The Best LED Dog Collar Australia - Keeping Your Canine Illuminated

There’s one thing no pooch will ever say no to. Walks. The sound of picking up the leash will wake your dog up, even if sound asleep. To our canine companions, the time of the day doesn’t matter.

However, walking in a low light environment, like during nighttime or fog, can be dangerous (1).

 Cars and motorcycles have lower visibility and might not see you until they come really close. If your dog is off leash, that’s even more of a problem. It’s better safe than sorry, and that’s where a LED dog collar comes in handy.

 In this article, we’ll help you find the best collar for your pooch.

How To Pick The Right LED Dog Collar

In general, the best LED collar should have the same benefits as the best dog collars in general . That means that your choice can’t be based on looks only. That’s why we’ve taken different features into consideration when narrowing down our list. When searching for the best glow in the dark collar in Australia, here are a few things you should consider.

Material

Most LED collars found on the market are made of nylon. It’s a sturdy and weather-resistant material, plus it’s affordable. In most cases, your dog will only wear this during night walks, so there’s no real reason to buy an overpriced collar if a cheaper one will do the job just as well.

There are also collars made of glow sticks like those used for party decors in dance clubs. These can’t be used as a collar on their own but are a great option if your dog wears a harness.

Finally, there are LED clips that are supposed to be attached to a collar. If you simply love your pooch’s leather collar, there’s no reason to take it off. Just attach the clip, and you’ll see your dog glowing in the dark. Certain breeds should wear harnesses instead of a collar, and these clips can be attached to them (2). These, however, rarely give 360 degrees of visibility.

Most LED collars come with a clip buckle. This can be either plastic or metal. While plastic buckles are usually sturdy, they might not withstand pulling. This is especially true if your pooch is a large breed. In such a case, a metal buckle might be a better option.

Battery

LED collars run on batteries. There are two options: a primary and a rechargeable battery. Collars that run on a primary battery will hold the charge for up to 200 days. However, you need to buy a replacement once it dies. On the other hand, a rechargeable battery usually lasts between 5 to 8 hours, which means it has to be charged every day.

Colours

A fluorescent yellow/green is the most common colour choice, but LED dog collars also come in a variety of vivid colours, like orange, blue, pink, white or purple. You’re probably tempted to buy the collar in a colour you like, but there’s one thing to keep in mind. In very low visibility, like during the fog, green and yellow are the most noticeable. Warm colours, like orange or purple, are less apparent (3).

Light Mode

Most LED collars have several light modes. Besides the steady mode, you can opt for slow or rapid flashing. When it comes to noticeability, there isn’t much difference between the three. So go for the mode you like.

Weather Resistance

The vast majority of LED dog collars on the market are made of nylon, which is a water-resistant material. Since the fibres are tightly woven, the water doesn’t easily pass through. That means a little bit of rain won’t get the collar wet, but swimming will. However, nylon dries down rather fast and doesn’t get much worn out even when wet on a regular basis.

However, when it comes to LED lights inside the collar, these aren’t always so forgiving when wet. If you live in a humid area or if you take your dog swimming at night, make sure to find a waterproof collar.

The 8 Best Lighted Dog Collars In Australia 2021

We’ve covered some features you should keep in mind when searching for the best LED collar for your pooch. You probably now have a general idea of what you want in such a collar, and here are our top choices amongst which you’ll probably find the right one for your dog.

Some pooches simply don’t like when you mess with their collars. If that’s the case with your canine companion, a simple LED light clip is a better option. This one from Truelove is perfect for dogs of all sizes. It’s lightweight, durable and has different modes available.

The main issue with most LED light clips is that they emit light only in one direction, which is usually in front of the dog. This means that when you’re facing your dog from behind, you can’t see the light. Well, that’s not the case with this clip from Truelove. Its shape makes the light omnidirectional, so you’re able to see your dog in the dark from all sides.

The clip features three modes. You can choose from slow or fast flashing, or you can keep the light always on. The light runs on two CR 2032 batteries, and its operating time is up to 100 hours. When the batteries run out, they’re easily replaced by twisting the backside.

There are four colours to choose from: white, blue, green and red. The light is bright enough to be visible in different weather conditions. You can also see your pooch when taking a night swim. The clip can withstand being in the water for up to three hours.

Lots of people walk their pooches at night. Some people do it because their working hours don’t allow them otherwise. Other people own long-haired canine companions who, during warmer months, can’t stand the heat during the day. The rest simply enjoy night walks. No matter what’s your case, your dog should wear a light up dog collar for extra protection during those walks.

Illumiseen is a brand known for LED dog products. Their LED dog collars come in sizes ranging from XXS to XL and are worn by pooches all around the world. There are also six colours to choose from, so you can find the one complimenting the colour of your leash. This flashing dog collar has a D-ring so it can replace the one your pooch is currently wearing.

You can set the light to slow flashing, rapid flashing and steady mode. The light runs on a USB rechargeable battery and lasts for about five hours. It has a fast, one-hour recharge time and the cable is included with the purchase.

Illumiseen offers a lifetime guarantee on their products. This means that if you get a collar with a factory defect, they’ll replace it free of charge.

LED lights are useful even within your own property. No matter how illuminated your backyard is, some pooches are like ninjas in training. In this case, it’s great having a lightweight LED light attached to them so you know what they’re doing at all times. This 3-pack from ULwysd is perfect for such situations.

The first thing you notice about these LED clips is that they’re small and lightweight. Even the tiniest of pooches won’t feel wearing this on their necks. The shell is made of food-grade silicone which is durable and water-resistant. Your pooch can go swimming while wearing the clip. The attachment clasp is big enough to go around a collar no wider than 3 cm. This is great for small dogs, but most large pooches have wider collars.

You get three clips, each in different colours: red, blue and green. They feature fast and slow flashing, as well as a steady light mode. Your canine friend can be visible for up to 800 meters. The light runs on a replaceable CR 2032 battery, which lasts for 60 hours in steady mode or about 200 hours in slow flashing mode. Each clip comes with a battery included, as well as a replaceable battery. There’s also a 100% quality warranty and 30-day money-back if you’re unhappy with your purchase.

If you’re looking for a sturdy nylon dog collar that comes in more than just primary colours, then this LED dog collar from Blazin’ might be just what you’re looking for. From purple or pink to orange and black, there’s surely a colour that will look lovely on your canine companion.

The collar comes in four sizes that cover the neck girth between 8 and 70 cm. If your dog is between two sizes, don’t worry. Size range options overlap and they give you enough leeway so both smaller and a larger option will suit your pooch. Unlike most cheap collars, this one from Blazin’ features a LED strip that goes along the entire length of the collar. This means that your dog is visible from all sides. When it comes to distance, you can see your dog even when you’re 350 meters away.

The collar runs on a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 8 hours. This makes it a great option for tracking down your pooch when camping together. The battery recharges with a micro-USB cable that comes included with the purchase. There are three lighting modes to choose from: on, strobe and blinking.

What if you don’t end up liking this collar? Well, Blazin’ offers a 100% lifetime guarantee. If you’re by any chance dissatisfied with the product, you get your money back, no questions asked.

In general, LED dog collars cost almost like a regular collar. And if you’re a proud pet parent of several pooches, gearing them up might be pretty costly. Luckily, there are a couple of budget-friendly options on the market. One of them is this LED collar from VIZPET.

This collar comes in three sizes. The smallest is suitable for pooches with a neck girth over 22 cm, while the largest goes up to 58 cm. The collar has an adjustable buckle, so you can assure it fits your pooch tightly. It features a clip buckle made of ABS, which is the same plastic LEGO toys are made of. It doesn’t get any more durable than that. The collar also has a ring hoop where you can attach the leash to.

Just like most other LED collars, this one features three modes. It runs on a rechargeable battery and running life depends on the selected mode. When set on the slow flash, it can last up to 12 hours, while on the steady glow, it lights up to three hours. It takes two hours to fully recharge, which is done by a micro-USB cable that’s included with the purchase. The collar is covered with a 100% satisfaction and 60 days guarantee.

With dog collars that run on a primary battery, it’s easy to lose the track of time for how long it’s been running. They usually die somewhere during the walk, which can be annoying, to say the least. Rechargeable collars, on another note, need to be charged every day, at least once. That is unless you own this collar from Masbrill.

The first thing that stands out about this collar is the running time. When fully recharged, a 230mAh lithium-ion battery will light for about 10 to 15 hours, depending on the illuminating mode. With one click of a button, you can switch between three modes: steady, slow and fast flash.

The collar is made of breathable polyester webbing and features a flat TPU optical fibre inside. This makes your pooch visible even during foggy weather. The collar is 100% waterproof, and the D-ring is rust-proof, so your dog can safely swim while wearing it. There are five sizes to choose from, but with an adjustable buckle, you can make it fit your dog like a glove. The collar comes in blue, green, red and orange colour.

Most LED dog collars on the market are supposed to replace your dog’s standard collar during the night. But what if your dog doesn’t like how they feel on the neck? Or if your pooch simply prefers a harness? In such a case, a simple glow stick collar might be a better option.

This collar from BSeen is a great option for dogs of all ages and sizes. It has a circular tube that is 70 cm long and can be cut to any length with a pair of scissors. That means there’s no excess material flapping around your pooch’s neck. There’s plenty of colour options to choose from, and the collar can be set to blinking or steady illumination. Like a true rave-party-loving pooch, your dog will be noticeable at all times during your night walks. The battery is rechargeable with a standard mini-B cord. A single charge holds the battery for up to 7 hours.

The tube shape of the collar makes it a great option for double-coated canines. Unlike flat collars, this one won’t matt the fur. And you don’t have to worry about long hair covering the collar, as the light is strong enough to be seen through even the thickest of furs.

If a LED dog collar is supposed to replace your pooch’s everyday collar, you might as well make it fashionable, right? Most of these looks pretty simple during the day, like a simple single-coloured nylon collar with a basic clip buckle. But if you want to step up your dog’s game, this collar from Pet Industries might be just what you’re looking for.

This collar is made from PetDURA, which is a nylon fabric with high wear and tear resistance. This type of nylon also dries down way faster than a regular one. Both D-ring and buckle are made of electroplated steel, which means they’re heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant. Fibre strips make your pooch visible from all angles, and the wiring is well insulated so the collar can be worn in all weather conditions.

The collar runs on a rechargeable battery, and it comes with a quick-charge cable that does the job in one hour. When fully charged, the battery lasts up to 8 hours. The collar comes in four sizes, ranging from 25 to 60 cm neck girth. When it comes to colour options, you can either pick one of six vivid colours, or go for a black collar with rainbow LED lights.

The Verdict

LED dog collars are an irreplaceable tool for keeping a close eye on your canine companion wiggling around, whether it’s your backyard or a camping site. Our top pick, Truelove’s safety LED light, is great for dogs of all ages and sizes. It’s attached to a collar or a harness, and the light is omnidirectional, so you can see your dog even from behind. It runs on button batteries that run for up to 100 hours.

Our second choice is the collar from Illumiseen. It comes in a variety of sizes and colours, and it runs on a fast-charging battery. You can see your dog wearing this collar from up to 550 meters of distance. Other picks on our list are also great, and you can’t go wrong with any of them.

Want to learn more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

• Dog Flea Collars
• Martingale Dog Collars
• GPS Dog Collars
• Dog Barking Collars
• Citronella Dog Collars
• Leather Dog Collars
• Personalised Dog Collars
• Puppy Collars

References

1. PetMD Editorial. May 19, 2011 ”Staying Safe While Walking with Your Dog at Night”. PetMD. Retrieved March 6, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/wellness/evr_dg_staying_safe_while_walking_your_dog_at_night
2. Coates, J. March 04, 2019 “Why Flat-Faced Breeds Need Dog Harnesses Instead of Collars”. PetMD. Retrieved March 6, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/why-flat-faced-breeds-need-dog-harnesses-instead-collars
3. Bogan, C. Dec 22, 2014 “High-Color Contrast for Maximum Outdoor LED Sign Visibility” Retrieved on March 6, 2021. http://www.adaptivedisplays.com/blog/bid/359458/High-Color-Contrast-for-Maximum-Outdoor-LED-Sign-Visibility
4. Parsons, W. Apr 28. “Do LED Lights Attract Bugs?”. Retrieved March 6, 2021. https://blog.1000bulbs.com/home/do-led-lights-attract-bugs

The Best Puppy Collars Australia -
An Overview

Is your puppy looking a little naked at the moment?

A collar is a simple product that does so much. It is a symbol that your puppy is cared for and loved. It is a unique fashion statement to show off your dog’s personality. It is a portable ID card that your puppy has at all times in case they wander from the pack while you are walking.

So, it stands to reason you’ll be looking for the very best puppy collars you can find right?

We’ve got you covered. In this mega guide, we’ll chat about the qualities of a top dog collar, the different types of puppy collars on the market and then get into our recommendations for the best puppy collars Australia has to offer.

Finding The Right Collar For Your Puppy

There is sooo much choice on the market for cool puppy collars. And given that the first collar your dog will wear will likely be outgrown at some point, it’s worth bearing these factors in mind when you make your choice.

Size

Of course, a decisive factor of the collar you choose will be the size. Your puppy is a baby still and therefore likely doesn’t have a neck the size of Scooby Doo’s. That said, unlike with our human babies, you don’t want to purchase a collar that your puppy will “grow into”. A loose-fitting collar can be dangerous.

To accurately measure your puppy for their collar, you need to measure two points of their neck. You need to measure around the base of their neck and the high point. These are the two areas that the collar will rest at various points of their day. You don’t want it to be too tightly wrapped around either point. (2)

Durability

Your puppy will be a rambunctious little thing, getting into scrapes, falling off the sofa and playing with the neighbourhood children. These are all opportunities for any of their wearables like their collar, harness or ID tags to be ruined by sheer playfulness.

In the case of collars, it is pretty difficult to find a collar that easily falls apart. Even cheap puppy collars are often made of nylon which is tough as nails when woven into a collar. 

That said, the buckle and D ring can be obviously of cheaper quality. These can be broken easily. The buckle and D ring are often made of metal or plastic. The metal variety is generally better quality and longer lasting.

To truly assess the durability of any collar you may come across on the world wide web, you need to review the reviews. They will tell all. No broken buckle goes unreported in honest feedback.

Comfort

The comfort of your puppy is paramount. This will likely be their very first collar, so they need to adjust to life with it on. Therefore, it needs to be lightweight and well fitted.

You also may want to account for your dog’s unique physiology. For example, if you have a little pug puppy, they have a short neck so a collar with a wide width won’t be the most comfortable for them. If you have a Dachshund puppy, they have small, delicate necks. A collar that is too bulky will surely get in the way of their important day to day activities. It’ll also probably look quite comical. Imagine a Dachshund with a huge, spiked collar? Comedy gold.

Style

Yes, I am the reviewer who loves a gorgeous looking product, but it is never so important as with your dog’s collar. I am happy to die on this hill. The collar is a statement to the wider world, and outside of protective dog shoes, dog coats and jumpers for cold weather, this is likely the only piece of apparel your dog will wear on a consistent basis. 

Is your puppy super outgoing and fun? Why not have a colourful, exciting design!

Is your puppy prim and proper? A sleek leather number will suit their soul.

And yes, this is a complete vanity metric. Your dog will not care in the slightest if the collar you choose matches the undertone of their fur.  But for your own sense of pride and personality, it’s just a bit more fun to look for a collar that looks as good as it functions.

The Different Types of Puppy Collars

The above list of attributes can be… attributed to any type of collar. There is quite a wide range of collar styles out there.

Flat Collars

Picture a dog collar. Any dog collar. Got the image in your mind?

That’s a flat collar!

This is the most traditional and popular type of collar. It is called a “flat” collar because it lays flat around your puppy’s neck.

Martingale Collars

Martingale collars are special collars made with the purpose of walk training.

But wait, doesn’t that sound like a choke collar?

Absolutely not! While the mechanisms are similar, martingale collars have a much more limited amount of constriction, so they can’t hurt or strangle your puppy. It is gentle pressure, not a strangulating squeeze.

Choke collars are not advised for any dog, young or old. They can cause so many neck injuries and anxiety issues.

As for martingales, you can use them with puppies, but I wouldn’t advise doing this before attempting to train your puppy with a regular collar. This is for two reasons.

1. They may respond well to walk training and be perfectly fine with their flat collar
2. Martingale collars are typically only used during walking. You will likely have a flat collar for your dog’s everyday use. So, martingale collars should only be tapped in when you need them.

Personalised Collars

Isn’t everything better when it is customised? I believe so. Personalised puppy dog collars just add an extra element of specialness to their collar. There are a few interesting options for personalised collars on the market. We have linked one below.

Flea/Tick Collars

Definitely one of the more boring collars in the category but consider it a necessary evil. Flea and tick collars are used in tandem with traditional collars as they tend to be thin and worn for a limited amount of time. You can’t really affix any identifiers to a flea or tick collar. It’s important to note that puppies should not have flea or tick treatments of any kind before they reach 7 weeks old. (4) The chemicals are too strong for them.

Vibrating Collars

Vibrating collars are meant as anti-barking and training collars. They are also great for deaf and blind dogs. (5) If you want to explore vibrating and anti-bark collars, we have made a separate listicle for them.

Best Puppy Collars Australia: 2021 Edition

So now we are all caught up with the different types of puppy collars out there and what could be right for your little one, let’s dive into the recommendations we have for top puppy collars in Australia.

Dog Nation have such high quality and varied collars that we have to feature them in the top spot here. Our pick is their soft padded nylon range which is stylish, durable, and the perfect size for young dogs.

The smallest size is suitable for a neck girth of 17 - 27cm. This is an ideal range for puppies and your pup can grow with this collar for quite some time.

The padded nature of the collar may make it a little heavier than most but infinitely comfortable and cosy for your dog to wear for long periods of time. This is a great introduction to wearing collars with confidence.

Best of all, this is a personalised puppy collar meaning you can give them your dog’s name and your phone number, and they will lovingly engrave those details onto the front buckle. ID and collar all in one!

For reasonably priced personalised soft dog collars for the special pup in your life, Dog Nation has you covered!

For an economical option with a side-order of bling, the Gummi Bling Puppy Collar is a prime choice. It is quite a simple, thin, delicate collar with bright colour and a touch of pizzazz with the little diamantes. I am not a diamante person per se, but it does look quite fetching on this collar.

I think because there are few of them and the band is thin, it manages to look quite elegant and fancy rather than naff. But I think this is a marmite situation - you love it or you hate it.

Beyond the design, it is made specifically for puppies, so it has a very short length of 20-30cm. That still allows some growing room for your pup as well.

The collar is lightweight, making it almost imperceptible to your dog. This is always helpful when getting a new puppy used to wearing a collar.

This collar is durable and weatherproof. Essential to your puppy through their early months.

Overall, Gummi has an economical option that won’t melt on the first wear! Fabulous.

Leather dog collars can look very classic and beautiful on every breed. The one drawback is that the majority of leather dog collars tend to be a bit bulky and macho for a little puppy. It’s a bit like giving a toddler a Moleskine notepad. You could do it, but it definitely looks too grown up for them.

We love the Dog Nation Leather Collars, but they are a bit wide and adult. So we chose the Pzpaw range for this category because these collars are small, fine, and come in youthful colours that will suit any puppy’s playful personality.

There are 5 colours in total and four sizes. The extra small size measures 30cm in length and 1.5cm in width. It is suitable for a young dog with a neck size of 20-26cm. So there is some growing room here but perhaps not as much as the Dog Nation or Gummi options.

The soft leather design is weatherproof and durable. The nickel-plated buckle is also rustproof and should last your puppy for as long as they fit the collar.

Best of all, this is another economical option that rivals the best of them. The manufacturer also offers a money-back guarantee. It’s a no-brainer!

The Ozpaw option is pretty stylish but for a polyester option that is still show-stoppingly beautiful, we love this option from Dog Nation. The Maya collar is soooo pretty with a unique almost tribal-like print in bold colours.

It’s unisex and stylish to the highest degree. It looks premium with a high-quality print. This is also a personalised dog collar, so you can have your dog’s details engraved on the front plate. Always handy!

As for sizing, the smallest size is suitable for a neck size of 23-30cm which is a good range for puppies.

This is a very hardy collar with tightly woven polyester; however, nylon and leather are known to be a little more durable than this. That’s not to say that this collar will melt. It won’t. But if the material matters to you, you may prefer the nylon padded collar over this one.

For an incredibly adorable collar that is premium quality and breathtakingly stylish, this is the one for you!

Less exciting than the others on this list but a necessary evil, let’s talk about flea collars!

Now, if your puppy is older than 7 weeks of age, you can start treating them for fleas and ticks. Seresto collars are known for being extremely effective against fleas and ticks due to their strong chemical make-up.

These collars are also loose-fitting, lightweight and won’t interfere with your dog’s day to day.

That said, Seresto can be too strong for some dogs. Think of it like a mosquito repellent. Some of us can slather it on with no issues at all. Others of us are sensitive to the chemicals leading to rashes and discomfort. It’s the same for dogs.

I say this to say, exercise some caution. Most dogs will be perfectly fine with this collar, and it is very effective. If your puppy shows any signs of discomfort or allergy to the chemicals in the flea treatment, simply whip it off.

Seresto collars are hardy, budget-friendly and lightweight enough to wear with your dog’s main collar. We still recommend it as a top flea collar option for most dogs.

The Final Verdict: Best Puppy ID Collars

For a puppy collar that ticks all the boxes with personalisation to boot, the Dog Nation Soft Padded Collar is the perfect beginner’s collar for your new puppy! The sizing runs very small too so the tiniest of delicate necks should suit it still.

The soft material will provide that extra comfort too. You can’t go wrong with them. If you are on a budget and want a touch of bling, the Gummi Bling Collar is a very sweet and simple option that will serve your puppy well.

Interested in learning more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

• Best GPS Dog Collar
• Best Leather Dog Collar
• Best LED Dog Collar

References

1. Remitz, J. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved March 1, 2021.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog
2. Perreault, J. September 26, 2013. “How to Choose the Correct Collar Size for Your Dog”. Petful. Retrieved March 1, 2021. https://www.petful.com/pet-products/choose-right-size-dog-collar/
3. Jones, J. August 30, 2017. “What are Martingale Dog Collars?”. Orvis News. Retrieved March 1, 2021. https://news.orvis.com/dogs/what-are-martingale-dog-collars
4. Coates, J. June 27, 2019. “How to Choose the Safest Flea Treatment for Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved March 1, 2021. https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/how-choose-safest-flea-treatment-your-dog
5. Messer, J. “Training Deaf Dogs”. Modern Dog Magazine. Retrieved March 1, 2021. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/training-deaf-dogs/10727
6. Hohenhaus, A. August 5, 2011. “Collars vs Harnesses”. WebMD. Retrieved March 1, 2021. https://blogs.webmd.com/from-our-archives/20110805/collars-vs-harnesses

The Best Flea Collar Australia - 
Puppy Options Included

Every pet parent must get acquainted with flea prevention. This is especially true for dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

There are plenty of options available when it comes to preventing fleas, and a flea collar offers one of the the most convenient solutions.

Today, we talk about the best flea collars available and how to choose the right one, and why they are one of the best dog collars available.

How To Choose A Dog Flea Collar

When it comes to dog flea collars, you essentially have two choices: either go with one of the pharmaceutical formulas, or choose a natural alternative. Each of these two options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so let’s consider them in turn:

Standard Flea Collars

When we say “standard” flea collars, we mean the most popular kind like Seresto and Kiltix. These collars are made by pharmaceutical companies and their active ingredients are pesticides. Seresto, in particular, contains a cocktail of two chemicals called flumethrin and imidacloprid.

Kiltix and Rolf Club 3D collar have a slightly different formula, but the principle on which they work is very similar. Namely, they use strong pesticides which are known to be effective against both fleas and ticks. The quantities of these pesticides used in dog flea collars are small, which makes them generally safe for you and your dog.

However, this doesn’t mean that these powerful collars are 100% safe. You should wash your hands after touching them and, in general, dogs should be prevented from licking or chewing such a collar (especially important if you have multiple pets). These collars should also be kept out of reach of children:  

This type of collar is the most effective protection as they rarely fail, and they will protect your dog for months. But, as you could imagine, the active ingredients in them are slightly toxic, and an added downside is most of these pesticides are harmful to bees, are in general, not good for our environment. A recent study done in the UK found pesticides from flea protection products for pets ultimately end up in rivers, which is definitely bad news (2).

Now, the concentration of pesticides in a dog’s collar is quite small, and it’s completely understandable that you might want to use this option in order to provide the strongest protection your dog might have. But, in general there is a need to find more sustainable solutions.

Natural Options

If you don’t want to use dog flea collars with pesticide ingredients, there is an alternative: natural flea collars. These collars usually contain a mix of essential oils, and some of them actually work quite well.

When it comes to effectiveness of essential oils, more research has been done concerning ticks rather than fleas. Cedarwood oil, for example, has been shown to be especially effective for killing ticks (3). Oils of citronella, clove, and lily of the valley have also shown promising results in controlled studies (4). Not enough research has been done about the effectiveness of essential oils in flea treatment, but there are some studies that indicate it could be possible that they work (5).

Which Option Is Better?

The question of the best flea and tick treatment is hard to settle because the answer will depend on your circumstances and on what is more important to you.

Collars like Seresto are guaranteed to work - there is no mistake about that. However, although it’s quite rare, they do sometimes cause adverse reactions in dogs and they are dangerous if a dog (or a child) were to eat it accidentally.

Natural flea and tick treatments, on the other hand, are kind of hit and miss. Some will work better than others and it will also depend on the area where you live.

Best Flea Collars For Dogs 2021

Seresto is one of the most popular collars for flea & tick protection in the world. Millions of pet parents have used it, and are happy with the results. Seresto collars are made by Bayer, one of the oldest and biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. If nothing else, that should tell us that they hold their products to high standards.

So why is Seresto collar so good? Well, most importantly, it’s effective. When you put on this collar, your pooch will be totally free from fleas and ticks within 48 hours. The collar actually starts to repel fleas within 2 hours and ticks within 4 hours, but it takes a longer time to see the effect if your dog is already infested with some of these pests.

Moreover, a Seresto collar lasts a long time thanks to a special formulation that allows the collar to release small amounts of pest-repelling chemicals consistently over long periods of time. Under ideal conditions, a single collar will last 8 months. However, you should consider changing the collar after 5 to 7 months if your dog spends a lot of time in water. Although Seresto is water-resistant, it loses effectiveness faster if it’s often in contact with water.

Another positive for the Seresto collar is how easy it is to put on, it doesn’t smell, and it’s not greasy like some other collars. As an added benefit it also kills lice and helps with treatment and control of Sarcoptic mange. While these are problems that you might not be thinking about if your dog doesn’t have them, it’s good to know you have protection.

So far, Seresto sounds amazing, right? However, this collar does have some downsides. The ingredients that make the collar so effective are flumethrin and imidacloprid, pesticides that are effective at killing fleas and ticks but also toxic for other living beings, including bees. For ecologically-conscious pet parents, this can be a deal-breaker. On the other hand, if you live in an area where tick or flea-borne diseases are frequent, it might be a small price to pay for the effectiveness of this collar.

Rolf Club 3D is a new name on the market, but the product they offer is quite similar to Seresto. The collar contains a powerful formula that will effectively repel not only fleas and ticks, but also mosquitoes, lice, and midges. If you live in an area where there is a high risk of heartworm infection, the fact that this collar repels mosquitoes can make a lot of difference, since heartworms are transmitted by mosquito bites.

This collar is easy to put on as any other. Just like Seresto, it has no smell and isn’t greasy. It releases the protective chemicals slowly, which allows the Rolf Club 3D Collar to be effective for 6 to 8 months. The collar is waterproof too, although you should be prepared for the collar to lose its effectiveness a bit before the 6-month mark if your dog spends a lot of time in water.

It seems that this collar is quite effective too, judging both from the reviews so far and from the components included in the formula. The collar will kill all existing fleas and ticks within 48 hours. Thanks to D-cypheronthin, it will paralyze ticks before they bite, which is great as your dog doesn’t have to go through any painful bites for the treatment to become effective.

As you might suspect, a formula this effective consists of powerful insecticides. These insecticides are not only bad for fleas, they have a negative effect on bees too and a negative impact on the environment.

Since they are a relatively unknown name, it’s hard to trust Rolf Club 3D collars. However, they do offer a 30-day warranty. If the collar is not effective, they say they will reimburse the money spent.

This collar is quite similar to the original Seresto collar, only adapted to puppies. It is just as effective as the original Seresto collar, only smaller and containing an adapted, smaller dose of active ingredients. Besides puppies, this collar is also suitable for small and tiny dogs (under 8 kg).

Overall, this collar works great for puppies. It is quite thin so the dog won’t really notice it. That makes it much easier to get puppies used to wearing it. It also doesn’t smell, which is helpful as there will be no smell to confuse them. This collar is also waterproof and will protect your pup from ticks and fleas for at least 6 months.

The only downside of this collar is the same as with most similar treatments. The pesticides used as active ingredients are so strong, they will definitely incapacitate any pests that come close to your pup. But, consequently, they are not really good for the environment either.

Moreover, while these ingredients are generally safe for dogs if the collar is used as recommended, Seresto has been known to cause adverse reactions in some dogs who might be hypersensitive to some of the ingredients (7).

If you want to avoid synthetic pesticides in your dog’s collar, your best bet is choosing a natural alternative, but you still want one that is as strong as possible. That’s exactly what this collar from Arava is.

This tick prevention collar is made with a mix of all-natural oils - and not just any oils. They have combined 11 essential oils that are all known to repel fleas, ticks, and other insects. If you are wondering, these are: geranium oil, clove oil, lemongrass oil, citronella oil, rosemary oil, castor oil, cedarwood oil, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, thyme oil, and soybean oil.

Although that is quite a long list of ingredients, we really loved the fact that everything is natural and clearly understandable. Besides the actual collar that is made of plastic, these are the only ingredients that go onto your canine companion. Arava also uses a slow-release technology similar to that of Seresto, so the collar will release small amounts of the oil mixture into your pup’s coat over the course of 5-6 months. The collar will even remain effective after bathing, which is rare for tick & flea prevention collars with natural ingredients.

Now, that all sounds nice, but this collar does have some downsides. First of all, the smell of essential oils is pretty strong when you open the package. It doesn’t matter if you like the smell or not, such strong smells can make dogs nervous (or really induce all sorts of reactions) since their sense of smell is much more sensitive than ours. However, the smell will lose its intensity in a day or two if you leave the collar outside of the package.

The Arava collar does contain some of the most powerful essential oils for fighting fleas and ticks - but these are simply not as effective as pesticides. They will not kill ticks, but will repel them. We actually found that the collar works quite well, but it is best used for prevention - that is on dogs that are not already infested with fleas or ticks.

This flea and tick prevention collar from Natural Care is another good option for those who don’t like mystery ingredients in products they use on their dogs. In fact, this collar contains only two active ingredients, and both are all-natural essential oils: cedarwood oil and peppermint oil.

Now, it is nice to know that your collar is non-toxic and made with simple ingredients, but does it really work? Well, it seems so. Cedarwood oil, in particular, has been proven to act as a tick repellent and even kill ticks in high dosages.

The collar also received lots of positive reviews. Is this guaranteed to be as effective as full-power insecticide collars like Seresto? No. Does it usually work? Yes. In short, we do recommend this collar in general, but if you live in an area where dangerous tick-borne illnesses are common, you might want a stronger level of protection.

Thanks to the essential oils, this collar does have a bit of a smell, but it’s not too strong. The collar will release the oils slowly over time and it will protect your dog for up to 4 months. It is water-resistant, which means your pooch can go swimming or walking in the ran with the collar on.

This collar from Beloved Pets is another natural way to protect your pooch from fleas and ticks. The collar is safe, durable, and not too expensive.

All natural collars for fleas and ticks have similar ingredients, but there are always some differences. This one contains rosemary oil, geranium oil, citronella oil, and soybean oil. All of these have been proven to have a repelling effect on pests such as fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. The collar has received lots of positive reviews too. 

However, even though we know some of these oils do repel ticks, their effectiveness in such concentrations as provided by a collar have not been independently tested. The collar does seem to work well, but it is not an option that is guaranteed to work.

This collar will offer protection that will last up to 6 months. It is also safe to use on puppies, providing they are older than 7 weeks.

Final Thoughts

What flea collar should you get? Seresto is definitely number one on the market, at least in terms of popularity. This collar is also very effective and long-lasting, although it does contain pesticides that are slightly toxic. If you prefer to go the natural route, the Arava collar is one of the most effective natural flea treatments available.

Want to learn more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

• Best Martingale Dog Collars
• Best Puppy Collars
• Best GPS Dog Collars
• Best Dog Barking Collars
• Best Citronella Collar
• Best LED Dog Collar

References

1. Coates, J. June 27, 2019. “How to Choose the Safest Flea Treatment for Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://www.petmd.com/dog/parasites/how-choose-safest-flea-treatment-your-dog
2. Carrington, D. November 17, 2020. “Pet flea treatments poisoning rivers across England, scientists find”. The Guardian. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/nov/17/pet-flea-treatments-poisoning-rivers-across-england-scientists-find
3. Eller, F J et al. “Bioactivity of cedarwood oil and cedrol against arthropod pests.” Environmental entomology vol. 43,3 (2014): 762-6. doi:10.1603/EN13270
4. Thorsell, W., A. Mikiver, and H. Tunon. "Repelling properties of some plant materials on the tick Ixodes ricinus L." Phytomedicine 13.1-2 (2006): 132-134.
5. Benelli, Giovanni, and Roman Pavela. "Beyond mosquitoes—essential oil toxicity and repellency against bloodsucking insects." Industrial crops and products 117 (2018): 382-392
6. Hall‐Mendelin, S., et al. "Tick paralysis in Australia caused by Ixodes holocyclus Neumann." Annals of Tropical Medicine & Parasitology 105.2 (2011): 95-106.
7. Cougar, Laurie DVM. December 27, 2017. “Why I don’t recommend Seresto collars”. The Healthy Dog Workshop. Retrieved November 17, 2020. https://healthydogworkshop.com/why-i-dont-recommend-seresto-collars/

The Best Leather Dog Collars Australia - An Overview

Leather dog collars are classics. A luxurious product for the special canine in your life to be sure. Beyond the sheer stylishness of them, they are extremely durable. My dogs all have leather dog collars and they have lasted for years and years.

When in search of the best leather dog collar for you, there are a few factors to consider. So, we’ll dive deep into what makes a great leather collar, before giving you our top recommendations for leather dog collars in Australia.

Why Choose A Leather Dog Collar?

First, why should you choose a leather collar in the first place?

There are so many types of collars on the market. The materials vary as much as human clothes do. Nylon and polyester are the most popular because they are lightweight and cheap to produce. Even more organic materials like bamboo are becoming more popular.

Leather is a top choice for a dog collar because of its longevity.

Sure, we could say the same thing about a very high quality, tightly woven nylon dog collar, but leather collars have an added benefit.

Leather wears beautifully. The more it is used, the more beautiful it seems to become.

I’m sure you know the owner of a beaten-up leather wallet that somehow retains its shape and charm for years and years. Leather is always a good investment for that reason.

Types Of Handmade Leather Dog Collars

There are two types of leather you are likely to see on handmade dog collars: full-grain or spilt grain (genuine).

Full-grain is the most durable and premium quality type of leather.

Most leather belts and premium wallets are made of full-grain leather, so it stands to reason that this is a good candidate for dog collars.

That being said, you’ll probably see “genuine” leather used more often which is split-grain leather. This is poorer quality leather, but it does have its benefits for collar making.

For one, it is softer than full-grain. A more pliable collar makes for a lighter-weight, softer collar overall. Genuine leather is also slightly cheaper than the full-grain stuff.

Weight is definitely a factor for small dogs or puppies. Though a heavy collar won’t stunt your dog’s growth, it can cause neck strain and other issues. (3)

Leather is naturally a little heavier than man-made materials like nylon and polyester. Choosing a lightweight style, like a rolled collar or a soft grain leather will be better for small dogs.

Personalisation

Personalisation is a nice touch to any item for your pup. The best gifts are the ones with your name on it!

Some companies offer the option for free laser-engraved personalisation on the front buckle or metal plate. You can have them print your dog’s name and your number on the collar easily.

Durability

It goes without saying that leather collars are some of the most durable collars on the market. Leather in all its forms is very tensile and long-wearing.

Leather is organic. It stands up to all weather conditions but there are some things to you can do to ensure its longevity.

For one, if your dog has taken a dive into a lake with their collar on and thoroughly soaked it, you’ll need to blot away excess water immediately. Leather is organic so it can degrade and/or get mouldy if not cared for properly. Then just allow the collar to air dry. It will be completely fine when dry.

If you want to take it a step further, of course, there are special cleaning brushes. It’s best to steer clear of polish as this can be toxic to your dog.

Style

Leather certainly has its limitations. It doesn’t have the same colouring potential that nylon has. It’s also tricky to find cool add-on shapes that won’t weigh the collar down. For example, there are certain polyester collar designs with bowties and flowers that are just adorable. You are unlikely to get that with leather.

But you do have a good array of colours to choose from. Some handmade models have intricate engraving and patterns which are truly special.

Beyond the look itself, you also have the general shape of the collar. There are flat collars and rolled collars.

Dogs with long hair may prefer rolled collars because it doesn’t get stuck in their fur and get tangled. As a long-haired being myself, I can completely relate to how painful that is to have your hair wrapped up in something around your neck!

You may also prefer the aesthetic of a rolled collar as they do look quite neat and modern. Flat collars are very timeless though. It’s a matter of preference.

Best Leather Dog Collar 2021 Australia Reviewed

A leather collar is a collar for life, so it pays to make the right choice for you and your pup! Do you want a colourful leather collar? A studded one? A simple classic brown leather collar? Well, we have searched for some fantastic leather collars for you to browse through. We hope you find the right choice for you and your dog.

For a genuine leather collar with excellent sizing and classic colours, the Dog Nation Sirius model is the clear winner.

Firstly, it is a genuine high-quality leather collar which means it is long-wearing and will age beautifully. Durability is a given with leather to a degree, but with Dog Nation, you can trust you are getting the good stuff!

As for design, there are 3 simple colours to choose from: deep red, mid-tone green and dark brown. These colours would suit any pup.

All three colours come in six sizes which is an impressive range. It is difficult to find such a representative range with collars so we’re happy to recommend this product for Aussie doggies of all sizes. The extra-extra small size is suitable for a neck girth of 20 - 28cm. The largest size, extra-large, is suitable for a neck girth of 51 - 63cm. Very inclusive indeed.

Finally, you can personalise it! We love a personalised dog collar. A personalised leather dog collar from Australia is even better. To personalise this collar, you simply fill in the four lines on the website to add in any text you want to be laser engraved on the buckle plate. It is advised to add on your dog’s name, your telephone number and perhaps your address.

To top it off, this collar is sold at a reasonable price point for the quality and custom dog collar. Top marks all around!

For a cute leather dog collar that won’t break the bank, we recommend the BRONZEDOG Rolled Leather Dog Collar.

A rolled collar refers to the rounded edges as opposed to the traditional flat collar. Rolled collars are quite comfortable but not any more so than flat collars.

First, let’s get the obvious out of the way. As the economical pick, it is at a great price point for the sizing and quality. This is another genuine leather product though this time it is a soft grain leather. This makes it a little more pliable than regular full-grain leather as we discussed.

The D-ring and buckle are made of durable steel. Overall, the product should last your dog a few years.

To ensure the best comfort for your dog, you need the perfect fit. This collar is offered in 6 sizes. Because this product is designed for cats and dogs, you’ll need to be careful with the sizing. These generally run quite small as some reviewers have confirmed. If you have a question about the sizing, it is probably best to get in touch with the manufacturer for guidance.

Lastly, the design options are fabulous. A total of 6 colours to choose from here, bright teal, dusty rose, deep red, hot pink, deep brown and royal blue. Super stylish!

For a simple durable leather collar that has all the features you need. You can’t go wrong with this gorgeous choice.

Puppies deserve to be stylish too! The Ozpaw Padded Leather Dog Collar is the perfect leather collar for puppies. Why?

Well, let’s start with sizing. There are 4 sizes from extra-small to large. We’ll focus on the smallest sizes here as you have quite the beast on your hands if your puppy already has a neck measurement of 40cm+. Not sure they are a puppy anymore!

The extra small size is good for a pup or small dog with a neck measurement of 20-26cm. The size above that will suit pups or dogs with necks measuring 27-33cm.

Regardless of the size you choose, you will also have 5 bright colours to choose from, jet black, light pink, light blue, tan, brown, and bright red. A decent selection for a customised look.

This is a very durable product, made of soft pliable genuine leather and nickel-plated metal finishes. The buckle is not as durable as steel, but the nickel plating should protect it from rusting.

The best part of all, some would say, is the guarantee. Ozpaws offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the product to ensure your happiness with it. As a stylish leather dog collar for small dogs, there is very little to like about this product. We highly recommend it.

Did someone ask for a brown leather dog collar for their extra-large dog? This is for you, dear reader!

Extra-large dogs often get left behind, but this collar is huge. It is suitable for a neck width of 55-65cm so most large and giant breeds will suit this collar.

It is worth mentioning that as this is full grain genuine leather, it is quite a heavy collar. Nothing that your large or giant dog will notice but it is not quite as dainty as the Ozpaw, for example.

The lining is padded for extra comfort too. It’s perfect as a long-lasting item despite its relative heaviness.

The design is simple and classic. The brushed gold metal finishes are timeless for a brown leather collar like this one.

Due to its heavy-duty materials, you can trust this collar will last you for ages. The leather will wear beautifully over time too.

All in all, if you are in pursuit of a leather collar for large dogs, you can’t go wrong with this one!

As we mentioned before, there is an extra specialness to handmade leather products. They don’t always come at a premium and this one is an example. It’s about average for leather dog collars in general in terms of price but my my - what a luxurious product.

The Soft Touch Collar is just to die for. The craftsmanship on the leather to create this statement pattern is what makes this collar truly unique.

The colour palette is simple with a black exterior and a brown interior to the design. This will suit all dogs regardless of colouring, though some brighter options would have been great.

There is padding in the lining for a bit of extra comfort. The high-quality leather and brass metal will last for years to come.

This model only comes in two sizes which is a bit disappointing. We much prefer products with as representative sizing as possible. The medium size will fit a dog with neck measurements of 36-45cm. The large size will fit a dog with a neck measuring 46-53cm. Small dogs, puppies, and giant breeds are definitely excluded here.

Soft Touch Collars really believes in this product which is why they have a lifetime guarantee. That’s right! If you have any issues during the entire lifetime of the product, the manufacturer is there is support you. That is a big claim and shows confidence in their workmanship.

Of course, it is natural for leather to wear over time so do bear that in mind. With a leather product as beautiful as this one, there is a good chance it will just keep getting better the more your dog wears it.

For a handmade leather collar with a unique design, this is the choice for you.

The studded look is very specific, but if you love the punk rock look for your doggy, this is our top pick.

The Cool Rivets design from Dog Nation has all of the quality you expect from a Dog Nation product. It is solid genuine leather with a soft spike design. That is to say that the spikes are slightly rounded so they can’t hurt anyone.

These fully adjustable collars come in 4 sizes. The smallest size is extra-small, suitable for a neck width of 21 - 28 cm. The small size is suitable for a neck width of 29 - 36 cm. The medium size is suitable for a neck width of 34 - 41 cm.  Finally, the large size is suitable for a neck width of 44 - 55 cm. Giant breeds are excluded here so that is worth noting. Please do measure your dog before purchasing.

This studded leather collar comes in two colours - black and brown. These are classic, simple colours for your pup but a bright colour would have been nice to include.

With a great price point and excellent reviews, this is the best studded leather collar out there.

The Summary

As with all things we talk about at Gentle Dog Trainers, a dog collar is a personal purchase. It just depends on your dog’s unique needs and also what catches your eye as an owner of course! The best overall pick for us is definitely the Dog Nation Sirius leather collar. The colours are universally beautiful. The sizing is hugely representative of dogs of all sizes and breeds. The quality is top-notch, and the price point is pretty average for this category of dog collar. A great choice for almost any dog.

However, if you are on a budget and/or have a long-haired dog, you may prefer the rolled leather collar from BRONZEDOG. It comes in a cool range of bright colours, is made of soft genuine leather, and is truly economical for its quality.

Want to learn more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

References:

1. Popoff, R. October 7, 2019. “The Ultimate Guide to Leather Grades”. Popov Leather. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.popovleather.com/blogs/from-the-workshop/the-ultimate-guide-to-leather-grades#pyramid
2. Perreault, J. September 26, 2013. “How to Choose the Correct Collar Size for Your Dog”. Petful. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.petful.com/pet-products/choose-right-size-dog-collar/
   
3. Wooten, S. January 30, 2018. “What Causes a Puppy to Stop Growing?”. PetMD. Retrieved December 27, 2020. https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/what-causes-puppy-stop-growing
4. Remitz, J. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved December 27, 2020.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog
   
5. Williams, K. “Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs”. VCA Animal Hospital. Retrieved December  27, 2020. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs
6. McCarthy, C. “Surprising Dog Harness Dangers to Avoid”. PetMD. Retrieved October 4, 2020. https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/surprising-dog-harness-dangers-avoid

The Best Dog Collars Australia -
The Overview

A dog collar has so many functions in a dog’s life. It’s an identifier to strangers. It is a signifier that your dog is loved and cared for. It is a convenience when walking on a leash. Sometimes, it is even a training tool.

The best dog collar for your dog would take into account the form and function you are using it for. There is more to it than just the right size or a cool design.

There is a LOT going on. We are going to break down the types of collars available, what they do, and who they’re for. We’ll then quickly define what to look for in a dog collar. Finally, we’ll sum up the best dog collars on the Australian market to help you find the right one for you!

Harnesses Vs Collars

Just as a quick note, how do you know whether you want a dog collar or a harness?

It depends on a few factors. Dog harnesses are great for small dogs who are susceptible to Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. (1) This is when pressure is applied to your dog’s trachea because of the collar. Harnesses spread the pressure more evenly across your dog’s chest.

On the other hand, collars can work better for walking if your dog is very comfortable with one.

Types Of Dog Collars

There is a lot of variety within the dog collar category. There is quite literally something for everyone! Knowing which collar is right for your dog makes it ten times easier to choose one. Let’s dive in.

Flat collars

Flat collars are what you picture when you imagine a dog collar. A simple collar that clips around your dog’s neck comfortably. Most dogs will start their collar life with a flat collar. This is also the type of collar that you typically leave on all of the time.

Martingale collars

Martingale collars have a similar structure to the humble flat collar with one key difference - they are roughly ⅓ shorter than the average flat collar with a fabric or chain loop making up the final third. This essentially gives you more control as you are walking your dog. Naughty breeds like greyhounds are great escape artists of the regular flat collar. A martingale collar can be a total game-changer in that instance.

Head collars

Head collars are much like flat collars with an extra strap resting above your dog’s nose. This is not the same as a muzzle. Muzzles are usually made of hard plastic or metal around the nose and mouth. Head collars are training tools that allow for plenty of free movement of your dog’s jaw.

Flea/Tick collars

Flea collars and/or tick collars are flat, plastic collars that are infused with insect repellent. These collars are much more function over fashion. They tend to be a dull grey colour without a pattern in sight.

They are very lightweight and are meant to worn loosely. Therefore, the comfort level of these collars is very high - your dog will barely notice they are wearing one!

Because of their unique function, they can be paired with any other type of collar and your dog won’t mind the double collar style. That way, you can have a more fun design with a flat collar.

Vibrating collars

Vibrating collars get likened to shock collars but they are very different. Vibrating collars do not use electric shocks as an aversive tactic. They are much gentler as a training tool. That said, that is not why we mention this collar specifically. Vibrating collars are actually fabulous additions to your support kit for deaf dogs.

If you have a deaf dog, things can be very challenging. I am starting to notice it with my elderly pup who is slowly losing her hearing. On long walks or outdoor spaces like beaches and lakes, it can tricky to get her attention.

Aversive collars

Aversive collars are collars that use the classic negative behavioural reinforcement instead of positive reinforcement. This means using pain or fear to steer your dog away from undesired behaviours.

It’s really important that we emphasise that we are not recommending aversive collars in any way, shape or form. They are cruel, outdated, and, ultimately, ineffective as training tools.

The following types of collars are still available on the market but we disagree with their methods wholeheartedly as Gentle Dog Trainers. Here is what you should be avoiding.

Shock collars

Shock collars were very popular in the 1960s as a form of deterring “bad” behaviours in dogs. By emitting a shock directly to your dog’s neck, they induce pain which in theory associates the behaviour with the pain. (4)

This has been considered inhumane for quite some time. Some states in Australia have banned it completely. It dampens the spirits of your lovely dog and doesn’t really teach them anything. Imagine giving your toddler an electric shock every time they cried or made a mistake? No? So, don’t do it to your dog!

Choke chains

This is possibly the most arcane and terrifying of the aversive collars. Choke collars do what they say on the tin - the pull on your dog’s neck and choke them. This is not a walking training tool. It is just painful and hugely damaging.

Choke chains have been known to cause nerve damage, bruising, swollen blood vessels, asphyxiation, skin damage, increased anxiety and depression. They shouldn’t be used in any circumstance. If you want to train your dog to walk nicely, you can use a martingale collar or just good old persistence and positive training techniques to improve their walking etiquette over time. (5)

What To Look for In A Dog Collar

Size

To ensure the perfect fit for your dog’s collar, it is important to measure your dog correctly.

Sizing your dog for a collar is simple. Use a tape measure to measure the circumference of your dog’s neck. It should be towards the base of the neck where the collar is meant to sit. Pull your measuring tape to a snug fit but not taut. You want there to be some give.

Manufacturers of dog collars tend to be quite diligent about giving measurement data for the size of your dog’s neck and the size of the collar itself. Follow the guidelines and it should be a Cinderella fit!

Durability

You want your dog’s collar to withstand all of the roughhousing and mischief they get up to. Rain, sweat, mud, seawater - all of it has the potential to disintegrate even the best of dog collars.

You are looking for hardy materials that won’t fall apart with extended use. Remember your dog essentially lives a lot of their life with their collar on, so it needs to keep up with them!

Comfort

Comfortable dog collars are paramount to a dog’s happiness. Yes, the overall fit is important when discussing the comfort of any garment, but here I mean the wearability.

These all factor into the ideal comfortable dog collar for your pooch.

Style

Call me vain or superficial, but I think the style of the collar is also an important factor.

In the human world, we use clothes to express ourselves and give us personality from the outside looking in. Dogs don’t wear sleek, leather jackets but they can rock a punk-style collar or a girly floral print. Make your pup the envy of the daily walk with a collar that is as unique and fun as they are.

Best Dog Collars Australia 2021 Reviewed

So, you have the low-down of what makes a great dog collar and the multiple types of collars that you may need. Here is our review of the best dog collars on the Australian market. We’ve tried to find an option for each of the categories we mentioned so you can find the right purchase for you.

We love bright colours, cool designs, and high-quality products for dogs. The Dog Nation Personalised Dog Collar, fortunately, does all three with ease.

These collars are best known for their incredible designs that include laser engraved personalised name and owner phone number that are made in a variety of colours and patterns, ranging from our standard neutral tones to rainbow-esque design. We chose the Maya design as the unique patterns and colours will make your dog stand out which can be an added safety bonus (plus your dog will surely be the most stylish at the dog park). 

Luckily, the Dog Nation collars aren’t style over function. They are soft and durable, made of high quality materials, lightweight and comfy for your dog to wear here, there and everywhere.

The Dog Nation collar comes in 5 different sizes - extra small, small, medium and large & extra large, making it a suitable option for all breeds.

Judging by the high quality and the fantastic reviews, we’re sure this option won’t disappoint!

For our budget-friendly pick, the Rogz Snake Collar is a solid choice.

With a bright colour and durable material, this collar will last your dog for a long time. The material is woven for extra strength.

Built into the sturdy weaving are reflective strips that provide a glow at night time. Perfect for owners who prefer to walk their dogs at night or early morning.

This particular collar in the vibrant turquoise comes in small, medium, large and extra-large. Though it is awesome for our extra-large furry friends to be represented (since they rarely are), what about the tiny pups?

Of course, best of all is the very reasonable price point. For quality and durability, it’s a wonderful, economical option.

Though we absolutely love the cool designs of the Lucky Love collars, the Aring Pet feels soooo luxe. The soft velvet is smooth and comfy on your dog’s fur. Seven gorgeous colour variations add to the stylishness. You can choose from soft black, azure blue, minty green, tan brown, barbie pink, fiery red, and mustard yellow. They all come with a rose gold D-ring and buckle for an extra bit of pizzazz. So, chic!

For extra durability, the velvet encases a strong cotton-webbed interior structure. The great reviews attest to the long-lasting nature of the collar and leash set.

Finally thank you Aring Pet for having a truly representative selection of sizes! These collars start at extra-small with a 20-30cm length. The largest size is extra-large with a 40-66cm length.

An extra bonus of this dog collar is the packaging. A weird thing to note perhaps, but with Christmas just around the corner, this is the perfect gift for the dog-owning buddy in your life.

For the giant loves in our lives, the Ezydog Oxford Collar is a classic flat leather dog collar that will surely suit your pup.

It’s a simple, leather exterior design; elegant and timeless. The inside is constructed of padded leather lining. Leather, as you know, is super durable and looks better the more your dog wears it. This definitely passes the perishability test.

As for the size, the length ranges from 55-65cm depending on whether you lengthen the collar or not using the adjustable straps.

We like this dog collar because it is chic, reasonably priced and a great size for extra-large breeds. If that’s what you need, this is the choice for you.

Can you tell we like the leather look? In fairness, leather is incredibly hard-wearing, whilst also being fashionable. It’s a win-win!

The Ozpaw Padded Leather Dog Collar is the perfect introductory collar for your puppy. The padded interior lining is comfortable and soft. There are 5 adjustable holes too that allow for your puppy’s fast growth.

As for design, the Ozpaw comes in 5 colourways - black, blue, brown, pink, and red. All very versatile and universally stylish colours.

This collar comes in four sizes from extra small to large. Extra-small or small will work perfectly for your puppy, measuring 30cm and 37cm respectfully.

Finally, this is another awesome manufacturer that offers a 100% money-back guarantee to dissatisfied customers. It’s a risk-free choice for this reason, but we’re certain you and your puppy will love it!

Moving onto the more speciality collars, first, we have our pick for the best head collar.

What you want from a head collar is one that is easy to fit and comfortable to wear. The Canny Collar does both. It is made with your dog’s physiology in mind, so the noseband is fitted loose enough for your dog to open their mouth freely.

As the Canny Collar, and all head collars, are just training collars to teach good walking etiquette, they don’t need to last forever. Durability is less of a factor here. However, the cotton webbing is still hardy enough to last through your training phase.

In terms of sizing, there are 7 sizes ranging from 23cm at the smallest to 58cm at the largest. This still leaves out extra-large breeds who can go up to 65cm in neck circumference but it is a good size range in general.

There are many great reviews of this head collar, attesting to its high quality and effectiveness as a training tool. If you are in the market for a gentle head collar, this is a wonderful, economical option.

Flea and tick collars are woefully unstylish and boring but a necessary purchase for many of us. Unfortunately, the Seresto Collars aren’t any more exciting than the typical flea and tick collar, but they do the job - that’s what matters! After all, flea and tick collars are very thin so you can always pair it with one of the other more fashion-forward collars on this list. Fun & function!

The actives are 100mg/g imidacloprid and 45 mg/g flumethrin. These chemicals are infused into the plastic collars and are non-toxic to your dog. It is also water-resistant and completely odourless.

It is effective for 4 months against ticks and 8 months against fleas. Therefore, focus your energies on what you need it for most.

The con here is clearly that the design is not so fun. It is also only 38cm in length, which will suit many dogs but not all.

That said, if you have a small to medium dog in need of a reliable flea and tick collar, this is our top choice for them.

I love a good pun, so a “good boy” collar is just irresistible. But I promise that this isn’t why I chose this model as our pick for a vibrating dog collar.

The first thing to say is that this isn’t a shock collar in any way. I am actually recommending this more so for owners of deaf dogs who need vibrations as an added sense to communicate with their pup.

The Good Boy collar works with a remote control that has a range of 2700ft/900 yards which is quite an impressive range for the category. You can use the 9 levels of sound and vibration as a tool to train your dog however they need it.

As for durability, this vibrating collar is completely waterproof and so is the remote. It’s the perfect companion for outdoor training and communicating with your dog in all types of weather.

The con here is the sizing (a familiar let down but still a letdown nonetheless). This dog collar is only meant for small or medium dogs. Large or extra-large dogs will need to find other options.

The Final Verdict: The Best Dog Collars

As an overall winner with a range of sizes and cool designs, the Lucky Love collar is fabulous. Adding to the fact that they come with a leash too - it’s the perfect starter collar for the new or old pup in your life. For the puppies, the Ozpaw collar is perfect. It will easily stand up to their rambunctious mischief whilst also being totally fashionable.

Want to learn more about dog collars? Check out our below guides:

• GPS Dog Collars
• Dog Barking Collars
• Citronella Collar
• LED Dog Collar

References

1. Williams, K. “Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome in Dogs”. VCA Animal Hospital. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/brachycephalic-airway-syndrome-in-dogs
2. Clark, M. “Collar Versus Harness: Which Is Best for Your Dog?”. DogTime. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://dogtime.com/dog-health/general/43739-collar-vs-harness-best-dog
3. Messer, J. “Training Deaf Dogs”. Modern Dog Magazine. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/training-deaf-dogs/10727
4. Holmes, L. May 17, 2020. “Are Dog Shock Collars Harmful? E-Collar Training Dangers”. PetHelpful. Retrieved November 22, 2020. https://pethelpful.com/pet-ownership/Are-Dog-Shock-Collars-Harmful-The-Dangers-of-E-Collar-Training
5. Donovan, L. August 30, 2019. “How to Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash”. American Kennel Club. Retrieved November 22, 2020.  https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/
6. Remitz, J. January 16, 2018. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog”. PetMD. Retrieved November 22, 2020.  https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog

Dog Collar Vs Harness -
Why Both Can Be Suitable

Every dog needs a collar, right? Well, not necessarily. In recent years, dog harnesses have become quite popular. There are many harness advocates that claim collars are cruel and bad for dogs. But is that really true?

Today we clarify all that dog collars vs harness business.