Sizing
Proper sizing of collars is crucial for the safety and comfort of the dogs wearing them. However, it can be a confusing process for owners. By helping customers measure their dog correctly and identifying the correlating product size, you can prevent headaches and returns!
Collars should sit higher on a dog’s neck. Be sure to measure here when determining size.
A collar should allow for two fingers to slide between the collar and the dog’s neck.
Specialty Collars to Know:
Customers look to you for advice on solving a whole host of problems from dogs who slip collars like Houdini to ones that just can’t seem to get their training down.
Coastal’s solutions line offers collars specifically tailored to handling those challenges. Familiarize yourself with these unique styles of collars to become a valuable resource for frustrated customers.
1. Martingale
A martingale is a "loop" that can be formed from chain, webbing or rope that provides a limited (choke) closure on a collar.
Martingale dog collars are also known as greyhound, whippet or humane choke collars. The martingale dog collar was designed for sighthounds because their necks are larger than their heads and they can often slip out of buckle collars.
The larger loop is slipped onto the dog's neck and a lead is then clipped to the smaller loop. When the dog tries to pull, the tension on the lead pulls the small loop taut, thus preventing escape.
The collar will be comfortably loose whenever the dog is not pulling against the leash.
2. Head Halters
The halter-style collar controls the dog's head but does not restrict its ability to pant, drink, or grasp objects. Head halters, also called headcollars, are similar in design to a halter for a horse. Brand names are also used when referring to these collars most commonly Halti or Gentle Leader.
The theory behind the utility of head halters is that if you have control of the head, you have control of the body.
This device fastens around the back of the neck and over the top of the muzzle, giving more control over a dog's direction and the intensity of pulling on a leash than most collars that fit strictly around the neck.
- Pressure on nose and not windpipe (where a collar sits)
- Pulls the dog’s muzzle and consequently their head towards the handler.
- Allows the owner to safely direct a strong dog away from danger.
3. Choke Chains
Also called choke collars, slip chains, check collars, or training collars, choke chains are a length of chain with rings at either end such that the collar can be formed into a loop that slips over the dogs head and rests around the top of the dog's neck, just behind the ears.
The "sound" a chain makes is very important when training a dog. The dog hears the "jingle" of the chain, feels the correction and subsequently reacts to it. This is part of the training process and the mystique associated with chain products.
When the leash is attached to the "dead" ring, the collar does not constrict on the dog's neck. When the leash is attached to the "live" ring, the chain slips (adjusts) tighter when pulled and slips looser when tension is released.
Training with this leash involves a quick jerk with an immediate release, called a "leash pop", "snap", or “correction".
Mind your P’s and Q’s. To properly use a chain collar create a P, with the live ring hanging through the left side of the dead ring. If it hangs to the right (like a Q) the chain encounters more resistance and won’t snap as quickly.
4. Prong Collars
Also called pinch collars, prong collars are a series of metal links that fit together by connecting through blunt prongs that point inward toward the dog's neck.
The martingale chain loop provides limited closure and allows the prongs to safely distribute the "pinching action" around the dog's neck and not damage the trachea.
The collar is designed to prevent the dog from pulling by applying pressure completely around the dog's neck.
Unlike flat, martingale, or choke collars the prong protects the trachea as it distributes pressure evenly.
Traditional Dog Collars
What sets our Coastal Collars Apart?
- Detailed finishing for comfort, appeal and durability
- Material processed for strength and to prevent fraying
- Ultra-weld fusion bonds collar together for superior strength – stronger than stitching!
- Collar tab turned inward to keep D-ring attached to collar even if a portion of the material were to come undone
- Collar tab is then ‘skived’ to lay smoothly inside the collar for a comfortable fit
- Our long-term vendor partnerships insure consistent high-quality workmanship and materials
Flat Collars
- All metal hardware; Approved for tie out
- Four strategically placed holes for size adjustment
- Available in single and double-ply
Coastal® Adjustable Collars with Metal Buckle
- Metal buckle; Approved for tie out
- Adjustable for pets of all sizes
- Break strength above industry standards
Coastal® Adjustable Collars
- Curved, plastic buckle for comfort
- Adjustable for pets of all sizes
- Not recommended for tie out
- Locking slide for secure adjustment
Fashion Dog Collars
One of a kind Sublimated Patterns
- In-house pattern design
- Hand drawn and digitally rendered
Neoprene Linings
- Neoprene inside of collars, harnesses or leash handles means added comfort for both pets and owners
Unique Hardware
- Chrome, rose gold, gun metal and matte black finishes
- Custom keepers that compliment design language of each line
- Easy to use alligator style and Easy Snap leash clips
Embellishments
- Slide for easy adjustment
- Offered separately for style options
Cause Patterns
- In support of partners like Leader Dogs for the Blind, Morris Animal Foundation and Life is good, proceeds of these patterns go to supporting the efforts of each organization.
Waterproof Collars
Resists sweat and bacteriaFor active customers who take their pet on every adventure, waterproof collars (as well as leashes and harnesses) are a great option.
- Reduces grime and odors
- Easy to clean
- Available in both adjustable and flat styles
Download our Pro Waterproof Products Videos!
Reflective Collars
When it comes to nighttime safety, we believe to be safe you have to be seen. Coastal offers light-up and reflective products to keep dogs safe in the dark, but Lazer Brite is our standout technology.
Visible up to 600 feet
- Same material used by safety professionals
- Bright colors to stand out day or night
Check out our Lazer Brite Video!
K9 Explorer, one of our most popular lines, also deserves mention for its reflective stitching and designs featuring a reflective buckle.
Soy Collars
Soy is a unique textile in the marketplace that can help add diversity to your offering.
- Made from soy fibers, a natural by-product of food manufacturing
- Eco-friendly
- Material has anti-bacterial properties
- Ideal for dogs with sensitive skin
Leather Collars
Circle-T is Coastal’s leather product line with a legacy reputation among trainers.
- Full grain, top quality American leather
- Drum dyed hides for consistent color saturation
- Vegetable tanning method carefully processes leather to prevent dyes from transferring to an animal’s fur and staining it
- Handmade in Alliance, OH by expert craftsmen
- Age to become more supple and comfortable over time
- Rounded collars are ideal for dogs with long hair