Training your dog to sit or stay, parading her at a dog show, or strolling down the beach all require the right type of dog collars. Different types of dog collars are designed for puppies, training, excitable mutts, larger dogs, or exercise. They come in many materials yet full fill distinctive functions, so equip you and your pet with the right one.

The most common type of dog collar is the buckle variety. They are just like a human's belt. A flat or slightly rounded piece of material attaches to a metal buckle that adjusts in size by fitting into spaced holes. The buckle collar comes in nylon, leather, or natural fabric in many colours and designs.

Variations on this basic collar full fill some safety features. The breakaway collar was designed to pull apart under a lot of stress, such as your dog catching himself on a fence post and may choke. Some are equipped with "release" tabs that snap apart the collar in less time it takes to unbuckle. These closures should be selected based on your preferences and your dog's habits.

Training collars were developed specifically to help you train your new puppy or adopted dog. These are equipped with ways of communicating "don't do that" to dogs without abusing or hurting them. To prevent mishaps, listen to an expert dog trainer when you are purchasing and using these collars in conjunction with a responsible training regimen.

Choke collars look like medieval torture tools, but they have been proven to harm dogs less than other kinds of training collars. Great for large dogs, a choke collar has perpendicular metal prongs evenly spaced around the inside of the collar. When you yank on the attached leash, the prongs prod your dog's neck. They distribute the pressure all around the collar and don't concentrate it on the trachea.

Other kinds of training collars are the slip, or choke, type. These form a slipknot, rather than a fixed size, so when you pull on the lead, the collar's diameter shrinks. These collars are heavy, durable, and let you "correct" a dog's unwanted behavior with a quick yank. Although metal chain is a popular choice, they also come in braided metal, leather, or nylon. You can even link the leash in such a way that it becomes a fixed collar, appropriate for casual walks.

The most important part of a lead is the hook which attaches it to the collar. Check frequently the hooks and the D rings which attach them to the lead and also the stitching on the loop handle. Many accidents happen because the collar or lead breaks at a critical moment.

Every dog should have its own bed in a quiet and warm area of one room in the house. The dog can be told to go to its bed to prevent it being a nuisance.

There are many different types of dog beds available and often your dog will have a preference on the type of bed it likes best. In general, woven wicker baskets are not really suitable for puppies as they are the most inviting to chew, and can be difficult to clean and disinfect properly. However, many owners find them very convenient especially for smaller dogs. For older dogs, a bean bag filled with polystyrene beads offers warmth and comfort and can be very comfortable for dogs with joint problems. This type of bed is good as it does not harbour parasites and the outer cover can be washed to keep the bed clean.

The most hygienic and work-saving blankets for dogs are those made of porous polyester fur fabric, which is warm, long lasting and easily washed and dried. Dogs do not tend to chew this type of fabric as much as woollen rugs. Blankets can be very useful when travelling as they are easily transportable and you can train your dog to sit on it wherever it is laid, keeping your car and other areas clean.