Equipment.

janobonano

Posted : 10/1/2012 4:01:32 PM

A member here hand-makes awesome custom leather collars: http://www.customcaninecollars.com

https://www.facebook.com/CustomCanineCollars

aerial1313

Posted : 10/1/2012 4:07:03 PM

janobonano
A member here hand-makes awesome custom leather collars: http://www.customcaninecollars.com
https://www.facebook.com/CustomCanineCollars

I second this recommendation! I only buy from her now. Her stuff is amazing quality and she will make it any way you like. Take a look at the photos of stuff she's done on the FB page.

tiffy

Posted : 10/1/2012 6:13:45 PM

I love www.ellaslead.com. Shes also on Facebook and a forum member.

Freedom

Posted : 10/1/2012 7:05:31 PM

dnew1212
Thanks for the info calliecritturs. I'm not a fan of the studded/spiked collars but I do like the thicker ones which (if they have braids or other embellishments) often have rivets.
It's mostly for looks and to hold his tags for rabies/contact info/license. We have a training collar and an easy walk harness but this would be basically to hold his ID in case he gets loose but we figure might as well hold the IDs in style :)

If you use a harness, why aren't you just putting the tags on that? I only use harnesses no collars, and the tags are on their harnesses.

griffinej5

Posted : 10/1/2012 8:40:48 PM

Another recommendation for custom canine collars here.

BEVOLASVEGAS

Posted : 10/4/2012 10:41:30 PM

We use Custom Canine Collars as well. Chelsea does phenomenal work, & her collars are built to last. We have a "few" collars from her....

Liesje

Posted : 10/5/2012 7:58:55 AM

I second, third, whatever Gun Dog Supply, Bridgeport, and Custom Canine! Nothing wrong with wanting a nice quality leather collar (even a studded one).

shadowsgin

Posted : 10/5/2012 9:04:51 AM

BEVOLASVEGAS
We have a "few" collars from her....

ROTFLMBO!

micksmom

Posted : 10/9/2012 8:58:11 AM

If you're looking for a collar just to hold tags, have you thought about a rolled leather one like this? http://www.cherrybrook.com/index.cfm/a/catalog.prodshow/vid/344178/catid/512/vname/Weaver_Leather_Briarwood_Rolled_Collars_Threefourths_inch