Don’t Be Caught Out.

Every dog should be micro-chipped!

No ifs or buts.

But – micro-chipping isn’t enough.

It is really important that they should have an identity disc on the collar with your telephone and mobile number on.

For example, the other day I found two lively Jack Russells running down the middle of a country road. They were both obviously used to cars so when I opened the door they cheerfully hopped in. I don’t know whether or not they were micro-chipped, but there were no identity discs. Fortunately I wasn’t far from a friend’s house, and even more fortunately she knew where they lived.

I always have my mobile with me so if there had been a number to call it would have saved a lot of trouble.

Since then I found a very classy and cared for poodle obviously looking for its owner. Again it was on a country lane running through fields and common land. At a guess I would say it had been playing, strayed too far to hear its owner’s voice and got lost.

A ‘phone number – preferably both home and mobile – would have saved summoning a dog warden and distressing the dog.

Shop ‘Til You Drop!

Is your dog your darling?

Is he your companion or is he a working dog?

Whatever he is we want the best for the truest and most loyal of friends.

So let’s look at what’s on offer.

First of all, collars.

The best are nylon. They are strong, gentle, don’t rot or stretch and can be washed.

But do get one with a metal buckle. The quick release plastic clips can break easily or become undone just when you don’t want it to.

Leather collars tend to stretch and you might not notice it until there is a crisis situation and it slips over your dog’s head.

Leather is also difficult to keep supple. It gets wet when the dog is out in the rain, and then stiffens as it dries. Old collars sometimes split.

Metal collars.

Not to be recommended in most cases. They can be harsh and check chains can injure the dog’s neck.

They should only be used with breeds like rough collies or Shetland sheepdogs whose necks are thicker than their heads. They should NEVER be used as an antidote to pulling.

The collar should be tight enough to not allow you to take it off without undoing it but you should be able to slip two fingers between it and the dog’s neck without strangling it.

Fancy collars.

The sky’s the limit as far as cost.

There are even dogs with diamond encrusted works of art. Or exotic fabric chokers. Or neckties. Or cravats. Or … you name it and you’ll be able to get one somewhere.