Dog collars come in many colors and styles and materials to serve many different functions. Besides the familiar chain obedience collars and the plain nylon collars, there are also bark control collars, flea collars, and a huge variety decorative and "statement" collars.

So how do you pick the perfect collar?

It's easy! Pick the collar the same way you pick your clothes. Off to a fancy event? Then it's time to dress up in rhinestones and gold. Out for a walk in the woods? A good web utility collar is just the ticket. Don't forget a matching leash and keep the sizes appropriate for the size of your dog.

The choices available to you in dog collars and dog collar supplies are almost infinite, reflecting different functions and different materials to serve many different needs. Obviously, different dogs in different situations will have different needs and will wear different types of collars.

What Should I Look For in Dog Collars and Dog Collar Supplies?

Buckle Collars are exactly what you expect, collars fastened with a conventional buckle. These collars are usually made from leather or nylon webbing and they can be flat or rolled. Buckle collars fasten securely and will not tighten on your pet's neck once fastened. I recommend the rolled leather collars because they avoid the fur damage that flat collars can often cause.

Quick-Release Collars are usually flat nylon web collars with a plastic buckle for adjustment and a quick release mechanism that acts as a safety catch case the collar gets caught on something and also makes taking the collar off and on easier.

"Choke Chains" are slip collars made from a length of metal chain with a ring on each end. These collars should only be used when training your dog and not as an every day collar. Chain collars are sold by length, so be sure to get expert assistance to insure the proper length for your dog.

Any Tips About Dog Collars?

The most important thing about any collar is that it fits correctly. Poorly fitted collars are stressful to your pet at best and in some cases can end up being fatal, so inspect your dog's collar often and always check to make sure you can slip two fingers between his neck and the collar yet won't slide easily over his ears.

If the sound of clinking dog tags bothers you, or if you want to avoid possible fur stains from metal tags, you can use a tag pouch to keep tags in control.

Many types of high tech electronic collars are available for hunting dogs and hunting dog training. These collars allow dog handlers to know exactly what their dogs are doing and where they are at all times. Simple tracking collars for pet dogs will insure your pet won't go missing when the family is on vacation or in unfamiliar territory.

Most importantly, pick a collar that matches your dog's size and personality. A giant black leather spiked collar isn't going to be right for a toy poodle any more than a rhinestone encrusted pick ribbon is going to be right for a bulldog. A dog's collar is part of his "first impression" so make sure you get the right one!

Finally pick a dog collar that suits your dogs personality and size. A giant black leather collar with studs may not suit a toy poodle, or a pink ribbon style collar a British Bulldog. After all it is part of your pet's image so pick the correct one!