There is probably nothing in the world that your dog likes more than walking your dog. This is something that becomes part of the daily routine when we have a dog in our family. And to do this safely, you need a good chest collar, which prevents the dog from escaping and that will not allow it to pull you too much while walking.
Dogs need to leave the house to do their needs, stretch their legs, expend energy and socialize with other dogs. But care must be taken that he does not run into the street, get lost or fight with another animal. For this, the chest collar is the most common option available today.
The most important
- When choosing a chest collar for our dog, we must make sure that it adapts perfectly to the animal’s body, size and needs, and the necessary comfort.
- For the dog, walks are one of the most pleasant moments of the day. Wearing a chest collar will also make this a safer time for the owner and other people – and dogs – who walk around.
- As a dog owner, you must secure it while traveling by car, either in a carrying case or in a canine seat belt. When choosing a belt, a chest collar distributes the weight on the animal’s body and is safer for the dog in sudden braking.
Ranking: The best chest collars on the market
In this section, you will find the five most popular dog collars for dogs on the market. Also, we summarize and highlight its main features for you to compare. This way, it will be easier to choose what is best for you and your pet.
1st – Magnetic Lucky Chest Collar 2 In 1
This chest collar was made so that the animal’s tugs are evenly distributed throughout the body, avoiding possible choking of the dog. The resistant and durable nylon tape can be extended up to 40 cm, giving your dog more freedom of movement.
It can be found from size P to XG and has a magnetic necklace. It is inserted through the pet’s head and tied with buckles, making it comfortable to wear. It is not recommended for aggressive or hefty dogs.
2nd – K9 Spirit Chest Collar
This trendy chest has a ribbon on the belly part that is always a different color from the rest, thus facilitating its placement. The K9 Spirit also has a front loop to hold the leash and stop the dog from pulling, slightly squeezing its shoulders and chest, making it rotate inwards.
This chest does not cause coughing, choking, or hanging, as its frontal band is just above the breast bone, not in the trachea’s delicate area. It can be found in many sizes and colors and is very cost-effective. Buyers stress the product’s effectiveness in terms of tugs.
3rd – Jacki Design chest collar
This chest collar is perfect for small dogs, it is easy to put on and take off and has adjustable straps. It is made of Nylon and is available in red.
It has an excellent cost-benefit ratio and will certainly give your dog style on his walks.
4th – Pet Dog Collar Pectoral for dogs
This is a sport-themed dress made of cotton. The Charm is due to the embroidered application of the owners’ team’s shield, giving more elegance and originality to the piece—versatile, elegant and safe clothes.
It has an excellent cost-benefit ratio. It is inserted through the neck and closed with a single buckle. It is a specific product for small dogs.
5th – Police Pectoral Security for Dogs
This chest model is ideal for guard dogs and police, with positively reinforced velcro and steel link for hooking carabiners, thus ensuring everyone’s safety. Available with the New York Police Department emblem or the Brazilian flag, it has four different sizes to choose from.
It provides excellent general control over the dog during walks and is 100% nylon. The pulling pressure is evenly distributed over the body so that you do not put all the weight on a single part of your pet in the event of a pull. Buyers emphasize the quality and beauty of the product.
Buying Guide: What You Should Know About a Chest Collar
It is essential that before buying a chest collar for your dog, you know the features of this product and its benefits, both for you and your best friend. In this section, we include the most critical aspects of the chest collar so that you can stay well informed. Also, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about this essential accessory.
Why should I take my dog for a walk with a chest collar?
When leaving the house, you must keep your dog safe so that he does not run away or go to a place where his life could be at risk, such as an avenue, for example. Therefore, it is necessary to keep it attached to a chest collar with a strap. Also, for other pedestrians or dogs, it will be safer if you keep your dog under control. Inside a car, it should also be tied up. It should only be released in parks where these animals are allowed or in other specific areas.
Is every pectoral collar suitable for walking and for tying the dog to the car?
A dog has to be tied when traveling in a car. For example, you can buy a unique chest for your pet for these trips, or you can use the same one you already use when hiking. In this second case, you must have a belt that, on one side, is attached to the chest collar and, on the other side, is attached to the seat belt. Just as you must wear a seat belt to comply with the law – and because you want to travel safely – you must do the same with your dog. And for the belt to be comfortable for him, it should be attached to a chest collar. In the event of sudden braking, this type ensures that it is well protected and that traction does not harm your body.
Can people be afraid of my dog if he doesn’t wear a chest collar?
Some people are not used to interacting with dogs and do not understand their ways of expressing themselves with humans. Even the dog, when they realize that the person is afraid of him, can be very nervous. The animal perceives the adrenaline through the smell or corporal gestures and, then, it will be able to bark for some people. If you keep your dog tied with the chest collar, you can control it without disturbing other people who are afraid of animals. If he lets go, the situation can be delicate, as the dog may also be nervous in front of a fearful person.
Is my dog legally required to wear a chest collar?
It is common to have legislation dealing with dog care, although it is not the same in all countries. A law should always aim to protect the dog against abuse and force its owners to follow some basic rules outside the home. In Brazil, no law requires a chest collar, nor does it require that all types of dogs be tied. Each state has specific legislation on this subject. In general, dogs classified as dangerous cannot walk freely.
In São Paulo, breeds such as Rotweiller and Pit Bull, for example, must always be tied and with a muzzle during the walks. In this case, the chest collar offers more security for both the dog owner and other pedestrians.
Chest or neck collar?
Although they fulfill practically the same function, which is the possibility of taking your dog for a walk in a safe way, they are not the same thing. With a guide, both prevent the animal from going out to an avenue or other place without the owner’s control. The neck collar is much more fragile, while the chest collar goes from the neck to the body, distributing a tug’s weight across several parts. Also, the chest collar is necessary for the dog to travel by car. It is safer in the event of an accident or a sudden stop. The one with the neck could hurt your pet.
What are the problems that a chest collar can prevent?
Traditionally, the neck collar has been used more than the chest collar. However, many experts have warned about this collar’s problems in recent years, while others continue to defend it.
In the table below we will see the advantages and disadvantages of the two models:
| Benefits | Disadvantages | |
|---|---|---|
| Neck collar | They are cheaper and easier to put on | The tugs given by the animal can damage his neck, which is a very delicate part of his body |
| Chest collar | The tugs given will not harm the animal, as the tug load will be distributed throughout the body. It is recommended for traveling by car and ideal for dogs with breathing problems | If you allow your dog to poke frequently, he may think that pulling is allowed. I didn’t let your animal do that |
How can I prevent my dog from pulling too hard with his chest?
The way a dog walks during a walk depends a lot on how it was raised. Some pets pull the guide a lot and the moments of walking with it are a torment for their owners. You can suffer from having to hold your pet so that it doesn’t go where it shouldn’t, that it follows a path, or that it strolls.In these cases, experts recommend that you do not use extensible guides; they give the freedom that the dog should not have when being educated. It can’t be too short, either, because it can hurt the animal. Keep in mind that you are the one who sets the rules, but you should try to walk at your dog’s pace because it is his time, even if he stops at each post or tree.
If your dog pulls more than it should, stop until it relaxes and then continue. If you can’t get him to stop tugging, you can try to change direction, and he’ll know where to go. It is essential to stay calm. If you get nervous, he will notice and will also be in the same condition.
Is the chest collar suitable for dogs of all sizes?
In the Ranking, you could see that the vast majority of pectorals can be found in various sizes. You can find a chest collar for both a small Chihuahua and a Great Dane. However, if your dog is huge, you must pay close attention to the quality of the piece, its seams, and its resistance. For tiny dogs, the chest collar is an excellent accessory because if the animal is underweight, it is easier to control it. For the large ones, a breastplate is very useful to educate them initially, as it allows us to guide their movements and make them understand what they should or should not do.
Can the chest collar cause my dog to tug more?
Some say that the chest collar can make animals pull more. The reason is that, in the past, it was used for dogs to pull sleds or carts. Today there are different types of pectorals, many of them ideal for training animals. Therefore, it is not proven that a chest collar will make the dog pull more. But if he has this habit, you can find models created to teach your pet not to do that. Also, if your dog pulls you on a walk, the chest collar will hurt you less than a neck collar, as the weight is better distributed throughout his body.
How to make my dog’s walk pleasant?
The walks are an enjoyable time for your dog, so you have to respect his tastes, but always following some rules that you establish. Therefore, you must dedicate the beginning of the tour to go to a specific place for dogs, such as a park. Give him space to smell, play, and do his thing. After your moment of dispersal, you can take a walk together. That’s where you’re going to have to set the rules. You can allow him to smell or pee from time to time, but do not allow him to stop from pole to pole or pull you.
You, in turn, must also respect his times and not often stop to see windows or look at his cell phone. This can generate anxiety in your pet.
I take my dog out to the street to do his needs. Is this bad?
It is not recommended, under any circumstances, to leave the house just so that your dog can do his needs on the street. This will make him understand that he must relieve himself at all times and will not want to move on or do anything other than marking his territory. Therefore, your pet’s only goal will be to urinate as many times as possible before returning home. This means that your dog will not know how to keep up with you when you want to take a long walk. He will think that he will return home soon and will insist on marking the territory every few steps, making the walk very difficult. It is not his fault. It is what he learned from his walking routine.
How long should my dog’s walk last?
When incorporating a new canine member into the family, we must know that we will have to dedicate several hours a day to distract him if we live in an apartment. Dogs go out to do their needs, play, and socialize with other animals. Experts recommend three daily tours of at least 30 minutes each. Dogs need to discover new smells and interact with other animals and people to make their minds work. And if you go out for several minutes at a time, the dog will walk in peace, because he will know that he will have time for everything.
Can I take a puppy for a walk on a chest collar?
If a dog enters your life as a puppy, you must know that you will not walk with him on the street until he completes his vaccination period. Usually, if you follow the stipulated time, he will not be able to leave until 12 weeks of age. So, when you buy his first chest collar, take into account the size he may be after this confinement period. Puppies should do their homework in a suitable place at home. Experts say that between 3 and 14 weeks of age, dogs learn everything you teach. So, it is a crucial period in the education of our furry friends. Even if they can’t get out yet, you can start putting the chest collar and a leash on him to stay home and walk with you in the yard.
What vaccinations should my dog take before leaving the house for the first time?
- Whether a puppy dog or older, when he arrives at your home, you should check that your vaccination card is up to date before taking him for a walk on a chest collar. This way, there will be no risk of it being contaminated with some diseases. Mandatory vaccines protect your dog against parvovirus, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and rabies. The first vaccine is administered between six and eight weeks of age, and the second is administered in the ninth week.
- Twelve weeks later, booster doses are given.
- After the visit to the vet, the dog can walk on the street.
Does any pectoral collar prevent my dog from pulling?
All pectorals allow you to have better control over the direction your pet wants to take. But not all of them are anti-pull. Many of these are simply for a walk. Therefore, you should take some precautions before buying a new chest collar and see if it prevents pulls. If your dog is huge, healthy, or is still learning to follow your orders, you should buy an anti-pull breastplate. If the pet pulls, the front part closes quickly and prevents the movement of its paws.
How to use an anti-pull chest collar?
Dogs, especially large ones, can drag us as they like during their walks with their tugs. But now you can choose a chest collar explicitly created to educate your pet to respect its time and speed. The educational chest is a product specially created to walk and control your movements. The chest collar adjusts to the dog’s body and usually has several places for you to hold it and so you can control it and decide the direction. They usually have a ring on the chest and another on the back, to choose the most convenient.
How will my dog react on the first walk?
Dogs are intelligent animals. They learn quickly, but we have to educate them to understand what we want from them. When you first go out with him to the street, the animal will present many new stimuli, which will not always be pleasant. So when it comes to a puppy, if he doesn’t feel comfortable, take him several times a day for short periods.It is not recommended to force the dog on its first walks or leave it on the street for a long time if it is not comfortable. Let your pet smell and discover its rhythm to become familiar with the environment. Do not force him to bond with other dogs or people. He will only do this when he feels comfortable.
Should I put a muzzle on my dog?
This will depend on the legislation of the state in which you live and, especially, the animal’s size. Large dogs and dangerous breeds, such as Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, among others, should always use a muzzle in public spaces. Dogs that show any aggressive behavior or that have advanced in other people or other animals should use the muzzle in addition to the chest collar.
Purchasing Criteria
When choosing a chest collar, you should analyze what suits you and your pet. To assist with this choice, consider the following factors:
- Size
- Materials
- Design
- Night visibility
- Guide
Size
A chest collar should be carefully measured to ensure that the neck opening is large enough to fit your dog’s head. And for the lower part to fit your body. If it is loose, the animal may escape. A large chest collar will make it difficult to control the animal.
If it is tight, the animal will feel tight and may even find it difficult to breathe. Almost all the pectorals available on the market can be found in different sizes. And each piece is adjustable with straps, to be broader or narrower, according to each animal.
Materials
There are chest collars in many materials. We can even buy a summer model and a winter model. The important thing is that the fabric is resistant to withstand the pulls that a dog, huge, can give. The strips that connect one part to the other are usually made of nylon, as this is a solid material.
For the summer, choose a pectoral collar that is made of cloth. This helps the dog to perspire and makes sweat, not a nuisance. Some are made to put in the water and keep your pet cool in scorching environments. Nylon pectorals are also useful in the heat. A padded model is best for the winter.
In addition to choosing one or the other material depending on the climate, it is necessary to ensure that the materials are of a quality not to harm the animal’s skin. Most products indicate when they are created in a way that respects canine skin. This is a significant factor that must be taken into account. Low-quality materials can cause sores on your dog.
Design
There are different shapes or designs that a chest collar can have, and that will perform different functions depending on your choice. They also adapt to different bodies and shapes. Below you can find a list of the leading designs that the market offers when we talk about dog harnesses:
- Breastplate Y: Created with nylon straps, usually around the chest and legs, and closed in the rib region. The strips can be made of another material, such as leather. These are ideal for small animals or dogs that know how to walk without pulling their owners because they give little control. In the summer, they are very fresh.
- Safety breastplate: This model is also called three points. It is similar to the Y breastplate, but with a waist belt that prevents the animal from turning back. The animal may feel more protected by its owner with this third stitch on the waist.
- Training chest: Also called antipug, they are pieces created so that if the dog pulls, you can stop it. They have a ring to attach the strap to the center of the chest, in the front, and sometimes another at the back. It can facilitate the learning process. Nylon strips also form it.
- Vest chest: This chest pad, usually padded, is more comfortable for the winter months because it covers more of the dog’s body. If they are made of light fabric, they are also suitable for summer. For fearful animals, with this breastplate, they can feel more protected. And you will be able to control the animal better.
Night visibility
Many pecs are visible in the dark. These will allow you to find your pet if it gets lost at night or starts running in low light.
- Reflectors: They are made of a material that returns light to its source. This means that they only do their job when they receive light. Otherwise, they cannot be seen. Therefore, to make this type of pectoral collar on your dog visible, you must use flashlights or the headlight of a car circulating on the spot.
- Luminescent: They are less common. It has a material that receives and stores energy and then emits light when there is no light. In other words, they leave the animal visible, even in places where there is no light.
resume
Dogs need to leave the house several times a day. To stretch, spend energy, and to do your needs. But in many places, laws require these pets to wear a leash that must be attached to a collar. The chest model has become a fashion accessory because it is very comfortable for the dog and its owner.
A chest collar is a great ally when walking a dog, educating it, directing it, and controlling its movements. It is mandatory to fasten it to the seat belt when the animal gets into the car. There are all sizes in the market, and you can choose between different models and materials, according to your needs.
