Different sizes of dogs require specific collars, and small dogs are often the most confusing to make the decision for.  Just as dog training is needed for big dogs, it is additionally a necessity for small dogs, so picking the right collar for a small dog could make all the difference in your dogs training and safety.  Here are a few different types of dog collars for small dogs.

Chokers

Many people are thrown off by the slightly gory name of the chokers, but these collars are actually one of the most humane and easy ways of teaching a dog to walk at your pace.  When the dog pulls on the leash when he has the choke collar on, the collar will tighten based on how hard your dog pulls, and will release when your dog slows down to your pace.  These collars show them that it is bad to try to pull you, and this is especially ideal for small dogs, because since small dogs don’t have as much power when pulling, they won’t get hurt from wearing a choker collar.  Chokers are ideal for dog training.

Pinch collars

Pinch collars are generally a bad idea for small dogs.  On bigger dogs, it is a slightly more severe way of saying ‘slow down!’ than a choke collar.  These collars have metal prongs that stick sideways out of the collar so that when the dog pulls, the collar will tighten and the metal prongs become very uncomfortable.  These aren’t safe for small dogs because smaller dogs have more sensitive skin, which is easily damaged by these hard metal prongs.

Harnesses

Harnesses are straps that go over the dogs chest, and stomach that most often give the dog more force when pulling.  However, when they are used on small dogs, these harnesses are used to keep the dogs from injuring their necks.

Face Harnesses

Face harnesses are another type of harness available.  These harnesses fit right over a dogs nose, so that when they tug on the leash, the leash pulls back on their face and makes them very awkwardly uncomfortable.  These harnesses are  my personal favorite, but many people think look too funny to walk their dog around with.

Regular collars

Regular collars or buckle collars tend to damage small dogs’ necks, and are generally not recommended for smaller dogs.  These collars are great to keep dog identification on, but just remember that your dogs aren’t meant to be walked using one.