What is a Side Release Dog Collar?

A side release dog collar sounds like a fancy name, but it’s actually the most common type of collar. As the name suggests, it has a buckle on the side that you squeeze to attach and release the collar. The side release collar is a great everyday collar for your furry friend. It’s incredibly easy to take on and off, and with an almost endless variety of colors, styles, and sizes, you can customize your dog’s collar to show off their style. However, these collars work best for dogs with larger heads; canines with slimmer heads, like greyhounds, may be able to slip out of these collars too easily for your liking.

How Tight Should My Dog’s Collar Be?

For your pup’s safety, it’s important to choose a collar that fits correctly. If it’s too tight, it can choke your dog and cause serious damage to their windpipe. If it’s too loose, your dog will be able to slip out of it. To find the best fit for a side release dog collar, measure the bottom of your dog’s neck with string or tailor’s tape. Consult our collar sizing chart to see an example of where to measure the collar and what size you should order. Once you’ve found the perfect size, you’ll need to adjust your dog’s collar. It should be snug, but not tight - to find the sweet spot, take your pointer and middle fingers and slide them between your dog’s collar and it’s neck. If your fingers slide in easily but feel snug, you’ve found the perfect fit!

Are Dog Collars Safe?

Your dog’s collar plays an important role in keeping your pup safe since they carry their ID and vaccination tags. However, if your dog pulls hard on the leash, you could be harming your dog’s neck. According to PetMD, “repeated stress on the neck can lead to long-term medical issues, including damaging the thyroid glands and tissues around the neck area and salivary glands.” In these cases, it’s a good idea to use a Freedom No-Pull Harness in addition to your side release collar. The harness will protect your pup’s neck and can be worn with a traditional collar. This combination lets you walk your dog safely and keep their identification on their traditional collar.