Dog Community

Good Collars?

Posted : 5/6/2013 6:41:48 PM

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good quality, long lasting collar? Zeke is on his third, and it's only been a year.

The first one he had was nylon with a metal quick release, but I didn't like it because the buckle opened too easily if you grabbed the collar right there. Not something you'd want! Next, we had a rolled leather one. It broke. That turned me off of leather; it was too scary when he ran off into the brush when it snapped. Now he has a nylon collar with a regular buckle (like a belt buckle). The brand is Coastal. It has lasted so far, but because of Zeke's propensity to lunge at squirrels, the hole that the buckle goes into is getting streched out. If it jerks too much, I think it could come undone, now.

So I am looking for a collar that can handle the stress of being pulled on as well as jerked. I saw some in the pet store today that had grommet type things for the holes, so they couldn't stretch, but they are quite thick and don't look that great. I like the idea though. I think belt buckle type buckles tend to be better, but I suppose that might not be true.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Freedom

Posted : 5/6/2013 6:57:45 PM

Since he is pulling so much and so often, I would really recommend that you shift to a harness. You really don't want to deal with collapsed trachea issues.

And also with all his pulling, the Easy Walk harness would be great, as it clips the leash in the chest area, so when he pulls he gets turned around to face you.

Jewlieee

Posted : 5/6/2013 8:40:41 PM

I have a zillion collars and change them all the time. I can't imagine just having one lol. But back to you question, my go to collars are martingale with a quick release snap. Here's an example http://www.cozycritter.com/martingaleclip.htm I know nothing about the company I Linked to btw, just showing you a photo. If you Google martingale with clasp (or buckle) you will find a bunch. Martingale are designed so a dog can't slip it/back out of it. The buckle is a good safety feature if you need to get it off the dog fast. Also, if you are walking the dog and it pulls for squirrels or whatever, you might consider a no pull harnesses.

marty_ga

Posted : 5/7/2013 6:07:15 AM

Lupine collars are tough, and they will be replaced if broken. I like the martingales also, for walking. They are not supposed to be kept on the dog at all times, so I have some of each.

the_gopher

Posted : 5/7/2013 6:46:14 AM

We've had the same lupine collar and leash set for years. It's been pulled, dropped, dragged, taking into the water/mud/goodness knows what else and is still in great condition. But, if your dog is a puller I recommend a harness. We have a gentle walk harness and it's done wonders for Ari's pulling and I don't have to worry about her straining or injuring her neck.

kpwlee

Posted : 5/7/2013 8:34:25 AM

I prefer this type LINK or any of this type I like this shop but others have the same collars and most offer free brass tags

I have never found that any of the plastic clip type - the type on adjustable collars - last very long at all with Bugsy. He is not a consistent puller but if he sees a fox or a friend he will often launch to greet them and the plastic clip opens. The material in the above collars is long lasting and I like the belt buckle closure

micksmom

Posted : 5/7/2013 9:01:02 AM

Jewlieee
...Here's an example http://www.cozycritter.com/martingaleclip.htm I know nothing about the company I Linked to btw, just showing you a photo...

Oh, but I do! Caleb wears one of their chain quick release martingales. The only problem I've had with them is, because of the amount of time Caleb spends in the water in the summer, they get stinky. It took quite awhile to get the stink out of his first one (I decided to replace it with a wider one in the same pattern). So now Caleb wears a biothane collar for the majority of the summer.

EZeke

Posted : 5/7/2013 10:58:22 AM

Thanks, all. I knew I'd get a lot of opinions!

Zeke does not pull constantly, anymore, and due to his sled dog training, I am wary of using a no pull narness on him. Most of the time he walk quite well (at least after a block or so), it's just if he gets into a hunting mood that lunging at wildlife/cats is an issue. Unfortuately, he still does this fairly often, which is why I am looking for a collar that can handle it. We are working on controlling this behavior, don't worry Smile

I've heard good things about Lupine, but I think they only have the quick release buckles, and I prefer the belt buckle type.

Kpwlee-- these look like they might work. Is this what Bugsy wears? What exactly is tufflex? The site doesn't really describe it. I like the look of the d-end collars, and they aren't that expensive, either!

kpwlee

Posted : 5/7/2013 2:05:35 PM

EZeke
Kpwlee-- these look like they might work. Is this what Bugsy wears? What exactly is tufflex? The site doesn't really describe it. I like the look of the d-end collars, and they aren't that expensive, either!

Yup its all he wears these days - we have a tufflex/durasoft (can't recall which) O ring collar in white that I guess we've had for 4 yrs and its great. Soft but has stood up to ocean trips, lake swimming and loads of regular wear and tear with no harm done.

We also have the reflective collars - one is the center reflective one - in that one the reflective stuff is wearing off and we have the beaded reflective collar which is his normal collar. Both the reflective ones are a firmer material than the tufflex/durasoft but still pliable and comfy I guess LOL

BTW I do like the company I linked but others sell the same type collars - Lion Country Supply, Dogsunlimited.com is another one. Basically all hunter and retrieve places sell them

LIke Zeke B goes from walking nicely to wanting to kill a cat, fox, goose, etc in an instant and even if he sees a buddy and wants to greet them he can pup the clip collars. I love the price, durability, and collars of these collars