Have you bought a new puppy? Or do you want to buy a new collar for your dog? If yes, it's important to find the perfect size that fits your dog's neck. A dog's age does not tell the size of their neck, so you have to measure it manually using a few handy items that are already in your house.
So, let's learn which tools you would need to measure a dog collar and how to do this.
Tools You'll Need to Measure a Dog Collar
Before we start, gather these simple tools:
1. A soft measuring tape or string
2. A ruler (if using a string)
3. Pen and paper to note measurements
Now, let's go step by step!
Step 1: Get Your Dog in a Calm State
It's much easier to measure dog collars when they are relaxed. If your dog is excited or moving around too much, it would be difficult to get accurate measurements. Give them some time to settle down before you start.
Step 2: Find the Right Spot to Measure
The most important place to measure dog collars is around their neck. You must find the spot where the collar will naturally sit. This is typically the area at the base of the neck, near the shoulders. This part of the neck is usually a bit thicker. The collar would fit here nicely.
Step 3: Use the Measuring Tape
After you have found the right place, take your soft measuring tape. Gently wrap it around your dog’s neck. Make sure it's not too tight or too loose. Check if you can comfortably fit two fingers between the measuring tape and your dog's neck. This is known as the "two-finger rule," which checks if the collar is too tight.
But what If you don't have a measuring tape? You can use a piece of string. In the same way, wrap it around your dog's neck and lay it flat on a ruler to measure the dog collar's length.
Step 4: Note the Measurement
Write down the measurements you've recorded. This is the size you have to ask for when you buy a collar. Most collars come with adjustable straps, but it's important to get a size that is near to your dog's neck measurement.
For example:
● If your dog's neck is 12 inches, your collar should adjust between 12-14 inches.
● For a larger dog, the measurement can be 18 inches. You must buy a collar that adjusts from 18-22 inches. We have a huge collection of collars that fit every dog's size.
Step 5: The Collar Type
With plenty of options available in the market, picking one can be hard. The type of collar you have can also affect how it fits. Here are some popular types of dog collars:
● Flat buckle collars: These are the most popular ones and are adjusted with a buckle.
● Martingale collars: This collar tightens slightly when pulled but is safer.
● Quick-release collars: These have a snap buckle and are easy to take on and off. It is an ideal pick for everyday use.
Step 6: Try the Collar On
Once you've bought the collar, it's time to try it on your dog. Place the collar around their neck. You can alter the size if necessary. Again, use the two-finger rule to find a good fit. The collar should sit comfortably without slipping off.
Step 7: Regularly Check the Fit
Like humans, dogs will grow, and their collars should grow with them. Thus, it's important to check the fit of your dog’s collar regularly, especially for puppies. When they grow, you'll need to replace the collar for a proper fit. Likewise, adult dogs may gain or lose weight, so their dog collar size might need occasional adjusting too.
Final Thoughts!
A perfect measuring dog training collar guarantees the safety of your pet. Measuring your dog's collar isn't difficult, but you have to do it with proper care. Don't be too harsh when your dog gets irritated. It's an essential step for their comfort. Once you have found the right measurement, look for some good quality collars that will not irritate your dog. Browse through our diverse collection of high-quality collars.