Collars, Leashes, Tags

Every pet needs a collar, leash and tag. They’re important for their safety—your dog could run headlong into a busy street, and get himself seriously hurt—and for other people’s safety as well. No matter how friendly and lovable your pet is, they may behave fiercely in unfamiliar or frightening situations. Furthermore, some cities and commercial establishments require pets to wear leashes. Tags, on the other hand, can help you find and identify your pet if he gets lost.

There are many kinds of collars, leashes and tags in the market. They range from the simple and Spartan to the very ornate (and very expensive). Many of them incorporate special details or materials that reflect the pets’—and the owners’—preference and personality.

Collars

Collars are available in all shapes and sizes. They are usually made of leather, nylon, or cotton. The more common varieties are buckle collars, training collars and snap-on collars. You will also find shock collars and anti-bark collars, which supposedly help curb bad behavior, but experts say they do more harm than good. If you want to train your pet, he’ll respond better to positive reinforcement rather than punishment and pain.
The most important consideration in choosing a collar is getting the right size. It should fit your pet comfortably, with ample space for you to slip two fingers between you’re his neck and the collar. As your pet grows older and bigger (or loses weight because of sickness old age), you’ll need to change the collar accordingly. Check it frequently. In general, experts recommend that you get a fixed-circumference collar which doesn’t tighten when the leash is pulled.

Leashes

Leashes are made from different types of materials: nylon, rope, leather, flexi, or metal. Choose one that is durable and gives you good grip and control, and can attach to a firm buckle collar that comfortably fits your pet. The best leashes have handles with non-slip features and a quick-release function that allows you to single-handedly engage the brake and lock the leash into a fixed position. For added safety, you can also pick one with reflective tape so you and your pet are visible during night walks.

Some leashes serve specific purposes, so when you pick one check if it’s designed to suit your needs. For example, if you’re still training your dog, you shouldn’t get a retractable leash. While they’re very fashionable now, they give greater freedom to your pet just when you’re trying to teach him to obey you. You’re better off with a training leash.

Always check the product package’s size recommendations so you know whether or not it can be comfortably worn by your pet.

Tags

It’s an animal lover’s nightmare: your beloved pet is missing. Aside from hanging posters all over town, the best way to ensure that he finds his way home is to have fitted him with a pet ID tag that contains your latest contact information.

The cheapest pet ID tags are made of plastic, but since these fade or grow brittle over time, and can easily break off, you’re better off with metal tags. If you want to be even more cautious, consider having your dog tattooed, or arrange for a microchip implant. Here, a veterinarian inserts a small electronic chip (the size of a grain of rice) that carries a unique code between your pet’s shoulder blades. The procedure is quick and painless.