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A dog collar serves a lot of different options for a pet owner: it can be a fun accessory to show off your dog's personality, it can keep track of them should they get lost, or it can serve as a way to see them when you're outside at night. Our top picks for the best dog collars take all of these into consideration. So if you just got a new dog — or you need an upgrade from a collar you've had for far too long — we've broken them down into all the types that could work for you and your pup. I have two dogs, and one tends to get into trouble (read: go exploring in dirt and mud) far too often, so I like to keep a couple of collars around so I can hand wash one, hang it to dry, and never have to keep them without their identification tag. It's also good to keep a few different types of options in mind: I have a colorful option for cute photo opps, and then I keep a reflective one around when we're going hiking, so I can keep track of them at all times. Here are our six top picks below:
1. Our Favorite Durable Option
Roam Heavy Duty Dog Collar
Roam Premium Dog Collar - Amazon, $25.99
This is a heavy-duty option perfect for the dog that lives for exploring the outdoors. The nylon collar is as durable as you're going to get, and is made to handle all kinds of weather: it's double-layered, features multiple lines of stitching to handle wear and tear, and has rust-proof hardware. It comes in multiple colors and sizes, and has a quick release buckle to get your dog out of it easily. Reviewers love that it's great for dogs that also like to try and chew their collar off.
2. A Shock-Free Training Collar
STOPWOOFER Dog Bark Collar
StopWoofer No Shock Dog Bark Collar - Amazon, $34.99
If your dog just won't stop barking every time they hear a noise or every time you leave the house, this no-shock, humane dog collar option can improve your dog's quality of life immensely (and yours and your neighbors, too). It has two modes: vibrations, and vibrations and sound, depending on what you prefer — and is completely humane and pain-free. Charge it for two hours via the included USB cable, and you won't need to charge it again for 14 days. It has seven different correction levels, and turns off for one minute after the levels cycle through as to not upset your dog too much. The company claims this will help your dog stop barking in as little as two weeks. One reviewer wrote: "I've been very pleased with the results so far. Less barking already! And the best part is the fact that it isn't painful or shocking my dog, which was a deal breaker for a lot of the other collars out there."
3. The Best Option to Keep Track of Your Dog
Feeyar Apple Air Tag Collar
Feeyar Air Tag Dog Collar - Amazon, $15.99
If you have a dog that tends to run off, or you have a big property that they wander around on, you may have heard of people attaching Apple Air Tags to their dog's collar. It allows you to keep track of your dog's exact location via cellphone, so if the worst case happens, you'll be able to see precisely where your dog has run off to. This brilliant reflective collar has a place to keep the Air Tag safe and secure — and since other options have a tag that dangles down, this collar is a lot easier to keep secure and doesn't hang off your dog's neck. It's truly a smart solution for a problem no dog owner wants to have.
4. A Beautiful Leather Option
Soft Touch Leather Padded Collar
Soft Touch Leather Two-Tone Padded Collar - Chewy, $25.99
If you're looking for a sleek, classic collar, this high-quality leather option is the perfect choice. Handmade and handstitched, it also features solid brass hardware that has been lacquered to prevent rust or wear and tear. The supple soft leather is also lined with sheepskin leather on the inside, which is soft and comfortable for your dog's neck — making this a great option if your dog has sensitive skin or can chafe wearing nylon collars. It comes in a few different colors and sizes.
5. This Helpful Reflective Collar
Blueberry Pet Reflective Dog Collar
Bluberry Pet 3M Reflective Dog Collar - Chewy, $16.99
A reflective collar is a must-have if you and your dog take long walks at night. This one comes with 3M reflective threading all around it for complete visibility in the dark — and it comes in bright colors that will also help you spot your dog with ease. Another bonus: this collar is machine-washable, so it'll be that much easier to keep clean.
6. Our Favorite Aesthetic Choice
Blueberry Pet Neoprene Print Collar
Blueberry Pet Soft & Comfy Patterned Dog Collar - Amazon, $18.99
If your dog is more of a lap dog than the kind of dog that wants to accompany you on a camping trip, you may want to snag a fun printed collar to help them stand out. We love the Blueberry Pet dog collar line — they have the most adorable and colorful seasonal patterns in every possible color combination. I have one of these for my older, smaller dog, and I love that it's still durable and high-quality despite the fact that my dog's biggest adventures tend to be from the couch to the water bowl and back again.
