Getting the perfect fit in your dog’s collar is an important part of their health and safety. If your dog’s collar doesn’t fit properly, then there’s a chance it can come loose or even strangle them. When a dog’s collar is too loose, then you’ll need to tighten it. However, tightening a dog collar requires a bit more work than you think — though it’s not the most difficult thing! It’s important that you learn how to tighten your dog’s collar properly. Here’s how! First Things First: Why Your Dog Needs a Collar You might be wondering if your dog even needs a collar in the first place. The answer to that is pretty simple — yes! We’re not only big proponents of collar-wearing in general, but our silicone dog collars are a great choice for active dogs and even dogs that have sensitive skin. Regardless of the collar you ultimately choose for your dog, we’re here to tell you that a collar is an absolute must. Here are some of the top reasons your dog needs a collar: It helps you see them. A reflective dog collar is great for dogs, especially if you take them out walking after dark. For dog owners who live in apartment complexes or even homes that don’t have a fenced in yard, you probably have to take them for a walk. That walk might be after dark, or maybe it’s during the day a few times. Either way, a reflective dog collar can really go a long way to ensuring that your pup stays safe while you’re both outdoors. Drivers will see your dog better, and you’re able to keep track of your pup even on the darkest of nights. It lets you take them with you on trips. A dog that travels is a dog in need of a quality dog collar and leash set. Whether you take your pup hiking in the Rockies or gallivanting across the French countryside, you’ll need for them to wear a collar. Their leash typically attaches to their collar, and if you’re not looking to make them wear a harness 24/7, then a collar is going to be the best solution for them. It gives them some freedom while acting basically as a necklace they never take off. It also alerts others that your dog is domesticated and not just a stray. If your dog gets lost or runs away while on a trip, anyone who finds them will recognize that they belong to someone instead of being a stray or a wild animal. You’re more likely to be reunited with your pup if you make them wear a collar. It’s where their ID tag goes. Your dog should always have an ID tag. Whether you outfit them with a QR code dog tag or a simple dog tag that’s filled with information, a dog tag is an absolute must for any pup. Regardless of your yard’s fenced-in status or even that you live in a remote area with no neighbors for a mile and hardly any traffic, your pup is still in need of a dog tag. They carry vital information, such as phone numbers and medical needs. However, a dog tag without a dog collar is useless. Where will it attach to? Ensure Your Dog Has All the Right Info with a QR Code Dog Tag Microchipping — a Bonus, But Not the Only Option Many people assume that implanting a microchip in their pet can eliminate the need for a collar and ID tag. However, microchips have a specific function: to store information. Here are some other key things to know about microchips. They’re one piece of the puzzle. A microchip is a device that stores information. Phone numbers, addresses, names, medical records… These are all things that a microchip can provide. Together, when combined with other health and safety options — such as a dog collar and an ID tag — a microchip can finish out the puzzle that is your dog’s safety. They aren’t a GPS system. Unlike our Traq dog tag trackers, a microchip implanted into your pup’s skin doesn’t provide a GPS locator. While that may be in store for future technology, current microchips don’t provide that service. Instead, they store information, just like a computer chip! They’re beneficial for when a lost dog gets taken to a shelter or vet and has lost their collar or ID tag. Since collars can break, it’s important to have a microchip in your dog as well so that you can be reunited much easier and faster. They need to be scanned by specific equipment. While some apps allow you to see if a pet is microchipped with just your smartphone, you’ll still need a specific piece of equipment, called an RFID scanner, to actually view the information stored in the chip. Unfortunately, this causes a lot of confusion for pet owners who think that they can easily scan for their pet’s microchip with just their phone. While using an app scanner to determine whether or not a pet is chipped is a good preliminary tool, it can delay the reunification process because individuals still have to take the pet to a vet or shelter to have it scanned. Not all chips are universal. As is with everything in the private market, most companies only allow for their chips to be scanned by a particular scanner and not a universal one. While more and more companies are agreeing to join a universal scanning system, there are still some holdouts, especially for animals who were microchipped years ago. The issue here is that not every vet or shelter has the scanners for each microchip company, so some animals would appear to not be microchipped when, in reality, they were. The information is only as accurate as you make it. Moved recently? Update the microchip. Dog got vaccinated for rabies again this year? Update the chip. In order for the microchip to be functional and useful in the most efficient way, you’ll need to update the information regularly. From vaccinations to addresses and even to phone numbers, it’s important that you keep the information accurate and up-to-date. If your dog gets loose, the shelter or vet staff will be able to scan the microchip and contact you quickly without running into any hurdles. No, Your Dog Isn’t Immune — Mischief Is Natural Many dog owners feel that their dog won’t be the one to need a collar or microchip simply because “that’s not who they are.” Did you know it’s actually within some dog breeds’ nature to be mischievous and get into trouble? That’s right — if you own a Boxer, Beagle, Terrier or even a Border Collie, you might find yourself having to rescue them from tough spots. They’re naturally curious, and that curiosity typically leads to mischief. Get the Perfect Fitting Silicone Dog Collar for Your Pup A mischievous dog is one that’s much more susceptible to running away or getting lost. Every little thing excites them and piques their curiosity. Of course, while this is great for dog owners who love adventure and are constantly looking for things to do with their pup, it can feel like a huge burden to those who need a dog that doesn’t tend to get in quite as much trouble. That’s why it’s important to be sure your mischievous furry friend is outfitted with the correct collar and ID tag. Together, these two components ensure that your pup is safe and healthy, no matter what they might get into. Types of Dog Collars There are a few different types of dog collars out there. And, while we’re especially partial to silicone ones, we do want to mention that there are some others out there you might already have on your pup or be considering. Leather collars: Some dog owners like to put their dogs in leather collars because they feel it makes their dogs look elevated. And, while that may be true, leather collars don’t have much give and are very expensive. Since some dogs get into more mischief than others, you might find that you have to replace these collars more often than not. You can easily rack up unnecessary expenses. Fashion collars: Fashion collars are more made for looks rather than function. You’ll often see dog owners put these on smaller dogs or dogs that don’t go outside too often. Of course, while these fashion collars look good in Instagram photos, they really don’t do much in the way of keeping your dog safe. While they look adorable and make any pup the star of the show, dog owners who are looking to take their dogs with them hiking or traveling will want to reconsider the fashion collar. Break-away collars: Break-away collars are some of the best out there (our silicone collars have a break-off feature!). When your dog gets lost, or even when they’re playing by themselves or with other dogs, there’s a chance they can get their collar stuck on something. Without a break-away or break-off feature, your dog is either stuck or ultimately strangles themselves trying to get away. With a break-off collar, too much pressure on the collar causes it to break safely without destroying the collar itself — or hurting your pup! This is perfect for the dog who’s adventurous and tends to get in a bit of trouble. You can rest easy knowing your dog’s collar won’t hurt them! How to Tell If Your Dog’s Collar Doesn’t Fit Properly There are a few ways to tell if your dog’s collar doesn’t fit correctly. Here’s how: Two-finger rule: Place two fingers under your dog’s collar. If you can’t fit two fingers under, then your dog’s collar is too tight. If you can easily slide two fingers and even a third under their collar, then it’s too loose. A collar that’s too loose can easily get caught on doorknobs, corners, branches and even toes or teeth of other dogs. Following the two-finger rule can potentially save your dogs’ life! In fact, the two-finger rule is one of the most popular ways in determining how tight should a dog collar be. Red, itchy skin: Your dog might have a red rash around their neck when you remove their collar or look under it. This, accompanied by an itch, can really indicate that your dog’s collar is too small and causing them issues. Additionally, a red rash under the collar site might be accompanied by pain — where your dog shrinks away from you whenever you go to touch the area — or warmth. While you might assume it’s an allergic reaction, it’s actually a sign of the collar being too tight! Help your furry friend out by ensuring their collar fits them properly to prevent any rash or pain. How to Adjust Your Dog’s Collar Some dog collars require a simple adjustment. Others require a bit more. Here are some tips for adjusting your dog’s collar! Measure your dog’s neck. To ensure you get an accurate adjustment for your dog’s collar, measure their neck. This will allow you to find a dog collar that can be sized properly for your dog’s neck. Some collars are not only longer or shorter but also come in different widths. Dogs with a smaller neck will need a thinner collar. Larger dogs will need something wider. Slide the collar to the correct nodule. Some collars have snaps that fasten, while others have a buckle. Some are similar to watches or necklaces, where they have a clasp. Using the tools provided on your dog’s collar, simply shorten or lengthen the collar to the appropriate size. You should do this after putting the collar on your dog. Sometimes, that requires you to place the collar around their neck instead of sliding it on. In fact, if you can slide the collar on your dog, then it probably doesn’t fit properly in the first place. Check it regularly. If you’ve got a growing puppy at home, be sure to check their collar regularly. Make sure to have a collar a size larger and smaller just in case your dog gains or loses weight or grows. Your dog deserves a collar that fits properly, especially to keep them safe! Image Credits: olgagorovenko/Shutterstock.com Dora Zett/Shutterstock.com