The 19th Century man learned to make do with what he found or could fashion himself. When he went out in search of prey with his trusty hunting dog along, he kept it simple by using a rope around the neck or as a basic harness. Now almost 2 centuries later, time is not that has changed. Dog collars are reflecting personality and style…and to top it off they denote new trends as well. Dog collars are now made to be functional as well as fashionable. What our four-legged friends wear has as much to say as how about whom they are versus wearing a simple neck harness.

Take for example the idea that dog collars now have the ability to be used as a tracking mechanism. GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) collars that help their caretaker know where they are in any situation. Today’s hunter now sees these as a means to an end…if they send out their “friend” to find what was brought down; they can do so with ease and confidence. These collars are great ways to keep up with your pet when they run off or if they are stolen. Parents can find it helpful if the animal is loose with a missing child as well. Some units also can gauge how fast your pet is moving as well.

Another progression in dog collars are those with reflective properties. These collars are hit with those that take their animal out on nightly jaunts or if caught in a storm can help in locating the pet. If your furry friend is out at night and in the street, drivers can see them and take defensive action to prevent a tragedy.

“King” or “Daisy” deserves to be treated with comfort. This applies to using cushioned dog collars as much as it applies to giving them proper pet grooming. One maker has an air-cushioned collar that creates a bubble of air around the pet’s neck. This allows free movement with the collar while maintaining that solid hold. Cushioned dog collars may also be as simple as padded material to ease the feel on a dog’s neck when attached to a leash.

“Bling” has no limitations and that holds true with dog collars. Some people go out to create designer collars for their canine, even to the point of accessorizing the collar with the animal’s name. Now it should be stated that some bling can be hazardous to the animal if not applied on properly and permanently…don’t want your friend to ingest something that they shouldn’t be. It is ok to make them look pretty, but remember to keep them safe as well.

Another direction for dog owners has been the use of harnesses in place of collars. They find these to be more suitable for their pet and not a hardship on them. These folks feel that collars are an unnecessary, and even a harmful, way of controlling their dog. Thus, they prefer the idea of something that goes around the front leg and body of the animal to walk and run them.

Dog collar trends are changing all the time…and a pet owner wants to be kept up to date on those progressions for their family pet. This is just one of the many basic things a pet owner needs. Also on that list are things like dog nail clippers, leashes, and grooming brushes.