For puppies under 4 months I use a regular flat nylon collar, around 4 months I switch to a rolled leather collar so the new fur is not broken by the nylon.
A link to an article on how to fit a prong collar ( thank you Jennie for the link)
http://leerburg.com/fit-prong.htm
My favorite prong collar, Herm Sprenger Ultra in curogan:
Prongs can be removed or added to fit properly:
These are also popular because they blend right in with the dogs fur:
My favorite fur saver collar:
German-style show collars:
Check out these handsome collars:
http://www.fordogtrainers.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=66
A good everyday collar as the rolled leather does not break the fur:
and of course the collar Roman made famous:
There are also prong collars with quick-release style buckles, which are very nice for those of us with arthritis or clumsy fingers. Mine have never come undone accidentally, which was not always the case with the regular link fastening.
I had to stop using my quick release prong collar, it came undone at the wrong time too many times.
For those who use a prong for daily walks, etc., here is a link for the prong collar covers. The cover will not interfere with the function of the prong.
http://www.activedogs.com/product.php?id=830
A bandana works too.
If anyone’s interested in one of the cool new BLACK Fursavers, I might want to sell mine. I got a 23″ for Pan and it’s a little smaller than I’d like. It would be good for a female GSD or for a male/female GSD 6-12 months. I already have a larger one I use for SV shows but wanted one for Pan to wear during Schutzhund trials since it’s the required collar. I thought Pan had been wearing a 21″ Fursaver so I ordered a 23″ but I must’ve been wrong. I’d like to sell his new 23″ black and get him the same one a few inches larger. It’s genuine Herm Sprenger, the larger heavy duty links like what dogs wear for Schutzhund training and trials. The black looks really cool!
This is the actual collar
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6964745260_82df54237d_z.jpg
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8016/7110818241_124366a433_z.jpg
Roman is still rockin’ the flame collar two years later! I’m also a big fan of the Sprenger.