Last updated on March 15th, 2022 at 08:10 am

How Tight Should a Dog Collar Be

In the dog world, a tight collar can be a pain. If a dog has a loose collar, he can easily get tangled and tug at it. If a dog has a tight collar on, he can’t move around freely. He can also easily hurt himself by trying to untangle himself from his leash.

Determining the correct size for a dog collar is a huge decision. It differs from dog to dog, but it’s important to consider how tight your dog’s neck is at full stretch. If you have a particularly sensitive dog, you may find that your collar is too tight. If you have a Saint Bernard, you’ll want to make sure that your strap is tight enough to prevent them from slipping out of the collar.

 

Collars are only effective if they fit nicely on your dog’s neck. 

The collar needs to be tight enough to prevent your dog from escaping, yet loose enough to prevent injuries. While most people don’t give their dog’s collar a second thought, these accessories can be dangerous.

Injuries from an improperly fitted collar are common. This question is important because it’s the key to preventing back problems in your dog.

 

Finding the Perfect Fit

Before you buy your dog a collar, you need to take careful measurements to ensure that it fits your dog correctly. All dogs are different. Even two dogs of the same breed can have different neck measurements. This can be attributed to their lifestyle and weight.

1. How to measure:

Take a tape measure and measure your dog’s neck. When you measure your influencers’ necks to find the correct fit, it’s a good idea to take a few different measurements at various points on their neck. The Forehead is the most accurate location to measure forehead length.

The forces of gravity will cause your shirt collar to slide down your neck until it hits the shoulders. If you don’t have a cloth tape measure, you can use a piece of string or fabric and measure it with a normal scale.

2. Measure by checking Breed:

To measure the circumference of your dog’s neck, you also need to consider the thickness of their fur. Some breeds, such as Pugs and Bulldogs, have short necks that require thinner collars. If the collar is too thick, it could cause uncomfortable chafing as your pup walks.

3. Difference between thicker and thinner Collar:

There is no way to measure for width. Just check your dog’s collar and see if he would do better with a shorter or thicker one. Generally, thinner collars are more comfortable for small or overweight dogs.

Collars come in a range of sizes to suit all breeds. Many manufacturers use labeling like “Small,” “Medium,” and “Large.” Don’t take these sizing labels at face value. With human clothing, there can be many variations of collar styles.

Make sure you buy a collar that’s large enough for your dog, but it doesn’t stretch out. At least, not while the dog is wearing it.

 

The Two-Finger Trick

Once you have the collar, you can put it on your dog. If the collar fits tightly around your dog, it will be difficult for him to remove it. Once you have the collar in your hand, you can use your two fingers to test if it is long enough.

1. How to perform two-finger trick:

slide one hand beneath the dog’s neck and the other behind the collar. If the collar feels snug, it’s just right. You shouldn’t have to force your fingers underneath the collar. If it’s difficult to perform this test, the collar is too tight.

2. Recommendations:

It’s recommended that you slide the collar up to see if it can slip over your dog’s head. If your dog is triangular, such as a Siberian Husky or Greyhound, you might have a hard time getting the collar on. If the collar can make it past your ears, it needs to be tightened a little.

 

An Alternative to Collars

There are many instances in which an owner may want to consider harnesses instead of collars. Harnesses wrap around your dog’s body, providing more security. They can be beneficial for heavy pullers, dogs with fatter necks, or pups who can easily slip out of their collar.

People who own fluffier dogs tend to go with harnesses over collars because those collars feel tight to the dog.

1. Benefits of Harness:

Harnesses offer so many benefits over a normal collar. One of the biggest is that there is no risk of choking. Even if your dog’s collar fits them just right, it can pose a serious choking risk if your dog likes to pull on their lead. A distracted sprint can cause the collar of your shirt to become tighter, and in turn, lead to a host of health problems. Harnesses don’t wrap around the neck. Most of the pressure is placed on their chest.

2. Strap Wraps:

The straps wrap around their body, under their legs, and meet on the top of their back. These dog training supplies can help you instill better behavior in your dog. They can quickly stop pulling if the pressure on their chest and body is because of a harness. Harnesses give you greater control over your dog, especially when it needs to be contained. More of their body mass is wrapped up in the harness, making it harder for them to run away.

3. Prefer Fitting:

Like collars, harnesses also need to be fitted properly. However, because the straps don’t go around the neck, there’s a little more leeway in how tight you can make them safe at low risk.

If your dogs tend to be more relaxed, you can loosen the straps. It still keeps your dog secure even if they try to run off. Like with collars, it’s a good idea to ensure that the harness is not too tight.

 

The Importance of a Proper Fit – Possible Risks

Now that you understand how to secure your dog’s collar, let’s look at some of the issues that can arise if you don’t do it correctly.

Despite the many benefits that collars can provide, they have the potential to do some pretty serious damage to your dog’s body and well-being.

1.   Neck Injuries

Neck injuries are a very real risk, and these types of injuries often arise when the collar is too tight and the dog suddenly jerks in one direction. Typically, the issues that arise are minor. They may hurt their neck muscles or suddenly cough due to breathing difficulties.

However, if the collar is not loosened, it may result in lasting complications. Your dog could damage the tissue around their neck or hurt various glands.

2.   Choking

Dogs can get their collars caught on something as they run around, opening doors, and playing in the yard. Dogs can easily get their collars caught on something as they run around.

Dogs often get their collars caught on something as they run and jump. If their collars are too loose, your dog may end up strangling themselves trying to get free. The risk of your dog getting killed by a car is greater when your dog is tied up outside.

Fences, posts, and even tree branches could get caught on the collar as they jump, essentially hanging your dog.

3.   Accidental Mouth and Leg Injuries

Your dog’s collar needs to be able to accommodate their daily activities, such as grooming and scratching. Injuries happen when their collars are too loose. Dogs have been known to get their mouths stuck on the collars as they’re trying to lick themselves. They can cut their mouths and break their teeth.

If they’re scratching at their feet, they may get stuck. If this happens, your dog may break a limb as they stumble around to get free from the itch.

4.   Skin Irritation

Skin irritation can be caused by a collar that’s too tight, too loose, or too wide. The edges of the collar may not seem like they can do much damage, but the friction they cause can lead to rashes, hair loss, and even cuts.

 

Conclusion

Your dog’s collar should be loose enough to fall freely, but tight enough so that they can’t get parts of their body stuck behind it.

Measure your dog’s neck and use the two-finger rule to determine if it needs to be tightened. If you’re still unsure, you can use a harness or consult with your veterinarian for more clarification.