While there may be some dogs out there sporting stylish outfits, the truth is that most dogs wear just one thing: a collar. That collar might seem like a minor consideration, but it is extremely important to put some thought into what goes around your dog's neck.

First and foremost, make sure that your dog's collar fits properly. You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably under the collar but not be able to pull the collar over your dog's head. It's easy, especially with a growing puppy, to let collars get a little too tight.

Another consideration is whether or not your dog pulls while on a leash. Although training collars are not to be worn all of the time, they are excellent tools to use if your dog pulls during your walks. Haltis and Gentle Leaders look like muzzles but definitely are not. These products do a terrific job reinforcing polite walking manners. Another great training collar is a martingale. These are limited choke collars that stop choking well before any damage can occur but still get small enough to provide incentive to stop pulling.

While Haltis, Gentle Leaders, and martingales get my paws up of approval, choke collars absolutely do not. I'm sure there are trainers who disagree, but I ask you to think about one irrefutable fact: if you put a choke collar on your human neck, you will be in pain when it is taut. With traditional choke chains, there is no limit to how tight the collar can get. Why risk tracheal damage when there are so many great alternatives to choke collars? I'm similarly not fond of prong collars, but debates rage on about these, and I will refrain from saying too much. Again, I doubt you would want one around your neck.

Whatever collar you choose, it's a good idea to use it to promote the safety of your pet. There are reflective collars that make your dog more visible to cars, as well as blinkers that radiate light for long distances. There are even "headlights" for collars that help make you and your pet highly visible when you're walking. Of course, the most important safety measure collars provide is identification. Whether the information is embroidered on the collar itself or engraved on a tag that hangs from the collar, it is critical to insure that your dog's identity is quickly available.

One final word of advice regarding your dog's safety is to check the condition of collars frequently. If you're walking your dog, the collar and lead are lifelines protecting your pet from traffic, other animals, etc. If the collar or lead is wearing out, get a new one immediately.

Phew! Seems like a lot to say about a little strip of leather or fabric, but as you can see, collars are so much more than a fashion statement! I'm heading off now to beg my people for new neck ware. Life is all about the proper accessories.

Albert, a Jack Russell Terrier, is Chairman of the Board of Wylie Wagg, a shop for dogs, cats, and their people, in Middleburg.