If It Wags, LLC

Designer Pet Fashions Handmade in America

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How to size for the Standard, Adjustable Dog Collar
 
To properly size your dog for a collar, use a flexible measuring device such as a tailor's measuring tape.  If you don't have one or the measuring device you have may potentially harm your dog, use a string and measure it when you have determined the correct length.
 
Measure around the dog's neck just past their ears with two fingers between the dog's neck and tape or string and add approximately 2 inches.  Adjust the tape or string by 2 inches and place around the dog's neck to verify how it will comfortably sit around their neck.  Then gently pull the comfortably fitting tape or string up to your dog's ears to verify that it will not easily slip off over their head.  If it does, your dog is an ideal candidate  for the Martingale collar - Click Here for more information.
 
Compare this measurement to the charts below.  When choosing the proper size, please note that handmade collar sizes may vary by up to 1 inch in either the minimum or maximum lengths, so you may want to size up to ensure a nice comfortable fit.  For example, if your dog's collar size comes out to 19 inches on the standard dog collar chart you should purchase a large instaed of a medium as all collars are adjustable.
 
How to size for the Martingale Dog Collar
 
To properly size your dog for a collar, use a flexible measuring device such as a tailor's measuring tape.  If you don't have one or the measuring device you have may potentially harm your dog, use a string and measure it when you have determined the correct length.
 
If you are unfamiliar with a Martingale collar please Click Here for a better understanding on how they work and how they are different from standard collars.
 
Since Martingale collars do not have a buckle and must fit over the dog's head, you will first need to measure the widest point on their head; this is typically around the back of the head over and including the ears.
 
Adjust the tape or string by the appropriate amount to ensure that it will easily slip on and off their head and neck; this will be about 1 inch on small dogs and 2 inches or more on medium and large dogs.  This will differ between all dogs as it really depends on the size and shape of both the dog's head and ears.
 
Once this has been done, this is the minimum size that you will need to order.  Note that the collar may need to be adjusted once it slips over the dog's head as you do not want it too loose around their neck - ideally it should have about 2 inches of play or 2 finger widths between the collar and dog's neck.
 
Compare this measurement to the charts below.  When choosing the proper size, please note that handmade collar sizes may vary by up to 1 inch in either the minimum or maximum lengths, so you may want to size up to ensure a nice comfortable fit.  For example, if your dog's collar size comes out to 18 inches on the martingale dog collar chart you should purchase a large instead of a medium since all collars are adjustable.
 

 
 
All collars are fully adjustable in the range listed below; however, please note that handmade collars may vary in size up to 1 inch in either the minimum or maximum lengths.
 
If you don't find the size needed, don't fret we can make any size from super small to super large.  Just email us your custom needs.
 
Standard Dog Collar Sizing Chart
X-Small 
7-11 inches
3/4 inches wide
 Small
 10-15 inches
 3/4 inches wide
 Medium
 11-19 inches
 1 inch wide
 Large
 15-24 inches
 1 inch wide
 X-Large
 17-29 inches
 1 inch wide
 
 
Martingale Dog Collar Sizing Chart
X-Small 
8-12 inches
3/4 inches wide
 Small
 10-15 inches
 3/4 inches wide
 Medium
 14-19 inches
 1 inch wide
 Large
 18-24 inches
 1 inch wide
 X-Large
 20-29 inches
 1 inch wide
Cat Collar Sizing Chart
One Size
7-12 inches
3/8 inches wide
 

 
 
A martingale collar is a special dog collar also known as a humane choke collar or greyhound collar.  They are designed to slip over the dog's head and comfortably fit around their neck.  They have a small loop attached to the main collar that contracts when tension is applied, thus tightening the collar around the dogs neck to avoid it from slipping back over their head.  They are also used to improve control during walks or training sessions.
 
There are two situations where martingale collars work best. 
 
1) For those dogs and breeds that can easily slip their heads out of a collar that is properly fitted around their neck.  This is mostly due to the little or lack of difference between the size of their heads and necks - typical breeds are Grey Hounds, Whippets, Beagles, and Jack Russels, just to name a few. 
 
2) For those dogs or situations where a choke or pinch collar is used.  The standard choke collar doesn't limit the amount choking or pressure being applied to the dog's neck and throat, which can easily and quickly harm the dog.  Especially concerning is when the extra pressure is being applied unintentionally such as when the dog is pulling or there is over correction by the owner.  Also, similar to the pinch collar the standard choke collar can easily pinch and potentially puncture the dog's skin leaving permanent damage.
 
The martingale collar is an excellent choice for these specific dog breeds and is especially an excellent replacement for these types of training collars as they are safer and easier for both the dogs and owners.  The martingale collar is designed to comfortably sit around the dog's neck and will only tighten when tension is applied and since the martingale collars are easily adjustable they can be adjusted to limit the amount of choking or pressure that is applied to the dog's throat.  Make sure when adjusting the martingale collar when you pull on the smaller loop that the two slip locks come together without choking your dog.  Ideally, there should be a finger width or two when smaller loop is fully pulled to limit any potential choking.
 
These "humane" and pet friendly collars are becoming increasingly popular with trainers and pet owners alike.  
 
Not to mention that you can now have one collar serving both jobs - what a money saver!
 

 
 
Here at If It Wags, we can create almost any custom design that you may want.  If you don't see the exact size, color or design please let us know what you are looking for and we will work together to make your own custom design collar, leash, harness or other pet accessory product.  We can also work with a specific pattern or fabric that you would like us to use or match.
 
Please note that some custom designs may require additional charges, while other custom designs may fall into the normal price points offered by If It Wags.  You will always be quoted a price prior to commitment.
 
Just follow these easy steps to turn design your custom product:
 
1) Email the If It Wags design services via the Contact Us page (please include Custom Design Services in the subject line)  
2) Include the following in the body of the email
  • Your name*
  • Best method of contact* - email or phone (if phone please include time zone and best time to contact)
  • Shipping address*
  • Product*: dog collar, cat collar, leash, harness or other pet accessory product
  • Specify collars, size and/or design
  • Describe the nature of the custom work*
  • Date product is needed
*Required information
3) The If It Wags design team will contact you via your preferred method with any questions or details around your request.
 
4) Once the If It Wags design team and you come to an agreement on your desired product, we will provide you the full cost and time frames.  Also, depending on the product, the If It Wags design team will send you a sample of the collar, leash or harness at your request.  Note that shipping charges will apply.
 
5) Once you have approved the product and pricing, the If It Wags design team will create and ship your product.
 
6) If the product doesn't meet to the agreed specifications, you may return it for an If It Wags store credit less shipping and handling charges.
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 
If It Wags, LLC   Phone/Fax - 321-ASK-WAGS (321-275-9247)