FAQ's

If your question isn't answered here, please don't hesitate to contact me! I'm always happy to help!

How would I measure my dog's neck size?

I highly recommend measuring around your dog's neck about where you prefer the collar to rest on your dog's neck. We recommend doing it this way because some people prefer their collars to sit higher up/tighter or lower down/looser. If you don't have a fabric ruler (generally found in the sewing section of your store), you can use a regular ruler or tape measure and a piece of string/shoelace/dog leash by using the string to measure your dog's neck and then measuring the string with the flat ruler/measuring tape. 

What type of sizing do you recommend for puppies?

When ordering for a puppy or a young growing dog, we will still need your puppy's current neck size. But you will also mention in the notes box that your dog is a puppy and that you would like a puppy-sized collar. This will let me know you want the collar to start at your puppy's current neck size and adjust up from there. For example, your puppy with a 13" neck would get a collar that adjusts from 13" to 18"ish* (*exact measurement would depend on the style you choose, as different styled collars adjust differently).

Do you offer returns/exchanges? What's your return/exchange policy?

Generally we do not offer returns or exchanges because our collars are custom-made specifically for your dog. HOWEVER, we are always willing to work with you if you are unsatisfied with your order for any reason. Returns and exchanges are very dependent on each situation, so just shoot us a message if you need to discuss a return or exchange.

My dog outgrew their collar/my dog tore the fabric/I'm tired of the pattern I chose. What can I do now?

We are happy to offer a hardware recycle program! If your dog outgrows it's collar, if your dog is rough with the collar and tore the fabric or just got it dirty beyond repair, or if you're just tired of the fabric you chose but the hardware on your collar is still in working condition, we can offer you a discount on a new collar in exchange for sending in your old collar to reuse the hardware! This only works when you order the same style as the collar you send in (a 1" wide fabric martingale can only be recycled for a 1" wide fabric martingale). The discount varies due to different styles and hardware costs varying. (For example, a plastic classic/regular collar will get you less of a discount than a brass fabric martingale.) To recycle a collar, just send us a message to get started. Both shipping costs are to be covered by the customer.

How long do orders take before they ship?

You can generally see our most up-to-date order processing time in our website header, or on each product page there should be a checkbox acknowledging our current processing time. Our processing time fluctuates often based on how many orders are coming in, if I'm out of town, or just if I get sick or something that keeps me from working. For the most part, our standard processing time is 1-3 weeks, though. (Some orders can take longer if I have to restock hardware/fabric.) We try to keep everything in stock, but sometimes I miscount my inventory, or I don't see I'm out of a specific hardware until I go to construct the collar. 

How long do orders take once shipped?

First-class shipping inside the continental U.S. generally takes 3-5 days. They can sometimes take a few days extra, dependent on weather. Priority shipping is supposed to only take 1-3 days inside the U.S., but the USPS can sometimes be a day or two late. First-class international shipping can take anywhere from 1 to 6 weeks; however, USPS does not guarantee shipping times for first-class international packages. Priority international shipping is supposed to only take 6-10 days to all countries; however, I've had some take a little longer, unfortunately. All shipping times are listed in business days and are not guaranteed, as I cannot control the package once it's in the hands of the postal service.

Why don't you have set sizes? Do your collars adjust?

Of course! All of our collars adjust; our collars are always adjustable unless we specify it with you otherwise (but truthfully I don't think I've ever made a collar that does not adjust). The reason we don't like to use set sizes is because, having dogs of my own, I know how annoying it is to have a dog be on the cusp of two sizes (example: set sizes are 11"-15" and 15"-20", and you have a dog that has a 15" neck). We ask for your dog's exact neck size so that we can make your dog's neck measurement be about the middle of adjustability on your collar. (On very large large collars, I don't make it to the middle; I instead make it adjust up about 4 to 5 inches from your dog's neck size.) We also don't use set sizes because different style collars have different ranges of adjustability. (For example, fabric martingales adjust much less than a tag collar or no-buckle slide collar will.)

What are your collars made out of? 

All our standard collars are made out of 100% cotton fabric and polypropylene webbing on the inside (if not, it will be specified otherwise). All stitching is done with a polyester thread to not fray/tear like cotton might. We wash and dry all our material before constructing your collar to pre-shrink the fabric and ensure the fabric doesn't fade or have any major defects that pop up when washing. 

How should I wash and care for my new collar?

I like to say, treat your new collar like you would your favorite t-shirt. While our collars are sturdy and strong, they just don't last forever and can't withstand every single thing life throws at them. (Why we like to offer our recycle program - explained above.) You wouldn't wear the same t-shirt for months on end without taking it off, would you? So why leave the same collar on your dog for months on end? To give your dog's collar the longest and best life, I recommend removing it when planning to get excessively dirty or if they're planning to roughhouse with other dogs (dog teeth and cotton fabric just don't play well together). To wash your collar: I personally wash my collars in my washing machine with my regular laundry (you can tie them inside a pillowcase to protect them from banging around a ton in the wash), and then I lay them flat to dry. Another option, of course, is handwashing. Handwashing is a bit more gentle and another great option; just be careful not to scrub the fabric with anything highly abrasive. So ultimately it's up to you how you wash your collar. A couple of other things I recommend to help your collar last are removing the collar at night, or having a few collars to rotate to make them all last longer. 

What is a "no buckle slide" or other collar style? I just want a regular collar. How would I order that?

We have a collar style info page specifically for this to explain the different styles and hardware options. Please click "collar style info" from the menu or click this link: https://www.thesilverhound.net/pages/collar-styles