At first glance, I though Chris Henchy was holding this pooch by a Martingale since there was so much excess material. But, when zooming it, it's clear that the Shields-Henchy pet has a rather large collar. Eeks!

While it's important to not be too tight (since that can irritate the skin, restrict breathing, or even cause hair loss in the area), attaching a loose collar can let pups slip away.

If you're in the market for a new one, here are some things to remember before you hit the stores:

  • Measure your dog first, especially if he's not shopping alongside you. Since collars should fit the dog's neck, use a tape measure to check the diameter a couple inches above his shoulder blades.

Get the rest when you read more.

  • Add two or three inches to your measurement and that's the collar size you want. Remember, it should never be able to slip over the pup's head.
  • Count the available holes. Don't buy a collar when only the last buckle fits the pet — it's better to have one that can be adjusted smaller and bigger than the size that just barely fits.