Safety dog collars can be the most important investment you make when it comes to caring for your dog. According to veterinarians, over 26,000 collar related accidents occur every year. In most cases, the danger arises when multiple dogs are playing together or when a collar gets caught on a tree branch, crate or kennel. With traditional collars this kind of situation can quickly lead to tragedy, which is why safety collars are so important.
There are several kinds of safety collars on the market today. The most popular kind is the break away collar. As its name suggests, this type of collar is generally made of tough nylon with a plastic buckle that is designed to break open and let the collar fall away should it become entangled in anything. This prevents your dog from choking as his collar is tightened.
These safety dog collars come in a variety of designs to fit any personality. You can find almost any color and even many prints, from seasonal to sports logos to your favorite cartoon characters. Along with the plastic break away buckle these collars also include metal hardware including a set of D-rings that you can attach a leash to for extra security when walking your dog.
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Be aware of potential hazards when choosing a dog collar and keep your Aussie as safe as possible.
Another great option for an Australian Shepherd is a Martingale collar for added safety. This type of collar has two loops, one large and one small. The dog's head slips into the larger loop and the leash attaches to the smaller loop. When pressure is applied to the leash by the dog pulling, the larger loop closes just enough to prevent the dog from slipping out of the collar. Martingale harnesses are also available and use the same principle.
These simple safety dog collars are perfect for most breeds but some owners might want to consider the added security of a back-clip or front-clip harness. A harness fits around a dog's chest for added stability and security. The different styles allow you to clip a leash on either at the dog's back or at his chest and both are useful for training your dog not to pull while on leash.
No matter which style you choose, you'll want to take the extra safety precaution of including a tag that lists all of your contact information so that you can be quickly and easily reunited with your dog should he become lost. Even if you have your dog micro-chipped it is still extremely important that you include a safety tag on his collar for his security and your peace of mind.
While safety dog collars will work for any breed, they are particularly important for active and working breeds like the Australian Shepherd who tend to be outdoors more and more prone to ending up in situations where they could get caught on something. You don't want to have to be constantly worrying about your Aussie getting into trouble, so why not make things easier on both of you by buying a good quality safety collar?
Remember your dog is relying on you to keep him safe at all times, and that starts with having a collar that won't accidentally choke him or injure him in any other way. Check out any of the major retailers or shop around online and see what options are available. You're sure to find a number of safety dog collars that will work for your best friend.
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