Dog Ownership Guide recommends weighted dog collars for many reasons. These reasons have to do with their training and health benefits. Below you will learn all of the weighted dog collar benefits you need to decide if it’s the right dog collar for your pup.
Top 10 Weighted Dog Collar Benefits
A weighted dog collar has many benefits for a dog. Knowing them will help you understand why this type of dog collar is growing in popularity.
#1: Builds Muscle Mass
The top reason dog owners choose to buy a weighted collar for their dog is to build muscle. Carrying around weight means building muscle in the neck and legs.
#2: Builds Joint Strength
With more weight on the joints, dogs will build muscle around the joint to protect them from injury and give them strength to do more with ease.
#3: Improves Mobility
The more a dog works his neck and legs, the greater mobility he/she will have, which is highly important when growing older.
#4: Burns More Calories
The extra effort in carrying the weights around the neck burns more calories. This can keep a dog’s weight down. A healthy weight reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, and diabetes, and increases longevity.
#5: Maximizes Exercise Time
Many dogs, especially large dogs, need a lot of exercise to get rid of all their energy. A weight collar can help dogs use up pent-up energy faster.
#6: Aids in Training
Dog trainers often advise tiring out dogs before training sessions, so they will be less excited and more apt to listen. Since a weighted dog collar tires a dog’s body faster vs. a regular collar, training can begin earlier.
#7: Trains Working Dogs
Working dogs that are trained to pull need to gain strength in their neck. A weight dog collar is perfect to build muscle and strength in that area, including the legs.
#8: Slows a Dog Down
Since weight around the next can be difficult to carry around, small dogs and larger dogs aren’t as out of control when on a leash. This can prevent unwanted behavior while on a walk.
#9: Flexibility in Weights
Most weighted collars for dogs have multiple one pound weights attached. Dog owners can start with just one pound and add weight as their pooch can carry it. This helps a dog build strength over time vs. increasing the risk of injury by putting too much weight around the dog’s neck.
#10: Everyday Use
Many dog owners don’t think a weight collar is good for everyday use, but it is and is recommended. The more your pooch gets used to it, the more likely you’ll see the benefits from it.
Types of Weighted Collars
There are many types of weight collars available for purchase:
- Nylon Collars: Nylon collars often have pockets around it that can fit a one-pound weight in each one. The pockets close with a snap of a button. Most nylon collars have padding on the inside of it to make it comfortable for your pup.
- Leather Dog Collars: Leather dog collars also have pocket to place one-pound weights inside of them. Leather dog collars are tougher than nylon and can last much longer. They tend to a bit more expensive due to them being genuine leather dog collars.
Weight Collars vs. Other Types
When it comes to training dogs, weight collars are preferred and recommended by vets and dog trainers. Prong collars, martingale collars, and shock collars are often viewed as inhumane when compared to a standard collar. Weight collars don’t hurt a dog as a prong, strangler or shock may, so many pet owners decide that it’s a good option.
For more information on prong collars read: Use of Prong Collars for Dog Training
A dog harness is another option for training, but most pet owners say that it’s not as effective as some of the other types available. A dog harness may give the dog owner more control, especially with small dogs, but as a dog’s body gets bigger it can lose its effectiveness.
Dog Ownership Guide does not have an opinion on which type of collar is best for a pet owner and his/her pooch. We believe every situation, pup, and pet owner is different. We are PRO-CHOICE when it comes to dog collars.
How to Choose a Dog’s Collar
It’s highly important to choose the right size when purchasing either a standard collar or weighted one. Be sure to measure the dog’s head and neck. Compare the measurements with the information provided for the collar you’re interested in buying.
The collar should be loose enough for it to move back and forth with two fingers on the inside of it. It should not move past the dog’s neck and definitely not past the dog’s head.
Weight collars are different than regular collars, so do not purchase a weighted one based on the size of a standard collar. Measure your pooch and go by that for sizing.
Best Weighted Dog Collars
