Australian Shepherds have a reputation for being energetic and playful. If you give them a chance, they will play all day. That’s why it is necessary to get a dog collar that allows them to feel comfortable throughout the day and can withstand rough play.
The overall best dog collar for an Australian Shepherd is the Country Book Nylon Dog Collar. This collar offers all the necessary features you are going to need for your dog. It is durable, stylish, water-resistant, and soft.
This guide covers the best dog collars for Australian Shepherds. It will show you the best-rated items and the ones made of the highest-quality materials.
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| Product | Image | |
| Best Overall | Country Book Nylon Dog Collar |  |
| Savvy Pick | LED Dog Collar |  |
| Budget Pick | Joytale Reflective Dog Collar |  |
| Best Pick for Puppies | Tuff Pupper Heavy Duty Collar |  |
Product Reviews for Australian Shepherd Dog Collars
Best Overall: Country Book Nylon Dog Collar
The Country Book Nylon Dog Collar is the best overall option for Australian Shepherds. It is durable and made of high-quality nylon that gives your Aussie puppy the best comfort. It also uses stainless steel and aluminum for the buckle and the D-ring for the leash, making it a highly resistant choice.
One of the best features of this nylon collar is that it allows you to choose between 26 different colors. So you can get the one that best matches your dog’s personality. Additionally, it is easy to adjust to your dog’s neck, and it is also the right size for Australian Shepherds: 16” to 23” (40.6 to 58.4 cm).
This standard collar doesn’t present many drawbacks, but you should consider that the colors can wear off if exposed to the elements for long periods. Although this won’t happen overnight, it is still something you should know.
Pros:
- It is the right size for an Australian Shepherd.
- You can choose from 26 different colors.
- It is made of stainless steel, aluminum, and high-quality nylon.
- It is soft and comfortable for your dog.
- It comes with a highly durable buckle.
Cons:
- The color can fade if you expose it to the elements.
Savvy Pick: LED Dog Collar
The LED Dog Collar is another excellent option for your Australian Shepherd, especially if you love your dog to show your style and personality. It is easy to adjust to your dog’s neck. All you need to do is cut it to make it fit. It is also comfortable and won’t fall off from your pup unless you take it off.
This collar allows you to know where your dog is whenever you go out for a walk during the night. You can charge the LED brightness by connecting it to any USB port, giving you a longer duration than other models on the market. Additionally, it is highly durable and easy to use.
However, it does present some drawbacks that you should know. For instance, the collar doesn’t come with a D-ring to attach a leash, making it a less than ideal choice for a walk.
You should also avoid your large dog chewing on it, as it can produce some health-related problems. Overall, it is suitable for style and night use but not as efficient as other dog collars.
Pros:
- It is a stylish option.
- It is a one-size-fits-all model.
- It is bright so that you can see your dog when he runs during the night.
- It is USB rechargeable.
- It is durable and easy to adjust.
Cons:
- It doesn’t offer a ring for the leash.
- It is not safe to chew on.
Budget Pick: Joytale Reflective Dog Collar
The Joytale Reflective Dog Collar is an excellent affordable option for your Australian Shepherd. It is the right size for Aussies, and it is made of high-quality materials. The collar itself is made of nylon, making it soft and comfortable. In contrast, the buckle and leash ring are made of stainless steel for better durability.
You can also choose between 12 colors and four different sizes. Additionally, the collar is easy to adjust to your dog’s neck. So, you won’t have any problem putting it on or taking it off. This model is also extra affordable if you are on a budget.
The main drawback of this collar is that it doesn’t offer many extra features. Also, the collar itself is not as resistant as other models on the market.
Pros:
- This model is the right size for an Australian Shepherd.
- The collar is made of soft nylon, and the buckle and leash ring is made of stainless steel.
- The collar has a classic design.
- It is easy to adjust and put on and take off.
- It is an extra affordable choice.
Cons:
- It doesn’t offer many extra features.
- It is not as resistant as other items on the list.
Best Pick for Puppies: Tuff Pupper Heavy Duty Collar
The Tuff Pupper Heavy Duty Collar is the best option for your Australian Shepherd puppy. The collar is durable and comes with an integrated safety handle to keep your puppy away from danger if necessary. You can choose between four different sizes and eleven colors.
Additionally, the collar is soft and comfortable for your puppy’s neck, and the brand offers excellent customer service.
However, you should know that the integrated handle is not as resistant as the other collar parts. If your puppy is powerful, you may run into some issues.
Pros:
- It is a durable dog collar.
- It comes with an integrated safety handle.
- It is comfortable and safe.
- You can find it in different sizes.
- The brand offers excellent customer service.
Cons:
- The handle of the collar is not as resistant as the rest of the product.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Dog Collar for an Australian Shepherd
What Size Collar Should I Get for an Australian Shepherd?
The average neck size of an adult Australian Shepherd is between 16” and 22” (41 and 56 cm), depending on their gender and diet. Therefore, you should consider getting an adjustable collar of around 20” (50.8 cm).
The adjustable mechanism will help you make the collar fit your dog’s neck without causing discomfort.
What Kind of Collar Is Best for an Australian Shepherd?
There are certain features you should look for in a dog collar for your Australian Shepherd:
- Durability: Australian Shepherds can be a bit manic sometimes. If they don’t like a collar, they are going to try to rip it off. That’s why durability should be one of the main features you look for in a dog collar.
- Hypoallergenic materials: Many purebred dogs suffer from skin allergies and other skin-related problems. Suppose you want to avoid rashes, sores, and other health issues. In that case, you should try to look for a dog collar made of hypoallergenic materials.
- Size: The right dog collar size for your Australian Shepherd is between 16” and 22” (41 and 56 cm). However, the size will also depend on your dog’s gender and weight. Remember, a loose collar is not safe, and a tight one can be uncomfortable.
- Adjustability: Dogs can change their neck size as they grow or gain weight. Therefore, an adjustable buckle is essential.
- Softness: Soft materials can be the difference between your dog hating the collar or loving it. Some dogs have no problem with leather collars or steel chains, but others might prefer something more comfortable.
- Water resistance: Australian Shepherds are energetic and playful. Given the opportunity, they will try to play in the mud and water. That’s why a water-resistant material and a buckle that won’t get rusty is something you should consider.
- Leah adaptability: The last feature you should look for is the adaptability of the collar. There are many types of leashes and leash sizes, and having a collar that can fit most of them will be helpful for you and your dog.
Is a Collar or a Harness Better for an Australian Shepherd?
Collars and harnesses might have similar uses, but they offer different features for your dog. For instance, a dog harness tends to provide more safety and comfort for dogs that like to pull. However, it is more challenging to train a dog to walk on the leash if you use a harness.
Walking On The Leash
You should know that he will harm his throat if your dog pulls and he is wearing a collar. The constant hard pulling can cause long-term damage that you will start to notice once your dog reaches a certain age. That’s why many owners choose harnesses for dogs that are difficult to walk on the leash.
On the other hand, training your dog to stop pulling when walking is a lot harder when using a harness. That’s why most professional trainers choose to use steel chains or collars when training difficult dogs. For dog training Australian Shepherds we do not recommend a prong collar or pinch collar. While this breed is a high energy herding dog, Aussies typically get through leash training without needing a tough training collar.
Identification
Although you can put a plaque on your dog’s harness, the standard is to use a dog collar for it. In many countries, dogs that do not have a collar and wander around neighborhoods are usually taken to the pound.
Comfort and Safety
When it comes to comfort and safety, it varies depending on your dog’s personality. Some dogs hate having collars around their necks because it bothers them, especially if they suffer from skin-related problems. However, other dogs will just freeze if you put a harness on them.
In the end, it will depend on your dog. If he prefers a harness, then a harness is the right choice. If he likes a collar, then get one for him.
How Much Exercise Does an Australian Shepherd Need?
Australian Shepherds are highly energetic dogs that require at least one hour of intense play a day, combined with some training. They live to work, and that’s why they need to feel like they are doing some kind of physical job.
You can help them by giving them something to do. For instance, herding sheep is in their nature, and they enjoy it a lot. Alternatively, you can play high-intensity games like chasing the ball or playing with a frisbee.
Engage their noses in the house if you want to avoid boredom and destructive behavior. For example, hide treats in the garden and let him find them.
How to Train An Australian Shepherd to Walk on a Leash
Australian Shepherds are intelligent herding dogs that love to be active. That’s why training one shouldn’t be an impossible task. Once your dog knows the basic commands, walking on the leash will be a lot easier.
Here’s what you should do:
Start Early
When it comes to training dogs, the sooner you start, the better. Suppose your Australian Shepherd is already two months old. In that case, you can begin by training the most straightforward commands and letting him get used to using a collar and a leash.
The Sit Command
Start your training by teaching him how to sit on command. The sooner you get it, the easier it will be for your dog to learn everything else. For instance, if he knows what the word “sit” means, you can make him sit until he calms down every time he pulls.
Treats
The best way for a pet parent to train a dog to do anything is with treats. All you need to do is to teach him that the source of treats is you. That way, he will always be looking for you and you and paying attention to you in any situation. Once you have your dog’s attention, teaching him not to pull on the leash will be easier.
Most dogs are food-motivated, so that won’t be a problem. However, if your dog is not into treats, you can use attention or toys as a reward. Additionally, you can use a clicker to mark wanted behavior. So, every time your dog hears the click, he’ll know he has done something good.
If you’re struggling with your dog pulling on the leash, you might like to check out this video.
Conclusion
If you are looking for the best dog collar for your Australian Shepherd, consider the Country Book Nylon Dog Collar. It offers excellent durability, good style, easy adjustment, and you can use it with almost any leash.
Overall, when looking for a collar for your Australian Shepherd, you should consider features like durability, adjustability, and size. Additionally, soft and hypoallergenic materials will also be helpful.
