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Friday 18 November 2011

A knotty problem

I'm wondering if anyone can help? I have an Old English and now it's that time of year I leave his fur to grow with a brush every night including two good grooms a week but I've noticed his collar is constantly knotting his fur! He currently wears a half check collar because the breeder advices a collar that's clicked not buckle and that's the only type my local pet store supplies. Can anyone advise what collar he should be wearing to be prevent knotting n snagging of his fur?
Thanks Kerry Lynn Walters, via Dogs Today facebook page

6 comments:

  1. A rolled leather collar can be helpful - as a dog groomer i know how easy it is for such breeds to become knotted up around the collar area.
    Try using a groomers spray in between brushing - a silicone based spray which helps the hair from knotting - i use one called Amazing Tricks from Dezynadog.
    Also perhaps only wear a collar when going out.
    Hope this helps x

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  2. These are they type my beardies wear, and they wear them 24/7...
    http://www.equusleather.co.uk/index.php/Half-Check-Collars/Rolled-Leather-Half-Check-Collar/flypage.tpl.html

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  3. Thea Beckhelling BSc CAPBT18 November 2011 at 10:21

    Hi Kerry Lynn,

    As a dog trainer I never advise using the clip collars especially on large breeds as they aren't 100% guaranteed not to come undone. I had a large male OES and used a thick webbing collar with a simple style buckle, I think the best thing is to just keep the area brushed down around the collar, I know its difficult with their fur as its so woolly! Good luck x

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  4. Hi Kerry Lynn. Have you looked at Spiffy Dog collars? http://www.xtradog.com/shop/spiffy-dog-range.html They are made of the same material as trainer shoes (Aerospacer) and are very popular with show dog people for exactly that reason, you do not get any fur damage with the collar. I have a Siberian husky who has worn a Spiffy Dog collar for nearly 3 years and when you take the collar off you would not know that she has ever had the collar on. They are also very popular as the material is quick-drying and breathable so the collars tends not to get smelly. Many trainers including Marie Miller (APDT no. 0130) recommend the collars as do NSARDA Cantech Search and rescue dogs.

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  5. Another vote for Spiffy Dog collars. My poodle wears one with no matting. They are very lightweight, yet strong.

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  6. I agree with the comment about clip collars as I have had a very strong OES break one open when pulling. With an adult OES I tend to use a collar for lawful identification purposes and a strong string harness attached to a lead when out walking. Large dog shows will have many stands displaying all types of collars and leads.
    I found a good collar for the OES was an adjustable size 1" depth nylon fibre webbing linked by two metal chains and a loop for the lead. This hangs loosely when not in use and fur doesn't seem to get entagled in it. When used the chains pull the webbing together. They also wash up well if placed in a "pillow case" in the washer.
    I do have one if you would like to try it out if you email me at info@anti-dockingalliance.com

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