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You’ll see a collar on just about every dog, but have you ever noticed ones that are a little more bulky?
Weighted dog collars aren’t very common, in fact, many people don’t even know they exist let alone why someone would get their dog a weighted collar. What’s the purpose of a weighted dog collar anyways?
What Are Weighted Dog Collars Used For:
Weighted dog collars are used to help strengthen or tire out a dog. Much like when a person wants to get stronger or burn some energy they’ll lift weights at the gym; a weighted collar can help a dog strengthen their muscles or help burn excess energy.
In this post you’ll discover the main reasons behind people getting their dog a weighted collar, if they’re safe, what their benefits are and much more.
Let’s jump right in!
Table of Contents
What Is a Weighted Dog Collar?
A weighted dog collar is a collar made of double-stitched material, and usually has individual pockets that can be filled with weights.
These weights usually weigh one pound each, and can be removed from or placed separately inside the individual pockets, depending on how much weight you want to add to your dog’s collar.
At first, these collars are usually left empty until the dog grows accustomed to the collar, after which weights can be added.
Why Would Someone Get Their Dog a Weighted Collar?
There are multiple reasons why a dog owner would want to use a weighted collar on their four-legged friend.
Weighted dog collars are mainly used during training sessions, for muscle conditioning, and to tire and train hyperactive or aggressive dogs.
Below are more in depth descriptions behind why someone would get their dog a weighted collar:
Training
Think of a weighted dog collar as the parachute that athletes use for extra resistance during a strength training session.
These collars are ideal for making a training session more challenging for a strong and large active dog.
Especially during off-season or cold months when they may not get as much physical exercise as usual.
Muscle Conditioning
Multiple owners of large dog breeds have reported that weighted dog collars are ideal for muscle conditioning.
It adds additional resistance that an already-strong dog might not have had, and allows them to grow their muscles even stronger.
Tire Hyperactive Dogs
Some dogs will always have energy, no matter how much you play with them or how far you go for a run.
Weighted dog collars are an easy way to make dog walks or playtime more challenging for your dog.
The added exercises will likely allow your dog (and you) to sleep more peacefully.
Train Aggressive Dogs
Many dog trainers have reported that weighted dog collars are handy when dealing with an aggressive dog.
Just as with a hyperactive dog, the weighted dog collar will add more resistance and create more of a challenge for an aggressive dog.
In turn, this will tire them out quicker, preventing them or reducing the chances of the dog becoming aggressive or wanting to show its dominance.
Are Weighted Collars Safe For Dogs?
High-quality weight collars are safe to use, but should not be used on dogs younger than two years.
During these two years, pups are still growing and their muscles are forming. Thus, it’s not recommended to increase their chances of stunting their muscle growth.
When using a weighted dog collar, it’s also advised to use the recommended weight for your type of dog. Bigger breeds dogs are able to carry more weight than smaller dogs.
What Are The Benefits Of Using a Weighted Dog Collar?
Tires a Dog Naturally
For people with a hyperactive or aggressive dog, weighted collars have the benefit of tiring a dog as naturally as possible; by burning their own energy.
This is essentially a healthier way of tiring your dog, as opposed to using medicinal ways.
Creates a Safer Environment For Training An Aggressive Dog
A weighted dog collar can make the job of training an aggressive dog less stressful, without requiring extreme measures such as shock collars.
By simply adding more resistance, an aggressive dog will tire easier, and it’s a general rule of thumb that a tired dog will be less aggressive.
Improves Physical Performance
A weighted collar assists in improving the physical performance of a dog, which is useful for training show dogs, hunting dogs, or helping an overweight doggo get back in shape.
Allows For Off-Season Training
Weighted collars are handy for hunting dogs that require training outside of hunting season.
Although training and jogging sessions can assist in keeping these dogs fit, they will require some resistance training – which is where a weighted collar is a perfect fit.
Who Typically Uses Weighted Dog Collars?
Weighted dog collars are great for large dog breeds, although you can usually get multiple sizing options.
These collars are generally used for added resistance for highly active dogs, and wouldn’t necessarily be a good fit for dogs who are naturally less active and more peaceful.
Weighted dog collars are generally used with the following breeds. The weight of the collar will likely differ, depending on the size of the dog.
Small But Strong Dogs
A weighted collar of 2lb would typically be used for dogs such as Jack Russell’s and French Bulldogs.
Terriers And Hunting Dogs
Terrier dog breeds are strong, intelligent and make great hunting partners. Dogs such as the Wheaten Terrier, Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Glen of Immaal Terriers will benefit from weight training, especially during off seasons.
Other dogs such as beagles can also benefit from using these collars.
Large Active Dogs
Active dogs that just don’t tire out benefit from weighted collars. Especially border collies, huskies, German shepherds and Malinois.
Strong Breeds
Weighted collars add resistance for already-strong dogs such as the Staffordshire bull terrier, the English bull terrier and the American Pitbull.
Military Dogs
Weighted collars are usually used when training dogs for military purposes. These include the Belgian Malinois, German shepherds and Dutch shepherds.
What Is The Best Weighted Dog Collar?
There are multiple weighted dog collars available. Below, we have compiled a list of the best you can find on Amazon.
ActiveDogs Weighted K9 Dog Collar w/ Sheepskin Padding
This weighted dog collar is made from ballistic material with double stitched seams for ultimate durability. For added comfort, it’s lined with sheepskin padding for extra comfort. It has removable weights, so the weights can be adjusted according to the needs of the dog.
Walktime Dog Collar Tactical
This collar is designed with a thick nylon strap with soft cushion padded inner lining to ensure your comfort. It features a heavy duty metal D ring and metal buckle with five adjustable points. It’s easy to adjust for a comfortable fit.
6lbs Genuine Leather Weighted Dog Collar
This weighted dog collar is made of top quality double ply genuine leather, that is durable and strong. It has six casted removable weights of around 1lb each, of which the total weight is approximately 7lbs.
Final Thoughts
Weighted dog collars are a wonderful way of tiring overly active dogs, training aggressive dogs, or for adding resistance training to strong, hunting dogs.
Although these collars are not ideal for all dogs, certain dogs can greatly benefit from using a weighted collar, as would their owners!
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Why Do Some Dog Collars Have Spikes? (Explained!)
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