Like any other dog breed, the German Shepherd requires a muzzle, collar and leash. We talked separately about the muzzle in another article, but here we will focus on the collar. This is necessary especially in cases where the animal lives in the city and the owner takes it for a walk in a public place. These are safety rules, and every dog owner should know about this.
Therefore, in this article we will analyze in detail the types of collars and their purpose, and also consider what leashes are on sale, and how best to choose a collar and leash for your pet.
Types of collars
Different collars are needed, all kinds of collars are important. And indeed it is. Today in pet stores you can find and choose a collar for any occasion.
You can also choose the material and quality with which the ammunition is made. Let's look at what types of collars there are for German Shepherds depending on their purpose:
- An accessory for everyday use;
- Show Collar;
- A collar that is put on a dog before training begins;
- Behavior correcting ammunition.
Below we will analyze each type separately.
Collars for daily use
Equipment for daily use is necessary during walks, and also serves as decoration for the animal. Typically, this type of collar is wider and stronger in shape and size than other types. It can be worn on both an adult pet and a young puppy.
Of course, such accessories can be left on your pet’s neck without removing them. Of course, this is done if the product does not injure the dog’s skin and coat.
Accessories for regular use can be with luminous or LED inserts. They will be needed if the owner walks the pet in the dark. This way he will have a better view of the dog’s route. In addition, collars with built-in GPS beacons have recently appeared. They track movement and send a signal to any connected device.
It is important to remember that a collar for daily use should not put pressure on the shepherd's neck. Two fingers should fit freely between it and the neck. Then he will not choke the animal and cause him discomfort.
Exhibition
Unlike everyday collars, equipment intended for exhibitions should be slightly smaller in size. The thing is that wide accessories with decorative inserts distract attention from the appearance and anatomical structure of the dog.
In addition, such products should not be rough or heavy, so as not to interfere with the shepherd’s ability to move freely in the exhibition complex.
For training and behavior correction
During training and education, special collars are used. They are divided into several subtypes depending on their severity. Let's consider the nuances.
Choke collar
A product made in the form of a noose. If, during a walk, the animal tries to run faster than the owner, breaks from the leash, wants to pick up something from the ground or drink from a puddle. Such ammunition, when stretched, puts pressure on the airways, thereby preventing the pet from breathing. If the shepherd behaves calmly, the noose is loosened and the collar looks like an ordinary accessory. Most often, the product is used to ensure that the dog walks side by side, at a stretch, as if at a show. You can use such a collar only from the age of a dog’s life and not for a long time.
Stun collar
Ammunition with a built-in stun gun. Quite a dangerous tool for education and behavior correction. It must be used with extreme caution and under the supervision of an experienced dog handler. Use for puppies under one year of age is unacceptable! The product can easily break a pet’s psyche and cause injury. It is used in emergency cases when the shepherd becomes simply uncontrollable, attacks people or other animals, and does not comply with behavioral standards.
Strict collar
A strict collar is also a rather dangerous type of equipment. Even its name speaks for itself. It is also called parfors. It is also used by some owners who want to make the dog angrier, teach it to defend and defend. This accessory is made in the form of a chain with spikes built inside.
When pulled, they dig painfully into the skin of the shepherd. It can only be used when the animal behaves badly as a punishment. It is highly undesirable to constantly take your dog out wearing a tight collar. The accessory should also be used under the supervision of a professional, otherwise the pet will suffer significant harm to its health, which will lead to a nervous breakdown and aggressiveness. In addition, abrasions from such thorns do not heal for a long time.
Choosing a Collar
Before a person goes to a pet store to buy a collar for his pet, he needs to take measurements and select the material of manufacture.
Size
Usually, to select the correct ammunition, the shepherd’s neck is measured in certain places depending on the type of collar:
- For an everyday accessory, measure the middle of the dog's neck;
- For a strict collar, measure the lower part of the neck;
- For a noose, measure the largest radius of the head.
Of course, it is important that there is a distance of up to 2 centimeters between the throat and the product. This way the dog will be comfortable in the equipment, but at the same time he will not be able to pull it off. When the animal tilts its head, the accessory should not slide off the neck.
Product quality
Of course, quality also plays an important role when choosing a device to keep your dog on a leash. After all, the German Shepherd is very susceptible to allergic reactions and dermatological diseases. If the material is not of very high quality, the accessory will deteriorate, threads will fall out, and it will tear.
In addition, under the influence of sweat and moisture, the product may begin to rot or mold. Also, if the owner buys ammunition with a GPS tracker or with a built-in stun gun, you need to check the warranty card and license for this electronic device.
Material of manufacture
Collars are made from different materials depending on their purpose. Let's look at them:
- This product is made of genuine leather and is suitable for everyday walks. It is important that there are no decorative spikes, metal inserts, and so on. Otherwise, during walks and games with other dogs, the shepherd may injure them, himself or the owner. The leather accessory can be worn on both a young puppy and an adult animal.
- The metal accessory is used for training and adjusting the upbringing of a pet. You cannot wear such a collar every day, as it can worsen the condition of the shepherd’s “fur coat.”
- Fabric gear can be worn even by a small puppy. It is the safest of all those available for sale. It's all about the material, which does not harm the coat. Such products are more durable and do not require special care. The only thing you need to do is to clean and wash the felt or fabric collar well.
Putting it on correctly
To put on the harness, start by calling your pet's name in a calm tone and giving him a treat. While the puppy is eating, stand behind him and carefully put on the pre-straightened harness. Then insert the German Shepherd's paws one at a time between the strap and the closed circle so that the bridge runs along the chest. All you have to do is fasten the leash and you can safely go for a walk.
Measure your dog before purchasing a harness. If you make a mistake and buy a size smaller than necessary, you can harm your shepherd. Or, on the contrary, if the size is larger, the puppy will simply jump out of the harness.
Did you like the article? Please tell us which harness you chose and why.
Choosing a leash
When choosing a collar for a German Shepherd, a leash is also selected along with it. It is attached to a special ring, which is on the collar. Leashes are also divided depending on their purpose:
- A short product is necessary for training a puppy. Usually it does not exceed 2 meters in length. You need such a device to teach a young dog to walk next to its owner. It is usually made from synthetic materials.
- Long leashes are needed for everyday walks. Their length varies from 5 to 10 meters. These products are made from fabric tarpaulin. Sometimes they are equipped with a special locking device, which is necessary to adjust the length.
- Show leashes are designed to allow your pet to run alongside him while walking around the ring at a show. They are usually made in the form of a short and thin strap, which allows you to emphasize the elegance and dignity of the dog.
- Leashes-collars made in the form of a handle. Products are needed to take the animal from home to the place of walking, so that later it can walk on its own. It is used only for well-mannered shepherd dogs that can walk next to their owner.
- Tape leashes are usually made of plastic. Such ammunition allows you to control your pet. If the puppy runs too far, the owner simply presses a button located on the handle and the tape stops.
When choosing a leash, you also need to pay attention to the quality of the material. You should also select an accessory depending on convenience, purpose and comfort.
Why are walks necessary?
Being outside is good for your puppy, but that's not all. When kept in an apartment, frequent walks are an excellent way to teach your pet to relieve itself outside its own walls. And in the first three months, get ready to get up even at night to take your baby out. Puppies are easy to train, so with proper attention and care, your pet will soon start asking to go outside.
Until six months, the shepherd's back is not yet strong, so you will have to carry it in your arms so that it does not injure itself while jumping up the steps. On the street, during outdoor games, do not allow the puppy to overcome high barriers. Also beware of chasing cats.
It is best to walk your dog during the day, under the sun's rays. This promotes the body's production of natural vitamin D.
In the first weeks on the street, try to avoid other dogs, especially strays. Choose a small, clean area where the puppy can run freely without harming his health. Gradually, going to special areas for dogs, allow the grown-up pet to get acquainted with other puppies, without particularly infringing on his freedom. If an adult dog runs up to your baby, don’t be afraid, German Shepherd puppies are very brave and will be able to stand up for themselves.
Which is better, a leash or a harness?
For large breeds of dogs, including the German Shepherd, so-called harnesses began to be used. They wrap around not only the animal’s neck, but also its chest and back. Since this breed is susceptible to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, a harness will be very useful for the dog.
This device distributes the load well on the pet’s muscles and bones. Therefore, it is better to use a harness for shepherds when walking and exercising. On the back side it also has a ring for attaching a leash.
Muzzle for toy terrier
For small dogs, a muzzle is often considered overkill .
Meanwhile, he must be in the dog’s “wardrobe”. Fragile miniature toy terriers are quite nervous and temperamental: veterinary procedures or simple cutting of nails without a muzzle threaten to turn into a battle with a biting alarmist.
A muzzle will also come in handy when walking with your pet, as it can suddenly become aggressive towards cats and other irritants.
Main types of muzzles:
- deaf - more often used for large breeds in order to completely fix the mouth. For toy terriers, a semi-open restrictor in the form of a solid strip or Velcro is sufficient.
Important! Plastic muzzles can only be used for a short time; the hard base can rub the dog’s face.
Nowadays, silicone duck muzzles are popular because they do not cause abrasions and are easy to clean.
- mesh – a muzzle made of straps, looser and lighter, recommended for walking. Leather and fabric models are less dangerous. The advantage of plastic is durability and ease of hygienic processing.
It is better to choose a muzzle after preliminary measurements, and ideally by trying it on the dog.
How to choose a harness
Before choosing a harness for your pet, you need to study what it can be made of and how to choose it correctly. Below we will consider the varieties of this device.
Tarpaulin
Canvas harnesses are quite inexpensive products. They are suitable for infrequent walks with a young puppy. It is unlikely that such fabric devices will last long if the dog is already an adult and quite active. In addition, material such as tarpaulin deteriorates when exposed to moisture and is very difficult to wash.
Synthetics
Products made from synthetic materials are very practical and versatile. They combine the qualities of all other materials: they do not stretch, tear or get wet. In addition, they are easy and simple to care for. Synthetic ammunition is suitable for any purpose of use, from ordinary walks to education and training.
Leather
Accessories made from genuine leather are the most expensive in their price segment. This is very justified. After all, they look noble and beautiful on a dog. But skin tends to stretch when exposed to moisture. Therefore, it is better to use such devices at an indoor exhibition.
Before choosing a harness, you need to pay attention to the ring, fastening and clasp. They must be made of metal so that such a powerful animal as a German Shepherd does not break off the leash.
How to accustom a puppy to a leash and collar
How to accustom a puppy to all the protective equipment? Typically, small furry puppies are taken out into the alleys from the age of three months. This is the time when vaccinations have already been done and enough time has passed after them. Then you can accustom the dog to a leash and collar. You need to put the collar on your pet correctly, fasten the leash well, put on a special muzzle and go for a walk with the animal.
Every day it is necessary to increase the time of walks and then the dog will get used to the equipment and will even bring these items to the owner so that he can be taken for a walk.
Useful video
How to wash Toy Terrier equipment
Attention! When using items of equipment, do not forget to check the condition of the equipment and the correct size.
Dogs quickly outgrow puppy purchases and may experience discomfort from a tight collar or improperly placed harness. Decorative decorations in the form of rivets, rhinestones, and pendants increase the weight of the equipment and can burden the toy terrier.
When an animal appears in an apartment, a lot of worries arise regarding arranging a comfortable existence for the pet. This is the purchase of a bed, bowls for water and food, toys, as well as an integral attribute - a leash or its variety - a harness for dogs. It is selected based not only on the size and age of the pet, but also on the role assigned to it. For example, a harness for a guide dog will be radically different from a similar accessory for a security guard.
How to train an adult dog
To train an adult dog, the same method is used. The only thing you need to consider is that the size of the collar must match the size of the animal. And then a walk in the fresh air will bring pleasure to both the shepherd dog and the owner.
In conclusion, we would like to add that you need to choose a collar and leash for your pet based on personal preferences, purpose and financial capabilities. A more experienced dog breeder will have several types of accessories that have different purposes.
