A dog training collar can come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, colours, and sizes. Pet stores seem to have an over-abundance of dog collars, and they are widely available on the Internet as well. So why are there so many different types of dog training collars?

How do you know which one is best and which one to buy for your pet?

Size and comfort are the most important aspects to any dog training collar. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. This allows him some growing room and ensures that the collar will not choke your puppy. A training collar should be comfortable as well so that your pet will get used to it quicker and will not try to chew it off.

Afford-ability and style are also factors for many owners, but this is a personal choice and does not really affect the function of the training collar. This will only have to do with physical appearance and the price, so choose whichever one you are most happy with.

There are many types of speciality collars that can aid you in a specific area. Choke collars are frequently used for service animals and agility training, and are simple enough for new dog owners to use. Head collars offer the owner more control in the direction of a dog’s movement. Pronged collars can help control large or unmanageable dogs, and are especially helpful to owners with a small body.

Electronic dog training collars are quite controversial, but can be very helpful for dog obedience training, hunting, agility, police dogs, or dog trick training. While very effective for dogs that seem unattainable, the owner should always use caution and never use an electronic dog training collar for a dog with health problems, or with a puppy under one year of age.

Citronella dog training collars may be used when a dog barks excessively. An electronic collar releases a small spray of citronella in front of the dog’s nose when he barks. This is unpleasant but safe, teaching the dog not to bark.

When it comes to excessive barking, the electronic collar seems to be a little more effective, since some dogs adapt to the citronella. Apparently smelling like a fruit is preferable to being zapped.

Any of these types of dog training collars can be beneficial during training, but only you know what is right for your pet and your training needs. Many people may offer advice when choosing a collar, but the decision ultimately lies with you. You can always change training collars if you are not satisfied with your purchase or if your dog develops specific problems a different dog training collar would address.