Collars

Collars are made from a variety of materials and come in many colors, patterns and styles. The choices can be overwhelming, but the most important factors are that the collar is the right size and weight for your puppy or dog, and the collar fits correctly.

• Choose a collar that is neither too heavy nor too light for the kind of dog. Big, strong dogs require a heavier and wider collar than smaller dogs.
• Puppies are best with a soft nylon collar or a thin leather collar.
• The collar should fit snugly so it won't slip off, but not too tight. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and the dog's neck. Cut off any over-long strap that the dog may chew.
• A collar with a snap-type plastic fastener is a popular alternative to buckle collars, and the length is easily adjusted.
• Never use "choke chains" on young puppies. Use other training collars available that are much gentler on a puppy and more effective.

Collar Type	Description	Features	PETCO Suggestions
Buckle Collars	Overall best choice of collar for most dogs in most situations Less likely to come undone Generally made of nylon or leather materials Puppies should wear only buckle collars, and adjusted for growth	√ Color variety √ Washable √ Durable    Training Only	PETCO Rolled Leather Collar in Pink
Nylon Collars	Good for dogs that are in water a lot Durable, machine-washable Come in a variety of colors and patterns and many have matching leashes Ideal for puppies and smaller dogs, while heavier duty nylon webbing is suitable for larger dogs	√ Color variety √ Washable √ Durable    Training Only	Dickens' Closet Personalized Adjustable Nylon Spectra Collar in Blue EK Ekcessories Brown Collar With Pink Flowers
Leather Collars	Wear well and are very durable Stronger and last longer than other materials Soften naturally from the oils in the dog's skin Rolled leather collars (round instead of flat) are designed for long-haired dogs and keep the hair from lying flat against the coat	Color variety √ Washable √ Durable    Training Only	PETCO Rolled Leather Collars in Black PETCO Diamond Stud Leather Collar in Red
Training Collars	"Choke chains" and "pinch" collars are designed for training purposes ONLY Designed to briefly tighten and apply pressure when the trainer is delivering a correction Should not be used as a dog's everyday collar Never put a dog on a tie-out with a training collar	Color variety √ Washable √ Durable √ Training Only	Petmate by Aspen Pet Mighty Link Chain Collars - Light Weight Petmate by Aspen Pet Mighty Link Chain Collars - Medium
Harnesses	Placed around the dog's chest and ribcage, and therefore eliminates the potential for choking Popular for dogs that tend to pull while they are being walked If a dog has a neck problem, a harness that attaches around the chest is a good alternative to a collar Usually made of nylon, which is durable, machine-washable and comes in a variety of colors	√ Color variety √ Washable √ Durable    Training Only	PETCO Red Single Ply Nylon Adjustable Dog Harnesses
Head Collars	Work by putting light pressure on the dog's muzzle and at the back of the neck, which imitates the action of a mother dog on her puppies When used with positive reinforcement head collars are ideal training devices for dogs that tend to pull while walking Usually made of nylon, which is durable, machine-washable and comes in a variety of colors	√ Color variety √ Washable √ Durable    Training Only	Coastal Halti Headcollars Premier Pet Products Black Gentle Leader Headcollars

Leashes

There are many types of leashes available, usually 4 feet or 6 feet in length, and ones that match the dog's collar.

• Make sure the thickness and strength of the leash is suitable for the puppy or dog.
• It is best to start a puppy with a shorter leash to allow the parent to maintain control.
• Long leashes are good for training dogs on recall or allowing a roam in the park or on the beach while still maintaining control.
• Leashes are available with an extra leash section and clip for walking two dogs on the same leash.

Very short leashes are useful for off-leash training to add some weight and replicate the feel of a leash and to grab hold of, if correction is required.

Leash Type	Description	Features	PETCO Suggestions
Nylon Leashes	Very durable, washable and come in a variety of colors Available in a variety of thicknesses, lengths and styles to suit all dogs Available to match the dog's collar	√ Color variety √ Washable √ Durable √ Various    Lengths	PETCO Single Ply Nylon Dog Leads in Red
Leather Leashes	Very durable and long lasting Soften from the oils in your skin, which is easier on the hands Easier to grip than other leashes	Color variety    Washable √ Durable    Various    Lengths	PETCO Twisted Leather Lead in Mahogany Circle T Euro Leather Lead in Black
Cotton Webbed Leashes	Washable, strong, easy on your hands and economical Available in a wide variety of colors and lengths The 20-foot length, known as a "long line," is ideal to use when teaching your dog to come when called	√ Color variety √ Washable    Durable √ Various    Lengths	Petmate by Aspen Pet Heavy Duty Training Leads
Retractable Leashes	Extendable to allow more freedom for your dog A spring action controls the length of the leash as the dog walks and a braking system allows you to stop the dog from traveling further, or to lock it at a certain length Good for controlling larger dogs and are best for dogs that have already been trained to walk and heel	Color variety    Washable    Durable √ Various    Lengths	Bags on Board Retractable Leash with Built-In Bag Dispenser Petmate by Aspen Pet Walkabout Retractable Leash in Blue
Tie-Outs & and Chains	A tie-out is a long length of leash line that is attached to a stake placed in the ground Allows the dogs room to move about, yet is restricted to a certain area Generally made of chain or cable Handy if you travel or like to spend time outdoors, such as with camping or for a day at the park	Color variety √ Washable √ Durable √ Various    Lengths	Flexi Tie-Out Retractable Tie Out PETCO Dog Tie-Out Cable Heavy

ID Tags

ID tags will assist in identifying a lost or injured pet and are one of the best ways to save a pet parent the agony and heartache of losing a pet. Place all identification tags on the ring of the collar.

Type of ID Tag	Description	PETCO Suggestions
Barrel or Keg Tags	Can be used immediately Can be used while waiting for a permanent tag to arrive Provide a small piece of paper or smooth surface to write in your name, phone number and/or address Are inexpensive	Petmate by Aspen Pet Aristo ID Tubes Lixit Instant ID Tag Reflector Protector
Digital Tags	Electronically store basic information, as well as details like vaccination information, veterinary contacts and email addresses Can be programmed with special messages such as "I can't hear, I'm deaf" and "I am nine years old and I can't see very well." Can be quickly updated if you move, your area code changes, etc. Can be moved from pet to pet

Also, most PETCO stores have a Quick Tag machine that will create a custom engraved tag at an affordable price, while you wait.

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