DIY Dog Collar with Webbing
For a basic but effective DIY dog collar, check out this tutorial that uses webbing and not much else.
Sure, it might not be as customizable as other options on this list, but you can still use whatever color and pattern you like for the webbing. (We love this “I Rescued My Human” pattern!)
And unlike other ideas that are best for more petite pups, this is great for dogs of all sizes, including those who tend to pull.
A great choice if: You like sewing and want a no-frills DIY dog collar that works for dogs of all sizes.
Skill level: Medium
Sturdy and stylish, leather dog collars create a classic look that is great for all breeds.
At first it might seem intimidating to create a leather DIY dog collar. In actuality, however, it’s not as hard as it sounds.
The tutorial above shows you how to create a customized collar that is completely unique to your dog.
A great choice if: You like the look of leather and need a guide for how to work it.
Skill level: Medium
Another creative DIY idea is this serenity collar. It utilizes different cords that are combined for a cool multi-color collar that’s completely unique to your dog.
This is a great option if you want to create a unique dog collar without having to sew a thing.
And if you rocked at creating friendship bracelets back in the day, this is definitely the project for you!
A great choice if: You like intricate braiding and have patience. (It’ll pay off as you work on this!)
Skill level: Medium
When you think of DIY dog collars, it might seem crazy to create one out of only thread. But once you watch this tutorial, it’ll make perfect sense.
Simple to understand, the guide above shows you how to pick out several thread colors and weave them together for a colorful and creative collar.
This might not be the best choice for big dogs who like to pull. But if you have a daintier dog, you must check this out!
A great choice if: You have good dexterity and want to create a bohemian-style accessory for your smaller-sized dog.
Skill level: Medium
Who said dog collars couldn’t have a little extra flare?
This DIY dog collar adds a bandana-like attachment that can be completely customized for your canine. You can use whatever fabric and decorations you like.
A great choice if: You want a bigger canvas to express your creativity and like to dress your dog.
Skill level: Medium
Have you ever taken your dog outside at night and later couldn’t find them in the dark? Or, have you ever gone for an off-leash hike only to lose your pup in the great outdoors?
With this easy DIY jingle bell collar, you’ll never have that issue again. The bells constantly jingle so you’ll know where your pup is at all times!
A great choice if: You need to know where your dog is without seeing them. Or you want a little festive flare for the holidays.
Skill level: Easy
If you have a dog that’s extra large, extra strong, or both, you might scoff at some of the DIY dog collar ideas on this list. (We have a 110-lb Labrador Retriever who’s all muscle, so I totally get this!)
Fortunately, there’s a DIY collar for that type of dog. And best of all, it’s the easiest tutorial on the list.
A great choice if: You have an extra strong canine who needs a collar that can keep up.
Skill level: Easy
1 DIY Collar from Shoe Laces
If you’re a fan of the upcycle movement, here is another idea for you.
Got old shoe laces lying around? Turn them into a dog collar!
You could also buy new ones so you can pick out your preferred colors.
This tutorial shows you how to weave them into a super sweet dog collar that is perfect for smaller pups.
A great choice if: You have a dog that’s on the smaller side and like working with your hands.
Skill level: Easy
Next up is a decorative DIY collar that can be as subtle or as splashy as you’d like.
The base for this DIY dog collar is a stainless steal chain. You start by picking out one that is strong and sturdy and fits your dog’s neck well.
Next is the fun part. You’ll weave in trimmings to design a totally customize collar not found in any store.
A great choice if: You have a flare for creating crafty things and want to express yourself through a DIY dog collar.
Skill level: Medium
Last – but certainly not least! – is a fantastically flashy DIY dog collar that adds flare to your furbaby.
One word sums up this collar: Rhinestones.
They’re front and center in this super simple design. All you need is a rhinestone roll and a few other materials.
Not all dogs can pull off this look. But if you have a sweet girly dog or an animal with attitude, this is a fun and flirty idea.
A great choice if: You want an extravagant collar that’s incredibly easy to make and is for decorative purposes only.
Skill level: Easy
Butter Tub Collar from Mia Rose
Here’s another cool idea we saw on Pinterest, but like the pool noodle E-collar mentioned above, we couldn’t find any DIY plans for it.
However, if you just look at it, there’s not much explanation required: Find the right size butter container or Tupperware in your kitchen, cut a hole in it, and put it on your pet’s neck. Because it’ll weigh much less than a bucket or pail, it probably won’t need any straps to secure it.
Skill Level: Easy
Tools Required:
Materials Required:
The hardest part of this project is finding the right size container. Once you do that, the rest should be pretty straight-forward. This is likely the simplest DIY E-cone you can make for your dog.
The BIG MISTAKE That People Make When Fitting A Dog Collar
You would think picking out a leash and collar for your new puppy is a simple enough task — until you walk into a pet store and are met with an overwhelming number of options. Which is better for my puppy: collar or harness? What are all these different types of collars and harnesses for, exactly? These are important questions, and the answers will help you choose the safest option for your dog.
Whichever you end up choosing, just remember that no collar or harness is safe for a puppy to wear without supervision, so be sure to remove it before shutting your pup inside a crate or leaving them unattended.
This is your basic dog collar. These collars come in leather, woven nylon or cloth varieties, and they can often be found in cute colors and patterns, sometimes accessorized with bling, bow ties, bandanas and other ways to show off your dog’s personality. They’re easy to find, affordable, and they’re great for displaying ID tags. Rolled collars tend to be a bit sturdier and hold up better for active dogs who put a lot of wear and tear on their collars, but because they’re raised from the neck and can catch on things more easily and cause choking, they’re generally not recommended for puppies.
These standard types of collars have a major drawback, however. “[Both flat and rolled] collars can cause damage to the trachea,” says Dr. Sara Ochoa, DVM, veterinary consultant for DogLab. “Tracheal collapse is when your dog’s tracheal rings weaken, causing them to collapse when your dog breathes in and out. This can cause narrowing in your dog’s trachea.” This can be a danger for puppies learning to walk on a leash and older dogs who have a tendency to pull.
Certified dog behavior consultant Kayla Fratt, founder of Journey Dog Training, agrees. “Once my dogs are trained to walk nicely on a leash, we simply use a flat buckle neck collar. Until they walk nicely, however, I use a back-clip harness to protect their throats from pulling.”
Another potential danger of these types of collars is that they can increase eye pressure. A 2006 study in the Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association found that the force generated by a dog pulling against a standard neck collar can significantly increase pressure in the eyes, and shouldn’t be used on dogs who have glaucoma, weak corneas or other eye conditions.
These types of collars are sometimes used in training. Choke collars slip around a dog’s neck and tighten uncomfortably when the dog pulls against it, whereas prong collars are lined with blunt prongs that place pressure on the neck. When used correctly, these collars are intended only to get the dog’s attention, and not as a means of punishment.
While some trainers find these collars effective on high-drive breeds like Belgian Malinois, who don’t always respond well to other training methods, many trainers disavow their use, including Kayla Fratt. “I recommend relying on games and treats to teach your dog not to pull, not finding equipment that makes pulling painful for your dog,” she says. These collars are not for everyday use and should only be used under the supervision of a professional trainer, and they should never be used on puppies younger than six months.
A hybrid between a choke collar and a flat collar, Martingale collars are designed with stops that make them less restrictive than choke collars and prevent them from squeezing the neck. Properly designed Martingales sit high on the neck, avoiding the trachea, and offer more control of the head, which makes dogs more responsive to direction. Poorly designed Martingale-style collars, however, tend to slip down and have the same drawbacks as regular flat collars. Also, poorly fitted collars can easily slip off over the head, making it easy for puppies to slip out and run away.
These are flat collars with a fastener that easily breaks open when a dog or puppy pulls hard enough. A safety collar can be a good option in a situation where you need your pup to wear ID or proof of vaccination but are concerned about choking, such as at play dates with rambunctious dogs or at an off-leash dog park. But the breakaway design makes these collars a poor choice for leash walking.
Harnesses fit around your dog’s chest and torso, keeping pressure off of the neck. They come in a variety of materials and styles, but there are two main types you should be aware of.
This is the most common type of harness, with a D-ring located in the middle of the back for attaching a leash. These harnesses tend to be more comfortable for dogs, and are generally a good choice for brachycephalic breeds–those with flat faces, such as Pugs or Bulldogs, which are more prone to tracheal collapse. They also tend to be a better choice for breeds in the Toy Group, which tend to be more fragile, and for dogs with long, delicate necks, like Greyhounds.
One drawback of back-clip harnesses is that they can encourage pulling, especially with breeds like Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Malamutes that are bred to pull heavy objects. “I still recommend back-clip harnesses for jogging, biking, or hiking,” says Fratt. “They’re great in situations where comfort and freedom are the priority for the dog or in situations where a bit of pulling is expected.”
These harnesses have the D-ring located in the front of the chest. This design is meant to discourage pulling, which can be a good choice for heavy pullers, especially large breeds who could jerk you off your feet. However, depending on the design, some front-clip harnesses can constrict your pup and end up causing damage. “While they may reduce your dog’s pulling power, having a strap that shortens their stride and pulls them to the side is bad for their posture and musculature,” says Fratt. “Look for a front-clip harness that is Y-shaped rather than one that has a strap across their chest.”