While I was at work today, my father took the dogs out to the woods to hike. Usually he is advised against this because he doesn't have the patience for my GSP. He thinks the family weim is as good as it gets (she is crazy though) and my girl Lacey can't compare, especially because she follows her nose more often then any command.  He took her, she enjoyed herself and he barely managed a compliment that she was good on the trails.

Anyways, Lacey came back without her collar. It was a cheap-o Christmas collar with a plastic buckle, so no loss there. But it always worries me that when she is out of sight, as she will get good and far into the woods for a few minutes before reappearing on the trail ahead of me, that her collar will snag on something. I wasn't there so I don't know if that happend or it was loose and fell off. Any suggestions, anyone else have this fear? This is why I always use a plastic snap buckle instead of the metal types on belts.

Yes she is microchipped so no worry about her tag lost.

Take that choke collar off....when not under supervision.. I hesitate to relay this story, because it still hurts me

One of my employees left his dog in his canopy ( with the window open ) St Bernaird....he tried to get out, My guess was to get with his Dad...regardless

He hung himself.........................AGAIN I apoligize for the sad story...BUT I remember it , like it was yesterday  ( actually 15 yrs  ago ).................COLLARS ??????    Need SUPERVISION

Renee'

I use the D ring collars too. Mine are waterproof and have brass name plates. They roll off if the dog gets snagged on a tree branch etc. I use them or my dogs are collarless.

Gail

I use the plastic flat O-ring collars so there's no ring sticking out to snag, and make sure they're put on snugly enough to prevent slipping off when the hits-fan-moment comes. Also Boomerang tags.

Here is a picture of Rocky's collar that just slips over his head. He has worn it for the past 3 years and has had no problems and goes in all types of lands and has never slipped off his head or caught on any thing. It also gives me more control when walking him without having the effect of a choke collar

Marie- I think this is what is often called a 'limited slip' collar in mushing circles, where it's very popular.

If you ever get the desire to put a plate like the boomerang tags I have on my collars into a collar like you're using, get in touch with AlpineOutfitters.net.

Well, I have to say in 10+ years of hunting, or training almost everyday (though granted most is not in heavy woods out here) I have never had a dog stuck on something. When they are out of site they have their beeper collars on, so I could always find them if they did. But, do not leave choke collars on dogs, they are training tools, and dangerous. Now, when I am doing water work, or duck or goose hunting the collars are all off, we do a lot of work in a flooded timber, I have seen dogs get snagged by their collars in there, I always suggest they are off, but some people leave them on, but I have never had a situation arrise where I had to get in a boat they come loose or the stick or branch breaks.
Mine are all chipped, but I should put a plate on the e collars, something I always mean to do, but somehow always forget!

Wanted to add, the plastic snap buckle collars will break, I have had client dogs come in with them, and they break just from the dog hitting the end of the stake out chain, I change them over to regular buckle collars now.

Thank you Meg for that suggestion as yes I have had his tags fall off a few times when accidently hooking the leash on the tag ring. This collar was a gift to Rocky so I didnot know the name or function for this type of collar.