How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar or Bandana

Getting the fit right is the difference between a collar your dog forgets they're wearing and one that's forever too tight or sliding about. Good news: it takes about thirty seconds.

Grab a soft tape measure. The bendy fabric kind you'd use for sewing is ideal. No tape measure? A bit of string and a ruler does the job just as well.

Measure the neck. Wrap it around the base of your dog's neck, right where the collar or bandana will naturally sit. Keep it snug against the fur but not tight.

Add a little wiggle room. Slide two fingers between the tape and your dog's neck, and use that measurement. This is the classic two finger rule, and it gives you snug but comfy, with no rubbing and no escape artist moments.

Between sizes? Size up rather than down, especially for growing puppies and fluffier breeds whose coats need a touch more room.

Every collar and bandana product page lists its own measurements, so once you've got your number you'll know exactly which size to pick. Easy.