How to fit a flat collar
Kim L Rance, Cert3 Dog Behaviour Dip Aqua
When purchasing a flat collar for your dog it is a really good idea to know the size of your dogs’ neck first as trying to visualise if a collar will fit your dog is very deceiving.
Once you measure your dogs’ neck use this measurement against the size range shown on your preferred collar, ensure that you are within the sizing range.
When properly fitted you should only be able to slip 2 fingers under the collar (see picture 1), any more than this (see picture 2) and you run the risk of your dog slipping the collar if he pulls backwards (see picture 3 & 4).
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Picture1. Collar fitted properly, note that only two fingers fit under the collar
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Picture2. Collar too loose, note that the entire hand fits under the collar which can fit over the dog’s head
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Picture3. Collar too loose, slipping over head
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Picture4. Collar too loose, slipped over head
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Difference between clip and buckle collar sizing
Clip On Collars (Picture 5)
Clip on collars have a slide adjustment so are generally able to fit a wider range of neck sizes. Once you reach the end of the adjustment (either smallest size or largest size) there is no way to make the collar fit. Clip on collars usually only come in fabric.
Buckle Collars (picture 6)
Buckle collars have set sizes, as indicated by the pre-cut holes for the buckle, and generally only have a short (few centimetres) size range. If necessary, especially with collars that are too big, you can punch new holes in the collar, though with some collars this can be fiddly. Buckle collars can be made of fabric or leather, some even incorporate a chain section in the collar.
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Picture5. Clip on Collars
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Picture6. Buckle Collars
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Remember puppies will need between 2 to 4 collars as they grow, depending on the variance between what size they are when you get them and the size they will be fully grown, the larger the breed the more often you will need to change the collar as he grows.
Flat Collars are not dog training collars, they should only be used for dogs that are well trained and know how to behave, for young puppies that are not ready for other training collars or as home collars used to hold name and registration tags.