4 ESSENTIALS TO CONSIDER WHEN PURCHASING A DOG COLLAR
October 31, 2022
Inviting a pup or an older dog into your home is one of the most rewarding experiences in life, allowing you to build an unparalleled bond and driving home the age-old notion that dogs indeed are a human's best friend. However, being a pet parent also entails a tremendous amount of responsibility, especially when it comes to ensuring that your dog has all the necessary care and equipment. Dog collars are one such item that should be considered carefully before purchase.
Collars are one of the most standard and essential accessories a dog should have; however, choosing one can be a daunting and somewhat overwhelming task. How do you choose the perfect collar for your pet with so many varieties around?
These essential tips might help you in your hunt for the perfect collar.
Sizing: This is one of the most critical considerations when choosing a dog collar. If the collar is too big, you run the risk of your dog slipping out of it and this could prove fatal if this occurs on a public walk or in a busy, traffic-laden location. However, if the collar is too tight, this can cause medical harm, injure the trachea (especially for smaller breeds), and cause breathing difficulties. This is why correct sizing is paramount. At Valgray, we cater to all sizes of canines, from tiny teacup to giant breeds. We also encourage all dog parents to measure their dog's neck using our tutorial and sizing guide to ensure you choose the correct collar.
Quality: Strength and durability is also essential. Sure, you can opt for a budget collar, but it won't last long and will most likely be prone to significant wear and tear, including fraying. At worst, it could break entirely, rendering itself useless and if you are out on a walk could lead to trouble. This is why we are so passionate about selecting durable, premium materials, including the highest, sports-grade PVC-coated nylon webbing. Our collars are also waterproof, ensuring they can withstand the elements.
Engravings and identification tags: A dog collar can be one of the best ways to protect your fur-baby if he or she runs out the gate or goes a little further afield on a walk while chasing a bird. The name tag on a collar is the first identifying feature a kindly passer-by will look at when they pick them up. When you purchase premium collars at Valgray, we'll engrave the collar tag for free because we understand just how critical this feature is. Having your dog's name on the collar - as well as contactable numbers in case of an emergency - is essential to ensure their safety and, of course, your peace of mind as a pet parent.
Designer looks: Finally, we also believe in the importance of aesthetics. Who said your pup couldn't be a trendsetter too? Our premium collars are available in several colours, including blush and rose gold, pistachio and silver, bone grey and yellow gold, and midnight and silver. Each collar has an elegant colour-plated tag, which we'll laser-engrave with your dog's name and emergency contact number for free. Those looking to elevate their pup's style game can also opt for our matching collar and leash sets.
EXPLORE VALGRAY FOR DESIGNER PET ACCESSORIES
Explore our designer product collection and kit your pup out with high-quality collars, leads, and handcrafted snoods. We believe that every pup deserves the best, so why not give them just that with our sophisticated dog accessories? We are all about comfort, safety, and style, always prioritising the well-being of your best friend. For more information, don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will happily advise you.
**
Valgray for Dogs
When you shop with Valgray you're not just selecting a brand, you're also a part of the Valgray family and embracing a lifestyle centred around animal welfare, supreme comfort, and impeccable fashion. Our dog collars and accessories are locally produced to radiate elegance and cosiness, ensuring that your furry companion is not only the most stylish but also the happiest pup around.
We recognize that our customers consider their dogs as family members, which is why we design our dog products with emphasis on quality, style, and comfort. To learn more about our exceptional products, browse our online store or reach out to the Valgray team. We're eager to chat with you and share our fashionable products!
Sign Up for our newsletter for heartwarming stories, exciting articles and news regarding our furry loved ones! Remember to connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with all the latest Valgray news, happenings and fun!
Winter poses significant challenges for dogs, making it crucial to keep them warm and healthy. By taking proactive measures, owners can ensure their pets remain comfortable throughout the cold months. Here are ten effective strategies to keep your dog warm in winter:
Create a Warm Environment: Ensure your dog has a heated, insulated indoor space and consider safe indoor heating options like space heaters or heating pads. If your dog spends time outside, provide a well-insulated dog house with proper insulation and dry bedding.
Dress Your Dog for Winter: Use winter clothing like sweaters, coats, and booties to help retain body heat and protect against cold conditions. Choose breathable, water-resistant materials and ensure a proper fit. A Valgray dog snood is great for helping to keep them warm in moderately cold conditions.
Adjust Diet and Nutrition: Increase caloric intake to help maintain body heat. Incorporate high-quality proteins, healthy fats, and supplements like fish oil to support overall health while maintaining a balanced diet.
Provide Comfortable Bedding: Use insulated, cushioned beds, and add fleece or thermal blankets for extra warmth. Place the bed in a warm, draft-free area.
Practice Safe Exercise: Adjust exercise routines to include indoor activities and shorter, more frequent outdoor walks. Dress your dog appropriately for cold weather.
Regular Health Check-ups: Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your dog's health and address any winter-specific issues like arthritis or respiratory infections.
Use Pet-Friendly Heating Devices: Utilize electric blankets, heated pads, or microwaveable heat packs to provide consistent warmth during very cold times. Ensure safety features like automatic shut-offs and avoid direct contact with your dog’s skin.
Monitor Your Dog’s Condition: Watch for signs of cold stress such as shivering, lethargy, and seeking warmth. Address any signs of discomfort or health issues promptly.
Proper Grooming: Keep your dog’s coat well-groomed to maintain its insulating properties. Avoid shaving your dog’s fur during winter to retain natural warmth.
Ensure Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog has access to fresh, unfrozen water to stay hydrated, which is essential for maintaining body temperature and overall health.
By following these tips as needed, you can ensure your dog stays warm, healthy, and comfortable during the winter months.
Teaching your dog to swim offers numerous benefits, enhancing their physical health, mental well-being, and strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Swimming provides a low-impact workout that is especially beneficial for older dogs or those with joint issues. Additionally, it keeps dogs mentally stimulated and can be a life-saving skill. Here’s a step-by-step guide to teaching your dog to swim:
Preparation: Choose a safe and calm location like quiet lakes or designated dog pools. Gather essential equipment such as a well-fitting life jacket, floating toys, and treats. Make sure your dog is wearing a water-friendly collar like a Valgray splashproof designer collar in case they get lost.Conduct a health check with a vet to ensure your dog is fit for swimming and learn basic safety precautions.
Teaching Basic Commands: Ensure your dog knows basic obedience commands like sit, stay, and come. Gradually get your dog comfortable with water through positive exposure and practice these commands in different environments.
Swimming Lessons:
Start with shallow water introduction and let your dog explore.
Gradually increase water depth and encourage swimming movements using toys.
Use a life jacket initially for safety and confidence.
Track progress and adjust the training pace as needed.
Common Challenges and Solutions:
Fear of Water: Provide gradual exposure and create positive experiences.
Distractions: Choose quiet locations and use high-value treats.
Anxiety: Use calming techniques and allow breaks.
Overexcitement: Set clear boundaries and use commands to manage excitement.
Consistency: Regular, short training sessions are more effective.
Advanced Techniques:
Teach diving and retrieving objects.
Practice in different water bodies to enhance adaptability.
Gradually introduce more challenging environments.
Enhance endurance and strength through extended sessions and vigorous activities.
Always prioritize safety during advanced training.
Remember, the journey of teaching your dog to swim is about building confidence and comfort at each stage while ensuring safety and making the experience enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Helping doggos in need is a cause that’s really close to our heart, which is why we have a Valgray charity drive every year. Over the years we have been proud to donate much needed blankets and dog food to the incredible animal rescues you recommended, as well as gifting designer dog collar and leash sets to newly adopted pooches so they can start their new lives in style.
Valgray is one of the few brands that caters for all dog sizes. From our extra-small collars for the truly tiny pooch to the extra-large collars for giant breeds, we go the extra mile to make sure your fur-babies can put their best paw forward.
It’s important to measure your pup’s neck to make sure your new collar will fit comfortably. Remember to include some space around the neck for your pooch’s safety and comfort. As a rule of thumb, you should be able to fit two or three fingers between the neck and collar.
Once you have your doggo’s measurements, check our sizing guide below for the best collar size.
DON'T HAVE A TAPE MEASURE?
No problem! You can use a variety of household items to safely measure your dog’s neck. See our guide here.
Don’t have a tape measure lying around? No problem! To learn how to measure your dog's neck safely with various household items, click here.
PERSONAL CUSTOMISATION
We try our best to cater to every breed, but some doggos might need a little extra at-home customisation to achieve the perfect fit. Making adjustments to our soft, PVC-coated nylon straps at home is easy. Simply use a standard leather punching tool to add additional holes, or use a utility knife to trim the length of your collar.
