How to Fit a Dog Collar

A dog collar is an essential piece of gear for any dog owner. It's an excellent place to display your dog’s license tags, and is helpful in handling the animal should the need arise. Properly fitting the collar is important, as an improperly sized dog collar is of no benefit to either you or your pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Measuring tape
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure your dog’s neck to estimate her collar size. Hold the tape in the middle of your dog’s neck and measure the circumference from that point. Add 2" to the result so you can purchase a collar that is big enough to adjust.

    • 2

      Select your collar. Modern dog collars come in all shapes and sizes, from rich leather to brightly colored flat webbing. Choose a collar that is sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear and will not bleed dye onto your dog’s coat.

    • 3

      Place the collar around your dog’s neck. The collar should be wide enough to be comfortable, but not so large that the material will press into his neck while he performs everyday tasks like eating or drinking.

    • 4

      Slide the free end of the collar through the fastening mechanism. Most collars have a buckle system to secure them around a dog’s neck, so be sure you place the secure end properly.

    • 5

      Adjust the collar to the appropriate size and fasten the buckle. The collar should be tight enough that it does not fall off, but loose enough that your dog can move her head up and down and not choke while performing normal daily activities.

    • 6

      Allow your dog to wear his new collar for a few hours and check to make sure that it is staying secure. Some materials stretch a little during wear, so readjust the collar as necessary to ensure proper fit.