How tight is too tight?

[Nancy Sunderland]

I would love to get some expert, or at least experienced, advice on how tight a collar should be. (Not including choke chains) While on a walk the other day, one of my dogs wrangled out of his collar when an unleashed neighbor's dog approached us in the road. It got me thinking, hmmmm...How tight is too tight? More importantly, how tight is "just right?"

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

I have always been told with a flat collar or role collar you should be able to fit two finger under it, that is all they need and they can't get it over their head. You do have to check the collar and be certain with dogs who have coats that grow that the collar remains with the two finger rule. Honey was great at backing out of her collar with a leash on her, once I adjusted it so I could only get my two fingers under it, she was unable to do this....

[Jeanie]

The vet told us the other day three fingers, but my husband always said two, so I would like to hear other opinions as well.

[Kathy Wilson]

I heard three as well. I'm thinking either would be okay as long as they're comfortable and not choking.

[Mandy&Bailee]

The fear of what could happen with the "back out of the collar" is why my dogs ALWAYS go out in properly fitted harnesses instead.
Working in animal hospitals over the years I have seen way too many damaged tracheas/windpipes from dogs pulling on collars. Not to mention the accidental strangulations when they get a collar caught on something, or god forbid in a disagreement with another dog when we're out in public it could give the other dog something to hold on to.
My dogs are always naked at home! Collars are purely for fashion statements on rare occasions :)

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Great Points Mandy...

[Kyoko]

I always like the martingale collar, because they will not be able to wrangle out of that.
But I never thought about trachea damages!! Great point!

[Karen & Lucy]

This is a good disscussion. I always used a Halti on Lucy, but recently started he on a Gentle Walker harness. I fit it pretty tight on her, able to put 2 fingers under it, but what I am afraid of is irritation under her front arm pits. Any suggestions?????

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Karen,
Our harness had a soft fleece cover worn under the arm pits. You can even purchase replacement covers once these wear out.

[2b9wth0o4sdr7]

We live on 72 acres so the only time The Duke of Doodles has a collar on is at the Vets or Groomer. I use a loosely fitted Lupine collar. Are that many people having issues with pulling and backing out? Duke never wants to leave my side he heels off leash just fine. As we all know Doodles are VERY smart and love to please. That is why I find it amazing that so many people are having such issues. BTW, Everybody keep your fingers crossed as it looks like I'm getting a female this weekend! A Dutchess for The Duke. (Both are fixed so don't ask about pups lol)

[Kyoko]

Charlie wears Lupine buckled martingale combo collar. They have variety of designs and width, too.

[Kathy Wilson]

Lucky, lucky dogs! Duke sounds wonderful. Can't wait to see photos of the new Dutchess! BigJim, welcome to DoodleKisses!

[Kevin Lackey]

Brody wiggled out of his today. I'm not sure how or why as I wasnt the one walking him, but he came when he was called and it wasn't an issue.... this time. I'll have to see if I can adjust his collar a little tighter.