Do not risk dogs’ lives.

Do not put pressure or force on their throats.

Three ways dog collars pose risks to dogs’ lives.

1. Collars catch on crates, fence wires, wooden decks and other dogs’ teeth, strangling any dog that wears a collar.
2. Some dogs have pre-existing problems, like chronic bronchitis or collapsing trachea. Yanking on a collar jeopardizes these dogs’ lives. Dogs suffocate and die from lack of oxygen.
3. Small dogs and toy breeds are most likely to suffer from a collapsing trachea, but they are not the only dogs that do.

Four things to avoid when a dog is wearing a collar.

1. Never yank on the collar.
2. Never chain or tie out a dog by a collar.
3. Never leave a dog’s collar on when he is alone.
4. Do not let a dog pull against his collar.

Other Health Risks From Collars

• Injury to a dog’s neck
• Injury to a dog’s spine

Dog Training And The Use Of Collars

Visit Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue

They advocate the use of quick release collars vs. buckle collars. They urge you to prevent choking and accidents to dogs with quick release collars and remind you, “Always remove your dog’s collar before you leave.”

Need help choosing collar options for your dog?

Visit Boxer World on Different Types Of Collars. This webpage displays good photos and explanations of different collars and harnesses “The best type of collar is no collar. Many trainers feel that the best training collar is no collar at all. If you start training on a collar, the dog may learn that it has to obey *only* when the collar is on. Collars are, at best, training tools – and at worst, crutches.” Julie Michaels  http://www.boxerworld.com/forums/view_different-types-of-collars.htm

Dog Training And The Use Of Collars

Kirsten Frisch is a dog trainer in Northern Carolina. She dubs her work with dogs as falling into the category of being hands off or force free.  She is an Alaskan Husky lover and a sled dog trainer.“Collars: No matter how strong or thick-headed your dog is, don’t let him pull you by his collar. He needs a harness. He can really hurt his neck and spine by pulling you and your bike via his collar.” Find Kirsten’s blog The Gentle Canine at http://www.gentlecanine.com/

Dog Sport Enthusiasts Beware When Biking Or Sledding With Your Dog

Visit Kirsten Frisch’s Alaskan Husky blog to view a proper pulling harness.http://www.alaskan-husky-behavior.com/bikejoring.html

I strongly suggest that you protect your dog’s health by using a harness or head leaders while walking your dog on a leash. And yes, we trained our dog Sydney not to pull on a leash, to heel, and to walk easily with us. For his safety and health, we never hook a leash to his collar.

For ID purposes, Microchips are best because if your dog gets lost without his collar and dog tags, you will get a call from the nearest animal shelter. My dog came alreadyMicrochipped to the shelter that rescued him. I know if Sydney ever gets lost and is turned into animal control or a shelter, I will get a phone call indicating where I can pick him up.

PETLVR COMMUNITY Alog and Forum Dog Collar Dangers http://petlvr.com/blog/2009/05/19/dog-collar-dangers and http://petlvr.com/blog/2009/05/19/dog-collar-dangers/http://www.ygrr.org/doginfo/safety-collars.html

What do I use? A collar or harness on my dog?

I use a harness on my dog, Sydney. He gets excited, so a harness is the safest way I found to keep him from impulsively jerking on a collar.

This is my safety car seatbelt, my other harness is in the wash.

Sydney is also an escape artist, flexible and foxy. Here is a fun post on another dog escape artist. He kept getting out of his collars, so his parents got him a harness.