✅ Collar Fit Matters Too

Harnesses might do the heavy lifting, but collars are still part of everyday life — ID tags, quick trips outside, and, let’s be real, looking cute. But a badly fitted collar can be just as dodgy as an ill-fitted harness. Here’s how it should fit:

Two-Finger Rule (Again)

You guessed it — same as the harness. You should always be able to slip two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. Too tight? You’re cutting off air supply. Too loose? Your dog could back out and go full track-star.

 

 Low, Not High

The collar should sit comfortably around the base of the neck, not high up by the throat. High collars press the trachea (windpipe), which = coughing, gagging, and long-term damage if your dog pulls.

 

No Pinching or Rolling Skin

If your dog has loose skin folds (hello, bull breeds), the collar shouldn’t pinch or rub in between them. That’s a fast-track to sore spots and skin infections.

 

 Comfort Counts

Materials matter. Rough nylon or cheap buckles can rub raw, especially on short-coated or sensitive-skin dogs. That’s why ours are padded and lined — because if you wouldn’t wear sandpaper round your neck, your dog shouldn’t either.

Weight & Width Balance

A chunky collar on a toy breed? Overkill. A skinny strap on an XL Bully? Recipe for escape. The width of the collar should match the size of your dog’s neck, spreading pressure evenly without weighing them down. This is why we have different widths and sizes for everyone🤩

 

🚨 The Dangers of a Bad Collar Fit

• Trachea Damage: Too tight or too high = throat pressure = lifelong issues. Including a collapsed Trachea
• Neck Strain & Skeletal Stress: Constant pulling against a bad collar can strain the neck muscles and even affect spinal alignment over time.
• Skin Irritation: Rubbing, redness, and bald patches happen fast with rough materials.
• Escaping: A loose collar is an open invite to back out and bolt.
• Reactivity Links: Dogs that associate collars with pain or restriction may become reactive when they see it coming out. Walk prep should feel like excitement, not dread.

The Law on ID in the UK

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement that your dog has visible identification when out in public. The law (Control of Dogs Order 1992) says every dog must wear an ID tag that shows the owner’s name and address.👉 What that means in real life:

• The ID must include your surname and house number/name with postcode.
• A phone number isn’t legally required, but we highly recommend it — because if your dog gets lost, speed matters.
• Microchips are also a legal requirement (since 2016) — but a chip alone isn’t enough. You need both ID and a chip.

💡 Most owners attach their ID tag to a collar, because it’s the most practical and secure way to make sure your dog’s covered. Harnesses can also carry ID, but collars are the standard.

Skip it, and you could face fines of up to £5,000!!

🐾 Why IllumiPaws Collars Are Built Different

We don’t do “one-size-fits-all.” Our collars are built around health, comfort, and breed-specific needs — with three different widths so every dog is properly supported:

• 5cm wide → for the big lads and powerhouses: XL Bullies, Great Danes, Mastiffs, Dobermans, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Chow Chows, English Bull Terriers. Extra width spreads pressure evenly and keeps strong necks safe.
• 4cm wide → for your solid medium dogs: Staffies, Beagles, Labradors, Collies, English Bulldogs, Standard Poodles, French Bulldogs, Whippets, Greyhounds, Dalmatians. Sturdy, balanced, and perfect for daily wear.
• 2.5cm wide → for the petites and pocket rockets: Yorkies, Jack Russells, Bichon Frise, Maltese, Shih Tzus, Pomeranians, toy breeds, minis, and puppies of all shapes. Lightweight and gentle, no bulk, just safety.

Every collar is finished with super-soft, extra-padded neoprene lining so even dogs with sensitive skin are covered. No rubbing, no irritation, no excuses. Just comfy, health-first collars that are strong enough for pullers, escape artists, and zoomie champs and stylish enough for Insta.