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When it comes to selecting the best collar for your puppy, you’ll find that there are more than a few choices out there. However, knowing what to look for can help narrow down the options.
According to Hope Saidel, a professional dog trainer in Skokie, Illinois, the best puppy collars are made of lightweight nylon. That’s because leather collars and ones with metal buckles may look attractive, but they tend to be too heavy for a young dog to wear around his neck. And choke or prong collars should never be used on a puppy.
The sizing and fit of a potential puppy collar is also an important consideration.
“As a rule, the collar should be narrow enough so the dog can move its head and neck comfortably, and the buckle or clasp should be sized appropriately for the size of the dog,” Saidel tells Rover. Some breeds with long necks, such as greyhounds or whippets, may even need an extra-wide collar.
For toy breed puppies, finding a collar that’s small enough may be challenging, but Saidel cautions that owners of small puppies should not resort to using collars designed for cats, which typically have a quick-release clasp, and “will come undone if the untrained puppy pulls while walking on leash.”
Also, keep in mind that a collar may not the right choice for every dog. Brachycephalic breeds like pugs and bulldogs, as well as some very small dogs, may be better suited to wearing a harness and not a collar, in order to avoid causing any potential damage to their trachea from the added pressure around their neck.
How to Introduce a Puppy to Wearing a Collar
Although experts have differing opinions on when exactly a puppy should start wearing a collar, most recommend introducing a collar, along with other “basic manners,” around or after 8 weeks of age.
“The sooner a puppy becomes adjusted to wearing a collar, the less likely he or she will resist it later,” says Saidel.
When you’re ready to begin training your puppy to wear a collar, it’s a good idea to start slowly with short, supervised sessions indoors, and try to distract your puppy if you notice him chewing or scratching at the collar. Once he’s used to wearing it, you’ll also want to accustom him to having people grab at it. One of the best ways to do this is to play collar games, like “Collar Gotcha.”
This game requires everyone in the household to stand around in a circle with treats and call the dog’s name. When the puppy comes close to a person, they gently grab ahold of the dog’s collar and then reward him.
“This game teaches the puppy that holding his collar is a good thing and minimizes the chance that the dog will play ‘keep away’ when you reach for the collar. Imagine a delivery person propping the door wide open. If you can’t grab your dog’s collar, he may be out and away before you know it,” Saidel says.
The Best Puppy Collars
Now that you have an idea of what to look for in a puppy collar, and how to introduce your puppy to one, take a look below at six of the best puppy collars available online.
About the Blueberry Pet Collar
This lightweight nylon Blueberry Pet collar is one of the most popular dog collar choices on Amazon. Its enthusiastic reviewers love the durable quality and the 26 vibrant color options. Plus, it’s available in both regular and Martingale styles, and made of nylon, as our expert recommends.
Other features and notable aspects:
- Matching leash, harness, and seat belt sold separately
- Extra-small to large sizes available
- For an additional fee, you can have the collar customized
PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar with Quick Snap Buckle
This affordable collar comes in several sizes and colors with an easy buckle.
About the PetSafe Martingale Dog Collar with Quick Snap Buckle
This Martingale collar from PetSafe is a great choice for older puppies who are strong pullers and/or who are able to escape from a regular collar. It’s made of nylon material with a quick-release buckle and works to keep a dog secure by safely tightening around the dog’s neck anytime he pulls backward.
Other features and notable aspects:
- High-quality, durable construction
- Available in six color options and extra-small to large sizes
- Some reviewers have mentioned that it runs large, so make sure to check the sizing chart and measure your dog before ordering
Max and Neo Nylon Buckle Dog Collar
For every collar sold, they donate a collar to a dog in a rescue.
About the Max and Neo Nylon Buckle Dog Collar
Another popular choice for a puppy collar on Amazon is this Max and Neo nylon dog collar. It has a distinguishing feature that other collars do not: a snap buckle with a locking mechanism that prevents the collar from accidentally releasing.
Reviewers note that the locking mechanism helps keep the collar on active older puppies and dogs who like to roll around or play-wrestle with other dogs. (Note: The locking buckle is only on the small to large sizes; the extra-small size does not offer this. And a locking collar may not be the best choice for puppies who tend to pull hard on a leash.)
Other features and notable aspects:
- Reflective stitching to increase a dog’s visibility in low-light conditions
- 7 color options to choose from
- The company donates a collar to a dog rescue with every collar purchase.
Embroidered Personalized Dog Collar
Customize the collar with your dog’s name and your phone number.
About this Embroidered Personalized Dog Collar
Not a fan of the sound of jingling dog tags? This dog collar is a quiet and quality alternative. Instead of having to buy a separate tag to add to your dog’s collar, you can customize it with your pet’s name and contact info in a bold, easy-to-read font on a lightweight, reflective collar.
Other features and notable aspects:
- Choose from a variety of collar and thread color combinations
- Includes up to 25 characters of text
- Available in extra-small to large sizes
Unique Style Paws Bowtie Dog Collar
This cute bow tie is actually a collar with an eco-friendly plastic buckle.
About the Unique Style Paws Bowtie Dog Collar
There are few things as cute as a young dog wearing a bowtie. That’s why this Unique Style Paws bowtie collar is so adorable and perfect for special occasions or Instagram photoshoots. Your puppy can wear the collar alone or with the coordinating bowtie that easily attaches to the collar.
Other features and notable aspects:
- Made of cotton material with plastic buckle and metal hardware
- Available in six vibrant patterns
Azuza Dog Collar and Leash Set
Get both a collar and leash with your choice of fruit pattern.
About the Azuza Dog Collar and Leash Set
Since collars and leashes go together like peanut butter and jelly, you might be interested in purchasing a matching collar and leash set, like this one. Available in four fun and colorful fruit-themed patterns, this set is available in extra-small to large sizes with corresponding sized leashes that are perfect for puppies who are just beginning to leash-train.
Other features and notable aspects:
- Made with lightweight nylon material and plastic quick-release buckle
- No-hassle return guarantee
- Easy to clean and machine-washable on gentle cycle
Further Reading
For more information about puppy training and teaching your dog basic manners, check out one of the articles below.
