Dog Star Daily blogger Marie Finnegan's latest entry got us thinking about the most ubiquitous piece of canine gear -- the dog collar.

There is so much to say about this utterly common but sometimes controversial piece of equipment. We've decided to dedicate more than one Puppy Bite to all things collar because we know your dog has at least one and we know there is much more to collarology than meets the eye, or neck for that matter.

A dog collar can be decorative, functional, dangerous, or completely useless depending on how it's used or abused. Ideally your dog's collar is the doggy-equivalent of a wallet. It's where your dog's license, rabies, and identification tags hang in case of an emergency.  It is also a place to attach a leash when necessary or required. That's it; no more, no less.

Unfortunately many people continue to use a collar as a means of restraint and control throughout their dog's entire life. Sadly, some of those same people lose control entirely if they do not have access to a collar and leash (most of the time at home and at the park). But it doesn't have to be that way!

If a dog has been properly trained and proofed around distractions to pay attention, follow you closely, walk on a loose leash, emergency sit, and come when called, her collar can be a redundant piece of training equipment and serve solely as an identification station. With a trained dog a collar isn't necessary for control.

Finding the right collar for your dog is most certainly a personal choice. Your dog's collar can be an extension of his or her personality but should also compliment your dog's lifestyle and activities. Some collar considerations are merely fashion choices, while others are a matter of comfort and safety.

If your dog frequently plays with other dogs or romps in the woods and brush, you may want to consider a breakaway collar which has a snap that releases under pressure if it were to get tangled or caught on something.

If your dog goes to daycare, you'll love the PlaySafe Daycare Safety Collar because it provides both control and a Velcro immediate release.

Another safety tip: Natural products such as leather are more likely to stretch or snap than synthetic materials such as nylon. A high quality soft leather collar won't snap off as easily as a breakaway but is a relatively safe alternative. And rolled leather doesn't wear the hair off of your dog's neck.

Like your dog's stylin' new collar so much that you wish you had one for yourself? Now you can because Paco makes matching leather collars and belts for you and your best friend. How cool is that?