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demonbrat711 · Dec 12, 2007, 07:38 PM

Is it Ok for my 2 almost 3 month old morkie to wear a collar around its neck with a name tag?

bushg · Dec 12, 2007, 07:58 PM

I've returned quite a few dogs to their owners by the name and phone number on the tags. I see no problem with it, just make sure that the tag is not slender or long enough to get stuck in a floor heat register, criss cross wires for a gate etc.. Collars are fine just make sure that you can get your finger between the collar and its neck, I also like the fabric ones. For my mil's small dog I bought cat collars when she was young.

labman · Dec 12, 2007, 10:58 PM

Collars are a mixed bag. There is no arguing with the value of having a collar with an ID and the rabies tag on the dog at all times. In many states, the law requires the rabies tag.

However, many dogs have strangled on their collars. Slip collars are the worst, but ever the flat collar can kill. On one of my tours of the dog guide school kennel, I noticed a pair or 2 of bolt cutters hanging in every bay right where you could grab them quick. Now the school does keep slip collars on all their dogs all the time. I asked and the guide explained it was in case one dog got its jaw locked in another's collar. They never had a dog injured that way, but several of the trainers had been.

My dogs? They both have a leather flat collar with their tags on it. I engrave my phone number on the back of rabies and other tags. When we go out, I add a slip collar or other training collar. Problem pullers get a Gentle Leader.

labman · Dec 13, 2007, 05:02 AM

From an email: ''Yes.. I have a blue flat collar... so are you saying this is bad?''

The flat collars are the least risky to leave on the dog except for the special break away collars. The break away collars do provide the security of having the tags, but break under stress if the dog gets its collar caught.

I usually stick to just the flat collar until my puppies are 4-5 months old. It is too easy to injure tender young necks before then using a slip collar. The trend is away from metal slip collars for all ages of dogs. Many people are going to the Martingale style restricted fabric slip collars or head collars such as the Gentle Leader. The prong collar is on its way out too.

So, yes, flat collars are bad. They too can injure a dog's neck given harsh, abusive corrections. I think everything else, including no collar at all is worse.

Tuscany · Dec 13, 2007, 05:23 AM

Because doxies are prone to back problems we were told to use a harness with Tuscany. Our vet says that it distributes the pressure across his back and takes away from the pressures around his neck and head. If Tuscany runs on his leash and gets pulled back, he is pulled from between his shoulders, not from around his neck. Also his harness has his rabies tag, licence tag, and his name and our number. Harnesses come in all sizes and might be an option for you.

LearningAsIGo · Dec 13, 2007, 12:20 PM

Sorry to butt in, but just wondering... What mix is a Morkie? Yorkie + ?

I've never heard that expression before.

labman · Dec 13, 2007, 12:31 PM

Maltese

bushg · Dec 13, 2007, 12:34 PM

Demonbrat. For ID purposes you could always have him microchipped, also I have never seen the breakaway collars in the dog section, I have seen and bought them in the cat section. For the rabies tag.. I also keep a copy of the paper work, on hand, in case I ever need it as back up. It is a good idea to keep all of his medical records in a file, anytime you take him to the vet and what is the condition and what is prescribed.