If dog collars cause harm
At this point, I would like to highlight a topic that is very close to our hearts.
Of course, this topic quickly leads to the fundamental question: collar or harness? We owners of large dogs often have no chance of controlling our large 40-50kg or more dogs with a harness. We are dependent on using a collar. However, this should protect the dog's neck as much as possible. And in general, collars and harness have their advantages and disadvantages.
Basically, one can say that a dog that pulls constantly on the leash does neither itself nor its owner any favors, whether with harness or collar. Training on the leash is part of the basics for a young dog, because even the small sweet puppy that rushes forward with so much energy will eventually become a fully grown projectile.Therefore, the training to run on the leash is part of Lesson 1 for a puppy. Even if it starts off playfully. Unfortunately, there are always cases where one cannot avoid a professional dog trainer.
Where does the danger lie with the collar?
Dogs that do not pull on the leash can certainly wear a collar. However, one should really be sure that the dog does not end up hanging with full weight on the collar at the sight of the next cat.
A sudden stop of a dog, which is abruptly halted with its full weight on the collar, can be extremely dangerous (also for humans, as many dog owners have been seen with an arm in a cast). Such a jerk is poison for the cervical spine, as well as for other structures, such as e.g.The large blood vessels in the neck area are rather harmful and can even lead to blockages of the cervical spine as well as to severe and painful muscle tension in the neck and front limb area.
Especially in older dogs suffering from spondylosis, such a jerk can lead to serious damage (harness is not the only true solution here either).
If a dog pulls hard and long on the leash in the collar, a lot is compressed in its body. The result is strains, contusions, and sprains of the cervical vertebrae and the skin as well as the muscle area. Additionally, various important nerves and blood vessels, the larynx, the thyroid gland, the trachea and esophagus, as well as the lymph nodes are located in the area of the collar and can be damaged.
More to read about collars and harness can be found here: https://www.tierphysio-jost.ch/2019/10/18/halsband-versus-brustgeschirr/
The wide collar
As mentioned, if harness is not an alternative, then we need to take a closer look at the collar. And here it applies, the wider, the better as the pull is distributed more easily. Therefore, the wide collar is the best choice.
At Charlotte's Choice, we strive to offer collars that are wide to very wide. The model Heavy Duty with a width of 7cm is therefore ideal for large dogs, as it distributes the pressure on the dog's neck very well.
For those who do not have a very large dog with a neck circumference of 50cm or more, the Tac Team model with its 4cm width is a good choice. The collar is padded and still solid and durable.
The bungee cord leash Tac Team
Another way we can protect the dog's neck is through a leash with an elastic compartment. This bungee cord part absorbs a large jolt, the weight of the dog is slowed down more gradually, and the neck does not have to absorb the entire jolt.
