Our writers
Anna de Jong
Practical Living-with-Dogs Writer · Amsterdam
Squffy writer · Veghel
Areas of expertise
- Everyday dog care
- Puppy socialisation
- Multi-dog households
- Practical training tips
- Companion animal life
All wiki articles by Anna are fact-checked by Squffy's editorial review team before publication.
Articles by Anna de Jong
Dog Names That Fit On A Collar
Ten characters on the collar, eight with dog pins, six on Small. Here is which names actually fit, and where the longer ones honestly belong.
How to Stop Leash Pulling: The Calm, Repeatable Method
A practical, repeatable drill to stop leash pulling on the next walk. U-turn, stop, reward, the technique that does the work, with honest notes on power breeds, harnesses, and why prong collars aren't the answer.
Collar Fit for Long-Necked Breeds: Greyhounds, Whippets, Salukis
Sighthounds have necks smaller than their heads, so standard collars slip off. Here's what actually fits a Greyhound, Whippet, or Saluki, and an honest take on when our Classic works and when you need a Martingale.
Collar Fit for Bulldogs, Pugs and Frenchies
Short-necked breeds carry real airway risk. Here's how to fit a collar properly for Bulldogs, Pugs, Frenchies and Boxers, wider webbing, looser-than-standard, and when to switch to a harness.
When to Size Up a Puppy Collar (and How Often to Check)
Puppies grow fast, and their collars don't grow with them. Here's when to size up, how often to check, and why most owners go through 2-3 puppy collars in the first year.
Personalized Collar vs Tag: What to Engrave Where
Owners often confuse the two: the collar is what people see, but the tag holds the info that gets a lost dog home. Here's what to put where, and why both matter.
What Is Collar Pressure? Why Fit Matters More Than Gear
Collar pressure is force per square centimeter on a dog's neck. Width, fit, and the two-finger rule matter more than the price tag. Here's how it actually works.
What Is Loose-Leash Walking? The Foundation Skill
Loose-leash walking is the foundation skill for every dog walk. Here's what it actually means, why retractable leashes undo it, and how five quiet minutes a day beats one long battle.
What Is Leash Pressure? How Dogs Read Tension on the Line
Leash pressure is the tension travelling down your line, and dogs read every gram of it. Here's how constant tension trains pulling, why brief pressure-and-release teaches softness, and how to fix it.
What Is Leash Reactivity? A Plain-English Guide
Leash reactivity isn't aggression and it isn't bad training. It's what happens when a dog can't move away from something stressful. Here's what it actually is, why the leash makes it worse, and what helps.
What Is a Control Handle? When You Need One on a Collar
A control handle is a short reinforced loop sewn into a dog collar so you can grab and steady your dog instantly. Here's when you need one, and why bolted-on versions fail.
How to Measure Your Dog for a Collar (The Right Way)
A soft tape, two fingers under the band, the right spot on the neck. Here is the exact way to measure your dog for a collar, and the three mistakes that cost most owners a return.