OMG where do I start? I'm going to try very hard to keep this under control, and no way I will not disclose how many collars I have.
As far as collar type, I do not have a favorite, it just depends on what I'm doing. When I'm home, my dogs do not wear collars at all. I used to work at a veterinary clinic and learned there the dangers of collars getting stuck on something - especially collars with tags. I'm sure it's a total freak accident that rarely happens, but I'm not taking chances. So no collars on dogs in my house.
I'll briefly go over the different types of collars that I personally use and when I use them, then I'll finish with my favorite dog collars.
Flat Nylon Collars
This is really the perfect all-around collar. But, I mostly use these when my dogs are going to be running, like for lure coursing and I used to use them for flyball. I like them to be light nylon and not too wide. I feel like it gives me something to hold my dog with, but isn't a nuisance for my dog while running.
Flat Leather Collars
For traveling, as soon as I load my dogs in the car, I put on their flat leather collars with tags on them. For hiking, they also wear their leather collars, with tags and also GPS. I'm not sure I have a great reason for this, mostly, I just want a safe, sturdy collar to hold tags.
Flat Light up Collars
During the winter, when it's always dark, rechargeable light-up collars are a must-have when out walking near traffic. They are pretty easy to find on Amazon. I have a few different brands because they seem to vanish, so I never get the same one twice, but something like this should be fine.
I also like to clip on LED lights because you just can't have enough bling. The clip-ons are usually brighter than the collars and have regular batteries that seem to last forever.
Martingales
Martingales are usually wide and because of the design, difficult for dogs to back out of. When the dog pulls they tighten, but not like a choke collar. They are adjustable, so when adjusting to fit your dog, just make sure it can't get too tight.
Martingales are usually not great for dogs that are out running. The big giant loop will hit them on the back of the head. As a photographer, just trust me on this. When the front feet go down, so does that metal loop- right on the dog's head.
My 11-year-old Border Collie used to have this super slick head move, where he would whip his head from side to side and back, super quick in an attempt to back out of the collar and go do what he wanted. Hard to believe because he's such a perfect boy, but I will admit, totally spoiled rotten and used to getting his way. So I guess it makes sense. This was something he would try when we were playing flyball and his turn was over, so I used a martingale for a while on him. But mostly I like these because they are wide and I feel like they are more comfortable and won't decapitate my dog. Yes, maybe a little dramatic, but I'll be honest - my dogs don't know how to walk on a leash. Let me defend myself here, I used to run every morning with my dogs and I wanted them in front of me, so that's what they learned. We rarely walked anywhere on a leash so I didn't value leash walking skills. Now, due to my non-existent leash walking training skills, I feel like it's a hopeless thing to try to fix.
Martingale Collar Leash Combos
I'm not really sure the official name of what I use, but it's a fancy pretty slip lead. I love these for convenience, and as you can see from the images below, they are super pretty and soft on the hands. I keep these in the car at all times and use these leashes for all quick walks.
Prada's is due for a wash, don't judge.
Harnesses
Okay, so I know there is a lot of harness hate out there. But I'm a fan. Like I said earlier, I used to run with my dogs in the morning and I wanted them out in front of me with a tight lead, so that I didn't trip over the dogs or the leashes. Even though I don't run these days, I still use harnesses for walks. Partially because my dogs know to pull and I'm not going to try to retrain them, but also because I want my dogs to be able to walk and sniff when we are on walks. I'm fine if they pull, and I don't want them to injure their necks. I also use harnesses when we're doing on-leash hikes.
I do move away from oncoming people with dogs. I definitely don't want my dogs ahead of me greeting a strange dog. I usually cross the street if someone is coming.
I also use (different) harnesses for nosework because I want my dog to be able to comfortably move towards the order without an accidental correction because I can't keep up. Of course, this still happens with a harness, but it isn't a big jolt to the neck.
So what are my favorite dog collars?
I'm not sure if you noticed the theme with most of my collars or not, but most of them are custom. I picked the fabric, pattern, colors, design, etc. Because why not put the most beautiful collar you can imagine on your dog? So where can one create their own custom collars? Let me give you my list!
Local Custom Collar Designers:
Terrier Mulisha Canine Racing Gear - Facebook Page / Here's her Etsy store.
If you want something specific, you can reach out to her on Facebook. She also has other amazing products, including the best cooling coats I've ever run across!
Both of the above are local small businesses, so you can feel good knowing you are getting a handcrafted product and supporting your own community.
Leather Collars
All of my leather collars are from Paco Collars. They are beautiful, nice quality and you can customize them!
Now, my favorite collar that I do not own but drool over is anything by Hålom Tåsi. There are many people making beautiful leather collars, but nobody else makes anything like these. Every design is stunning! But my non-hairy dogs are much too little for these. I seriously considered getting a bigger dog just so I can have one of these collars. But I came to my senses and now I just drool. So if you order one, please send me photos! I want to see!
This blog topic is part of a pet photographer blog circle. To read more blog posts about favorite collars start with Jessica Wasik with Bark & Gold Photography, sharing collar recommendations for your dog's photography session.
8 Comments
Aug 12, 2021, 7:10:51 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - hahaha yes, collar addiction is a problem I can totally relate to.
Aug 8, 2021, 1:17:18 PM
Tracy Allard - Super informative and a lot of people around me have (and love) Paco collars. I feel left out. I feel like Rooney needs one (to add to his growing collection of various collars...it's becoming a problem LOL).
Jul 10, 2021, 6:39:14 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - hahaha
Jul 10, 2021, 6:38:59 PM
Nicole Hrustyk - Awe, seasonal collars are awesome!
Jul 9, 2021, 7:49:58 PM
Jessica - Wow, you are a collar connoisseur!
Jul 9, 2021, 11:45:16 AM
Tammy Snyder - My senior girl, Stella, used to have one for every season. The kids in the R.E.A.D.ing program loved seeing her different collars.
Jul 9, 2021, 10:43:08 AM
Nicole Hrustyk - hahahaha I donated 25 to rescue a few months ago. It was so hard to part with them. But seriously, why do I need that many collars?!
Jul 9, 2021, 10:09:18 AM
Elaine - I have a feeling you and I are in the same place when it comes to collars: YOU CAN'T HAVE ENOUGH! LOL. Great post!