Dog Collar Fit – The Proper Collar Fit for Dogs (+ Fitting a Martingale Collar)

Every dog needs a collar. Regardless of the type of dog you have, its age, how active it is, or ¬how well behaved, a dog collar is the most basic and important dog accessory you can purchase for your pup.

While it is no secret that there are many benefits to dog collars, it is important to understand that collars only keep dogs safe when they fit properly. So, let’s check out some frequently asked questions and take a look at how to properly fit a dog collar.

Why Do You Need a Dog Collar?

There are numerous reasons you need a dog collar for your dog, regardless of the type of dog you have. Some crucial benefits of dog collars include:

• Helps you control and manage your dog through a lead or leash
• Holds leash, license, identification, and rabies vaccination tag
• Protects your dog from neck injuries and bites by another animal
• Can assist in training and monitoring your dog
• Certain types can prevent fleas and ticks
• Decoration and fashion
• And more!

How Should My Dog’s Collar Fit?

Dog collars only keep dogs safe when they fit properly. In general, a dog collar should be snug, but not too tight or too loose. Be sure to follow the “two-finger rule,” which means that your pointer finger and middle finger should be able to fit between your dog’s collar and your dog’s neck once the collar is secured on your dog.

As long as the collar fits properly, your dog will be completely comfortable and secure wearing a collar. Therefore, you should remember to check your dog’s collar frequently and loosen it as needed. If you have a puppy, it is important to check his or her collar on a weekly basis—at minimum—until your puppy is fully grown.

Fitting a Martingale Collar

Martingale dog collars are a great option for dogs whose heads are smaller than their neck, because they help ensure that your dog can’t slip out of the collar and run away. However, fitting a martingale collar is slightly different than fitting a standard collar.

Fitting a Slip-On Martingale Collar

• Measure the largest part of your dog’s head and the middle of your dog’s neck (where the collar will sit).
• NOTE: If your dog’s head is larger than its neck, you will use your dog’s head measurement to determine the size you need. If your dog’s neck is larger than its head, you will use your dog’s neck measurement to determine the size you need.
• Add at least 1 inch for smaller dogs and at least 2 inches for larger dogs to determine your final measurement.

Fitting a Buckle Martingale Collar

• Measure the middle of your dog’s neck (where the collar will sit).
• Add at least 1 inch for smaller dogs and at least 2 inches for larger dogs to determine your final measurement.

Fitting a Mimi Green Martingale Collar for Use

Our martingale dog collars offer easy functionality so you and your pup can feel comfortable on long walks. Here’s exactly how to use them:

1. Loosen the collar diameter with the tri-glide and slide the collar around your dog’s neck.
2. Tighten it up with the tri-glide to the correct size.
3. Attach your leash to the collar’s D-ring.
4. When the dog pulls, the loop upfront on the collar will tighten so your dog cannot escape their collar.

When adjusted correctly, the dog is never choked, but the collar stays snug around the dog’s neck until the pressure is released.

Find a Perfect Fit Dog Collar for Your Pup at Mimi Green!

Ready to purchase a perfect fit dog collar for your pup? Shop with Mimi Green and support a small, woman-owned business with beautiful, handmade products. Handcrafted, unique Mimi Green collars are made of quality materials and designed with your dog’s safety and style in mind.

We offer a variety of sizes, buckle variations, and the ability to add information to your dog’s collar, such as its name, address, contact information, and more. Shop our variety of dog collars and find the perfect fit for your pup today! All of our custom and personalized dog collars are available in standard and custom sizes with a plethora of choices for personalization including engraved dog collars and hand embroidered dog collars.

To learn more about how to find the right size collar for your dog, check out our blog. Still not sure what size collar to order? Send us an email; we are always happy to help!