Dog training collars are available in numerous styles, each of which are appropriate for different dogs, owners, and purposes. The size of your dog and how capable you are of controlling him are points of consideration when shopping for collars. As with all pet products, the most important factor in determining the right collar is safety.

Finding the Right Training Collar
A standard one-size-fits-all collar makes an ideal choice for everyday use. Collars made of leather or nylon will not tighten or strangle your dog, and you can still use these collars to lead your dog during training exercises. The main setback of traditional collars is their safety and effectiveness when walking dogs. Small dogs can injure their necks by pulling too hard. Normal collars do very little to prevent dogs from tugging and leading.

For the safety of your small dog, purchase a harness that wraps around his chest. This alleviates the potentially dangerous strain on his neck. A gentle leader, which wraps around a dog's nose, is ideal for walking powerful dogs that try to run ahead during walks. This contraption will not hurt your dog, but it does give the owner significant control.

Are Choke Chains Safe?
While many experts agree that choke chains make excellent tools for professional trainers, it has been proven time and again that novices can seriously injure their dogs with this equipment. When used properly, choke chains are safe and not considered animal cruelty. If a choke chain is fitted on your dog upside down, however, the chain will tighten but not slacken. Your dog can choke, and you may not be able to take the collar off in time. An inexperienced trainer may overestimate how hard he has to pull the choke chain, which can result in numerous injuries. That all said, I do not like to use choke chains or prong collars, and generally do not recommend them for people training their dogs without professional supervision.