In the not too distant future, I will finally be getting a dobe pup after many years of waiting, researching and preparing.

I wondered what people recommend as a good 'first collar' for a pup?
May sound an obvious question but I've done a lot of reading up and had about 10 different opinions on this subject!
A lot of people seem to use those nylon ones with the snap closure, but I don't know if I trust those after hearing a few horror stories about pups breaking out of them in pursuit of cats or squirrels!
I know that ultimately, I'd like him to wear a simple leather buckle collar when he's an adult, but not til he's older and want to know whats best to start out with.
My main requirement is that its strong, safe enough that I can take him out for a walk and not have to worry about it failing on me, and not majorly expensive, given how quickly pups out-grow their collars and need them replacing!

If anyone has links to collars they recommend or have had success with for a breed like this, that'd be great

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www.shadowrat.com - Rat sanctuary, rescue and welfare. Specialising in rats with behavioural issues, biters welcome!

I just had a size small 'Rogz' collar for Kilo and training lead....followed a fortnight or so later by a 'medium' . It did the job - strong and well made but not really costly either .

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I took a fastening strap off an old crampon, cut it to size (leaving room for growth until he fits his proper collar), poked holes in it and away we go.

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Not leather, it makes puppies bald under there neck IME

I used Mikki set for Xiva and then I got a lovely collar from sid&kira after her leather one I got in pet shop sale made her bald.

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For a very, very first collar, look at cat collars. You don't need to worry about strength but if you get him used to wearing something around his neck in the house, even before he can go out, you will have a head start on getting him used to a normal collar once he is old enough for the big wide world. Just something light and relatively loose to get him used to the feel.

Once he is used to that, you can also add a light lead and get him used to going towards very gentle pressure on it, rather than pulling away from the pressure which is his natural reaction. This will pay dividends when you get him out and about on the lead.

For a first real collar you are spoilt for choice, but as long as you go for a quality brand, the clip won't make much difference, they are strong enough and the only time they fail is if there is a fault with them, which can apply to any collar. I like Hunter gear, made in Germany, not the cheapest but very reasonable for such good quality.

Hunter Dog Leads & Collars at zooplus

Rogz (and some other) collars have a special design that removes the load from the buckle, very clever, but only on the bigger collars

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Light travels faster than sound. This is why some people look bright until you hear them speak

I made a beta one for him that lasted till he was about 6 months old, then made him another one. (first collar in pic below)

It was pretty and purple but people kept calling him 'she'

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Owner of:
Cooper- 2 year old Dalmatian
Darcey- 10 month old Dalmatian
Harry- 4 year old Springer
Becka - 16 year old Border Collie

Nags Equestrian -Handmade beta biothane synthetic bridles and dog equipment to your requirements.

Heya
Thanks for all the advice! Looking into them all!
I have to admit, I do like colourful collars but that's not the priority really.

He'll be 12 weeks by the time he comes home, so Im kinda stuck on size. I know its best to measure their neck for an accurate sizing, but I wanted to have a collar ready for when he got here so is there are 'general' size recommendation or will I be best to just wait and measure him?

Thanks

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www.shadowrat.com - Rat sanctuary, rescue and welfare. Specialising in rats with behavioural issues, biters welcome!

As a rough guide, Kilo was 11kg at 9 weeks old and the 'small' rogz fitted. By 11 weeks he was in the 'medium' as he grew rapidly so maybe a medium??

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you could measure when you visit him?

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