Are you a proud new parent of a toy dog?
If so, congratulations! This must certainly be an exciting time for you!
What these small dogs lack in size, they make up with love, loyalty, and unique personalities.
They can be great companions, but their tiny sizes make them especially vulnerable to injury from falls, car accidents, or other mishaps.
That's why it's important to protect your pet with the right safety equipment.
A reliable collar is one of those things that helps keep dogs safe while still giving them some freedom.
In this article we'll go over what makes a good dog collar for toy breeds, as well as how to choose the best one for your pup.
What is the Main Purpose of a Dog Collar?
The main purpose of dog collars for toy breeds is to bring the dog’s attention back to you. This is very important, especially if your dog tends to run away.
However, it is not only about keeping your pooch from wandering off on its own or getting tangled in a bush. It's also about protecting your dog from potential injuries.
This is especially true for smaller dogs with high energy levels, like Chihuahuas, Maltese Poodles, Yorkies, and Shih Tzus. While there are different types of collars, the benefits are the same. Dog collars are:
- A way to keep your dog safe
- A place to attach contact information (i.e. a dog tag)
- A visual cue to strangers that your dog isn't a stray
- Necessary for leash training
If you want to keep your fur baby as safe as possible, then you'll want to put as much thought as you can into the collar that you choose.
How to Choose the Perfect Dog Collar, According to a Professional Dog Trainer
Choosing a dog collar might not sound like a big deal, but think about it: a collar is the one thing your dog is going to always wear.
If you had to wear one outfit for the rest of your life (or until it was no longer functional), wouldn't you want to put a lot of thought and care into it? You would consider things like your comfort, how it looks, its durability, and much more!
When choosing a collar for a small dog, professional trainers recommend:
- A collar with reflective materials.
Whether you're walking your dog at night or let your dog run around freely in the yard, reflective material will help keep your pup visible. This is especially important for small dogs, as their bodies are more fragile compared to larger dogs. - Choosing a collar that's comfortable.
Remember, this is your dog's main collar, so comfort is just as important as safety! Though there are many materials out there, many professional trainers suggest collars made with vinyl or nylon, since they are both comfortable and durable. - Supporting collars that give back.
There are many collars that do social good. Some are made out of recycled materials while others donate a portion of profits to animal shelters. At Wiggle Kingdom, for example, 1% of all sales of the world's smallest training collar are donated to local animal charities. It is an excellent way to choose the best for your dog while also providing a better world for other dogs. - Considering your dog’s age.
Even if you have a toy breed, odds are that your pup is still going to grow. According to the American Kennel Club, small dogs don’t reach their full size until they are approximately 6 to 8 months old. Just because a collar fit a young dog properly a few weeks ago, it doesn’t mean that it’ll still be properly fitted right now. Fortunately, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to purchase a brand new collar, but you should be aware that you may need to adjust the settings.
No matter which collar you choose, it is important to ensure that you fit it properly for your small dog. Trainers and veterinarians recommend following the two finger rule. When fitting a collar, make sure that you can fit two fingers between the collar and your dog's neck. If you can't, then the collar is too tight. Adjust the collar accordingly or move a size higher.
Should I Take My Dog's Collar Off at Night?
According to the Animal Humane Society, you should leave your dog's primary collar on at all times.
Accidents happen. For example, one of the kids might leave a door open or your pup might zoom out of the door as you leave for work. Even if you take every precaution, no one is immune from accidents. In fact, 41 percent of all dogs and cats that are reported missing are indoor-only pets.
In a worst case scenario, there are incidents that can happen beyond our control. Emergencies such as tornadoes, fires, or burglaries can result in pets getting lost.
This is why the Animal Humane Society also recommends attaching an ID tag to your dog's collar. This will greatly increase the likelihood of being reunited with your pet if an accident were to happen.
Even if your toy dog has been microchipped, few (if any!) people have a microchip scanner in their pocket. Even professionals typically don't carry scanners around. An ID tag makes it easy for anyone to contact you about your fur baby, ensuring that your pup is back safely in your home as quickly as possible.
An ID tag is also a visual cue to strangers who might otherwise think that your dog is a stray.
With all the benefits of keeping a collar on at all times, why do some people want to take it off?
In most cases, it appears that some owners are worried about unintended injuries such as their dog's collar getting caught or tangled in something.
Here's the reality: multiple studies have shown that properly fitted collars are a minimal risk to dogs, including toy breeds.
Compare this to dogs who get lost without dog collars for toy breeds. The Animal Humane Society confirms that less than 10% of dogs who get lost without their collar are reunited with their families.
Keep your pup safe by keeping it's primary collar on at all time!
How Are Training Collars Different from Basic Collars?
Training collars are designed for specific uses. There are different types of training collars available depending on what type of behavior you'd like to correct. Some training collars are used for basic obedience while others are specifically designed for teaching commands.
Different types of training collars include:
- Pinch collars (also called "prong collars")
- Choke collars
- Martingale dog control collar
Today, we want to focus on the most popular type of training collar: the shock collar, which is also known as an e collar with remote.
Yes, shock collars are safe for small dogs when used properly and as intended.
The key difference is that training collars are to be used only for training, whereas a basic collar is your dog's primary (24/7) collar. In other words, you shouldn't leave a shock collar on your dog all the time. At the most, professional dog trainers recommend using a shock collar for a maximum of 12 hours a day.
Another fact to note is that shock collars should be used to prevent unwanted behavior, not teach basic commands. It’s best to start using shock collars when your dog already knows basic commands like “sit” and “stay.”
Instead, think of an e collar as a communications and behavior management tool. An e collar with a remote allows you to get your small dog's attention so that it listens to you. This can help you put a stop to unwanted barking, aggression, digging, or running away.
You may find yourself wondering how to use an e collar effectively. Here are some tips:
- Start out slowly. Don't expect your dog to immediately understand what you're trying to communicate through the e collar. It takes time and practice. Start with the sound setting. If your dog doesn't respond, try switching the setting to vibration. One is the lowest level and nine is the highest level. Again, if vibration doesn't work, start using shock at the lowest level. You'll know you've found the perfect stimulation level when you can get your dog's attention.
- Use positive reinforcement whenever possible. For example, give your dog a treat after he responds correctly. Don’t forget to praise your dog when he does well. Praise is essential for building confidence and trust.
- Be consistent. If you are trying to stop unwanted behavior such as excessive barking, then be consistent in the language that you use. If you alternate between "quiet," "stop barking," or "no more barking," your dog could easily get confused. Remember, even the smartest dogs in the world can only learn up to 250 words, so keep your commands simple and consistent.
At Wiggle Kingdom, we understand the importance of stopping unwanted behavior from your small dog using dog collars for toy breeds. For your convenience, we've compiled tips from training experts on how to train a small dog with a shock collar.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Collars
Are neck collars uncomfortable to dogs?
Neck collars are the most common type of collars for walking dogs. However, they can become painful for dogs who pull too hard. Neck collars can cause pain to a dog's throat, spine, and even heart if leash training isn't prioritized. When walking your dog, you want to make sure there is some slack (a "loose leash"), so that your dog isn't accidentally injuring itself.
Can I use a choke chain with my dog?
Choke chains are designed to restrict movement and force a dog to obey. Choke chains are typically made of metal, which can damage a dog's skin and internal organs. Furthermore, choke chains don't allow your dog to breathe properly. Because of this, they are not recommended by many veterinarians.
What about prong collars?
Prongs are similar to choke chains but are less likely to cause serious injury. Prong collars are often used for training purposes because they are effective at controlling aggressive behaviors. However, prong collars can still cause harm to your dog's skin and internal tissues. As a result, they aren't recommended by many veterinarians either.
Are shock collars safe for small dogs?
Yes! Shock collars are safe for small dogs and larger breeds. The key is to use a shock collar that is designed specifically for small dogs. After all, a large dog like a pit bull is going to require much more stimulation compared to a small dog like a chihuahua. Aside from being too large, a training collar for a bigger dog will be too powerful for a small dog, so it's important to purchase a training collar designed for small dogs.
How do I choose the right collar for my dog?
When choosing a collar for your dog, look for one that fits comfortably around the dog's neck. Avoid collars that are too tight, as these can cut off circulation and cause discomfort. Also, avoid collars that are too loose, as they may slip off during playtime.
Is a shock collar safe for puppies?
A shock collar is safe for puppies and adult dogs alike. In fact, puppies tend to be less sensitive than adults, so they won't feel any pain when receiving a mild electrical stimulus. This means that they'll need fewer shocks to achieve desired results. However, most veterinarians recommend waiting until your small puppy is at least 6 months old until utilizing this effective communications tool.
What happens if a dog wears a tight collar for too long?
If a dog wears a collar too tightly, he or she could experience nerve damage. If this occurs, then the dog may develop a condition known as Compression Neuropathy Syndrome (CNS). Symptoms include pawing, drooling, licking, scratching, and head shaking. These symptoms usually disappear once the collar is removed. This is why it's important to follow the two finger rule we discussed early in the article.
Should I buy an electronic collar for my dog? What are the pros and cons?
Electronic collars, another name for "shock collars," are great tools for controlling unwanted behavior in dogs. The primary pro is that there are three settings to choose from: sound, vibration, and shock. Both vibration and shock have 9 levels, with 1 being the weakest and 9 being the strongest. This allows you to find the perfect stimulation level for your dog. The primary con is that these collars have been misused by some people, giving them an unfair reputation.
Do dogs like wearing collars?
Yes! Dogs like wearing collars. It might feel strange at first, but they'll become used to it and may even get confused when you take it off. While we recommend keeping your dog's primary collar on at all times, there are circumstances when it is okay to take it off (such as when you're giving your dog a good bath).
Why Wiggle Kingdom?
At Wiggle Kingdom, we proudly sell the smallest training collar in the world!
Our training collar was designed specifically with small dogs and toy breeds in mind.
When you purchase from us, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your pup is safe and that you will soon be able to stop unwanted behavior.
Our happy clients enjoy:
- Free shipping
- Same day shipping (order by 1 pm PST)
- A mailing list for discounts, news, funny videos, and more
- World-class customer support
- A 30 day money back guarantee
- 1 year unconditional warranty
With so many benefits, it's no wonder that over 10,000 proud dog owners have chosen us for their fur baby's training collar.