The Benefits And Disadvantages Of Leather Dog Collars

They're handsome, stylish and sometimes controversial. They come mass produced and some with designer labels. They also make unbelievably high priced chew toys for a lot of puppies and dogs. They're leather dog collars, once the standard dog gear and now a luxury thing. Is a leather dog collars right for your pet?

Pros

Some of the pros of utilizing leather dog collars are that they are long lasting provided you are going to take care of them properly. Even though they are more expensive initially than rayon or nylon collars, they can sometimes last longer than the life of your dog. Some owners of dogs who get good and muddy prefer to use leather dog collars and leashes than of other materials because it is so durable.

Another benefit is that leather always matches your pet's fur, whether it is brown leather or black leather. Leather has an undeniably timeless look and a great smell, provided you take care of the leather correctly. There are now a big selection of leather dog collars in different patterns, colors, with rhinestones or other additions. There are even renowned designers of people fashions who are getting into doggie couture.

Drawbacks

The main disadvantage of leather dog collars is that it's made out of very tasty animal hide. At least, your dog thinks it’s tasty. You can’t tell your dog that it's not okay to chew on the $100 rolled leather dog collar but it is alright to chew on rawhide treats. They are made of nearly the same stuff. Dogs will chew on leather, although with patience and persistence, they can be trained not to.

Another disadvantage is having to clean and condition the leather dog collar and leash. This is something you do not have to worry about with nylon or rayon collars and leashes. You can throw them in the bath along with the dog. But prolonged exposure to soaking water will destroy leather. You need to get special soaps and conditioners for them. You might need to have the leather collars worn only on special occasions.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, than you are already trying to cut out all animal-based products from your life. The thought of killing cows for dog collars might not sit well on your conscious. But there are handsome man-made leather dog collars that are just about as tough as leather on the market. As an added bonus, they don't have the strong smell that attracts dogs looking for a quick snack.