Choosing a collar for my first dog
Updated 15 October 2026
In short: for a first dog, choose a flat, light, adjustable collar with a sturdy clip buckle and a metal ring for the ID tag. Measure the neck, pick the size whose range includes that measurement, then adjust it to leave two fingers of room. The collar is mainly there to carry ID: for walks, especially with a puppy or a dog that pulls, clip the lead to a Y harness instead.
What is a first dog's collar for?
Carrying the ID tag
A name and phone number on a tag let whoever finds your dog call you straight away. It complements the microchip, which is mandatory in France for dogs over 4 months old.
Learning to wear gear
A light collar is often the first thing a puppy wears. Introduced well, it paves the way for the harness and lead.
Clipping on the lead, sometimes
For a calm adult that already walks on a loose lead, the lead can clip to the collar on short outings.
A collar isn't the best tool for holding a dog that pulls: the force then goes through the throat.
The 5 criteria to choose well
- A simple designA flat, adjustable collar with a clip buckle you can open one-handed. Avoid complicated mechanisms and, of course, any collar that tightens or has prongs.
- The right sizeMeasure the neck with a soft tape where the collar will sit. Choose the size whose range includes that measurement, ideally near the middle so you keep room to adjust.
- A soft, washable materialPolyester is light and machine-washable. If your dog loves water and mud, a waterproof collar wipes clean and doesn't hold smells.
- A sturdy buckle and ringCheck that the buckle clicks firmly and the ring is metal. Even stitching, no loose threads.
- A width that suits the dog's sizeNarrow for a small dog, wider for a big one: a wider collar spreads the contact better. Our collars go from 1.5 cm (S) to 2.5 cm (L).
Quiz: which collar for my first dog?
The "harness" result shows as soon as your dog is a puppy or pulls, whatever the next answer.
Getting your dog used to its first collar
- Day 1Let it sniff the collar and reward. Put it on for a few seconds during play or a meal, then take it off.
- Days 2–4Lengthen gradually: a few minutes, then for a whole activity. If it scratches, distract it with a toy rather than scolding.
- Week 1It no longer notices it. Add the tag and go on short outings, with the lead clipped to the harness.
- After thatCheck the fit every week while it's growing, and take the collar off at night or when it's alone.
Checklist before the first walk
Before you head out:
Collars to avoid as a beginner
A choke collar helps teach loose-lead walking.
FALSEIt works through discomfort or pain and can injure the neck. Since July 2025, dog professionals in France may no longer use it. Learning comes from rewards: see the Stop and Go method.
A puppy can wear a heavy collar with big decorations.
FALSEA heavy or decorated collar drags on the neck and can snag. The smaller the dog, the lighter the collar should be.
A reflective or light-up collar is useful in winter.
TRUEYes, so cars can see your dog at dusk. A light-up pendant clipped to the ring also does the job.
Find out more: collars to avoid and the different types of collar.
Frequently asked questions
Which collar should I choose for a first dog?
A flat, light, adjustable collar with a sturdy clip buckle and a metal ring for the tag. Polyester suits most dogs; a waterproof one is handier for dogs that love water.
At what age can a puppy wear a collar?
From the day it arrives, with a light collar worn under supervision. Check the fit every week as it grows fast.
Should the lead go on the collar or the harness?
For a puppy or a dog that pulls, on the harness: the pull goes through the chest, not the throat. The collar is still useful for ID.
How do I know the collar is the right size?
Two flat fingers should fit underneath, and the collar shouldn't slip over the ears. Our size calculator helps you choose.
Is an ID tag mandatory?
In France, it's identification by microchip or tattoo that's mandatory for dogs over 4 months. A tag is a very useful extra: anyone can call you without a chip reader.
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