A. A regular collar is adjustable and buckles around the dog's neck.  If you get it comfortably snug, these collars
     work fine-most of the time.  But how many times has your dog pulled back and slipped right out of his collar?
     I would guess more than once.  Enter the martingale collar.  These collars were first designed for sighthounds,
     such as greyhounds, salukis, afghans, and so on.  The sighthound typically has a smaller head than neck.  That
     makes it quite difficult to make an effective collar when a dog begins to pull back.  First you adjust the collar
     considerably looser than a regular collar.  The dog starts off in a more comfortable position.  But as he begins
     to pull, forward or backward, the collar tightens up in a humane manner and keeps the collar from slipping off.
     These collars are typically marketed primarily to greyhound owners, but work much better than a regular collar
     on ALL types of dogs.  We have put these collars on everything from a lab to a shi tzu, and they just make for
     a safer collar and a happier hound.

Q. How do I measure my dog's neck size?

A. Glad you asked!  The best tool to use is a fabric tape measure, but if you don't have one of these, you can use
     a string for the neck and then compare it to a yard stick or tape measure.  First, measure around the base of the
     dog's neck, just a little above where it narrows from body to neck.  The second measurement to take is just
     behind the dog's head.  The last place to measure is around the largest part of the head.  These three measurements
     are all that is necessary to ensure a proper fit.  The only other thing to consider is collar width.  We offer several
     different widths, 1"  1.5 "  and 2".  Which to choose?  It is somewhat personal preference, but here are some guidelines. 
     All greyhounds can wear 1.5" and most can wear 2".  Other breeds kind of follow up the line of sizes.  A dog
     under 30 lbs., go with the 1".  Dogs 30 to 50 lbs., can wear 1" or 1.5".  Just use your judgment, and remember
     that the wider collars are usually a little more comfortable if you have a rambunctious hound that pulls from time to time.

Q. How long does it take to receive my order?

A. After the order has been placed, and funds are verified, it usually only takes 24 hours to fill the order.  It is then
     sent USPS so you should receive your merchandise in just a couple days!  Occasionally a material is out of stock, or
     we do not have the size you ordered, and of course occasionally a package is lost in the mail.  We will do everything
     in our power to please our customers-we want you to be happy with your purchase! 

Q. What are shipping costs?

A. Shipping on collars is a flat rate of $5.50.  It also applies, no matter how many collars or leashes you order!  So go ahead
     and stock up, and save on those shipping charges!
     Jackets are a flat rate of $6.00, with each additional jacket only $2.00 more.  If you want to throw in collars into
     a jacket order, they will ship for free!  Most other items fall somewhere below these.

Q. Can I have a collar custom made?

A. Absolutely!!  These are some of my favorite requests, because I love the thought and ingenuity that hound folks
     come up with.  Just let me know what you would like, and I am sure that we can get it for you.  If you have a fabric
     from which you would like us to create a collar , we can do that too!  A few things to keep in mind-we can make collars
     from copyrighted fabric, but you must purchase the fabric and send it to us.  It is against federal regulations for us to
     commercial produce items from copyrighted material that Houndstown has purchased.  Also, keep in mind that the
     material you send us needs to lend itself to the size of a collar-meaning if you send us a giant print tapestry, it won't
     necessarily translate to a 1.5" collar very well.

Q. Can I order a leash to go with any collar?

A. Yes and no.  We can make a leash that goes with any fabric collar, and we can make a leash to go with most ribbon
     collars, but there are always a couple ribbons that are only made in certain sizes.  That is where the solid leashes come in. 
     We can mate your new collar to a coordinating leash that accents it nicely.  That is why we have to say yes and no to
     the question.  We are also currently working on several different leash options to add to the collection. 

Q. Can I send you pics of my dog?

A. Please do!!  We want to have great expanse of pics of dogs, dogs in our collars, coats, etc., and any other dog related
     photos that you may have.  We are considering doing a monthly photo contest and give away a collar and leash
     set to the winner with the best pic.  Be creative!