Q-Based Solutions, Inc.

Pet Collars and Pet Harnesses

• The chain slip, or also called choke chain, gets tight around the neck and chokes the dog when they pull on it. It is best to have a dog trainer show you the correct way to fit and use it. It is possible to hurt your dog with these types of collars. There are nicer ways you can teach good leash manners. And you should never use a choke collar on small puppies. Choke collars should not be used on dogs without thick neck fur, dogs with respiratory problems, or breeds with fragile windpipes such as Chihuahuas.
• The head halter is designed for dogs who may pull on their leash. It looks simular a muzzle but is not. One strap goes around the back of your dog's head, and another strap goes around its snout. The leash snaps on beneath your dog's chin. When you pull the lead, it pulls the dog's head either down or Sideways, and the dog cannot pull you.
• Prong also known as pinch collars dig into your dog's neck and pinch when pulled. Again, these are temporary training tools for heavy pulling dogs. They are not meant for lifetime use. There are plenty of better pain free ways to teach your dog not to pull on their leash.

• Length. Measure  your dog's neck and add two or three more inches to correctly size the collar.
• Width. This can go by the size of your dog. A one inch wide collar on a Yorkie is way too much, and a 3/8 inch collar on a Rottweiler is way too little.
• Tightness. When fitting a collar for your dog, you want to be able to slip a couple of fingers between it and your dog's neck. A space of less than two fingers means the collar is way too tight and can restrict their breathing. Collar that are too big could slip off over your dog's head.
• For growing puppies, remember to check and adjust collar sizes frequently.