Smash has a deep-rooted disdain for collars with dangly tags. We’re not sure if something happened in his past or if it’s just one of his quirks, but if you put a collar on him with tags hanging off of it, he goes nuts. Something in his mind breaks, and all he can focus on is trying to chew those tags off, not to mention the collar that came with them. And, since he can’t really reach the tags with his mouth (his nickname is “No Face” for a reason), he tries — desperately — to pull them into a chewable position with his front paws. It’s… pretty sad.
Rather than let our sweet, door-darting dog run free and collar-less, we knew we needed to find a collar with an integrated tag. So, when DogIDs.com reached out to offer their new ScruffTag Paracord Collar for review, I jumped at the chance!
Soon after we discovered Smash’s OCD, tag-destroying tendencies, the Paracord Collar arrived on our doorstep to be put to the test. Would its guaranteed-for-life, stainless steel, built-in nameplate stand up to Smash’s neurosis? Or would it just drive him even more insane? Dun, dun, dun…
First things first, though, this collar is top notch quality. Available in three sizes, each collar can be customized to your heart’s content: there are 30 (!!!) different military-grade parachute cord colors to choose from, including 7 with reflective threads for nighttime safety. I chose a combination of Royal Mountain and Colonial Blue. But, on top of all the fancy colors, this material is mildew resistant and tightly braided, which means it’s extremely strong and durable. Sign me up!
And now, back to the tag situation. Like I mentioned, these tags are guaranteed for life. You can add up to four lines of text, which are engraved in corrosion-proof stainless steel. I chose to include our phone number as well as Smash’s microchip and PetHub numbers. This little stink is a runner (he was picked up as a stray after all), and I wanted as much info as possible on there!
So. What did Smash do after I put his new Paracord Collar on for the first time? Nothing. Zilch. Nada. It’s like he didn’t even know it was there, which is the BEST reaction we could have possibly hoped for! I’m telling you, it was a miracle. Just to see if it was a fluke, I switched back to his old jingle-jangly collar for a moment — and he was back to his usual neurotic, destructive antics. Another switcheroo back to the Paracord? NOTHING. It blew my mind.
Verdict? Two paws way up! (And a huge sigh of relief from me!)
BUT! Let’s pretend your dog isn’t insane about tags, only that the noise bothers you (or others in the house). Or maybe you’re worried about the tags getting caught on something and posing a risk. Or maybe you just want something streamlined and sexy (who doesn’t?). DogIDs.com has a huge range of integrated-tag collars in a variety of materials (parachute cord, leather, nylon, Soft Grip — you name it). Be sure to take a peek!
[Disclosure: DogIDs.com sent me a Paracord Collar for review. All views and opinions are my own.]