Suggestions for a collar (sounds odd, I know)

[Wishnick]

Hiya Our boxer pup Iggy is just over one year old, and has really turned into a big, lean tough guy. We're having trouble keeping him in leashes and collars. So far, he's broken 3 leashes (2 nylon, 1 leather/chain) and one leather collar. Are there any particular brands or materials that you have found hold up better than others? Iggy really loves to go for walks and be outside, but being in the country, and with deer all around our house, we really don't want to run the risk of him getting loose and taking off after something into the woods. He may be one big lump of muscle, but he's essentially a wuss.

 

[boxer]

Well, I've personally always found leather to be the best - a nice wide leather collar. But you do need to pay attention to how well they are stitched and to the quality of buckle etc. I can't even say you necessarily get what you pay for - although the more expensive collars are usually better, it isn't always the case. Same with leashes.

You could think about using both a harness and collar on him simultaneously. Sounds like overkill, but it's not necessarily onerous if you get one of those leashes that have two clips. Just a thought.

 

[Gus's Teah]

Tuff

We got Gus a bright orange (hunter's orange) collar from a company called TUFF; we bought it at SuperPetz. It's a super durable nylon collar and it really helps to see him outdoors too. He's brindle and I swear sometimes he looks camouflage in the woods We originally just put the orange collar on during hiking trips, but he destroyed his regular collars, so now he wears his TUFF outdoor collar all the time. It's really cute and fits his personality, so I guess that's okay.

 

[stained_skin]

if you have a big tough boxer deffinately go for leather but heres the thing you may have to do some lookin around but Harly Davidson makes leashes and collars and they are amazing quality plus i think they all have a warranty try that

 

[Paper-Dogg13]

I prefer a leather collar for Charlie Paper, which is a good thing because he's allergic to nylon. He breaks out in hives if he wears nylon too long. But I like leather because it's strong, and if he were to get caught, it'll snap. If you have horses, it's the same idea, we use leather halters on our horses if they're tied to the trailer (like at a horse show) so that way if they get caught it'll snap the leather instead of their necks. I found a good leather collar at Wal-Mart that wasn't too expensive, and I know Petco & Petsmart have good selections, but theirs can get pricey.

 

[Glenys]

I have a nylon collar on Zak and a leather one on Cinda because Zak will insist on chewing on Cinis' collar and plays that way with her. We have harnesses for both our dogs and when they're in the car the harnesses are used to secure them. We found neither dog pulled so much when using them on walks. They're well worth it.

 

[tls1028]

I agree with Glenys...I have a harness for Dutch and I have found that he also does not pull as much with it on. It also seems more comfortable. I also like the harness because it holds them around their body instead of just their neck.

 

[boxerhawk]

Harness Support

I support the harness strategy. My boxer did not strain as much using the harness. He is now 3 years old and is much better now, having learned not to pull - he does well with his collar, but the harness is always a good choice on walks (just in case he sees a cat).

 

[Anna Begins]

Yup- we've been using a harness for two weeks now and I can't tell you the difference it's made. Not just in the not pulling (which Luka had a horrendous habit of- we tried the stopping thing for two months) but I have so much more control over him- especially when he sees a person or dog he wants to meet... altho in our case, it's usually pulling to eat a wrapper on the ground
In the beginning, I thought we'd eventually go back to a normal collar when he doesn't pull/ gets a little older, but now I think we'll continue using them. I like not having the strain on his neck too.

 

[deesboxers]

I found a leash similar to a kennel lead except it has a locking clasp. I used it to train with when Justice was a pup, and now I use it with Lt. he is 2.5 yrs and weighs 100 lbs. The leash is nylon, but it is also one piece, so it is very hard to break. the clasp is held by pressure, so if your dog pulls hard it doesnt tighten around the dogs neck, nor will it lossen until undone. Best of all I found it at walmart, so it was cheeeeeeeeap!!!!!!! Guess this was one time I got my monies worth out of something, and it still going strong after 2 years and two strong dogs. Like I said I used it while training the dogs to heel, when Lt. gets a little about not pulling I'll go get him a nicer collar and leash, but for now I'll stick with a lead I have grown to trust. As far as collars I use a double layer, doulbe stiched, nylon and cotton blend. I'm not where I can fence the whole yard, so sometimes I use a runner , as the local police are strict about that leash law thing, and its hard to wash acar and hold the dogs. the collars seam to last a long time about 1-1.5 yrs.