When we started The Dog Outdoors, it wasn’t just a business idea... it was a way to share our adventures with our own dogs. Parker and Brinkley, who have since crossed the rainbow bridge, were our first “product testers.” Every hike, bike ride, and muddy sprint was a chance to see what gear really held up. Today, Luma carries on that tradition, making sure we only carry the toughest, most comfortable dog gear out there.
Why Waterproof Matters - The Day Parker & Brinkley Found 'the Swamp'
Back around 2007 (when just starting our business), I took Parker and Brinkley to explore a new subdivision that was still under development. The wide-open space seemed like the perfect spot to let them off-leash for a good run.
What I didn’t count on was the giant retaining pond at the far end of the property - a pond that, at that point, looked more like a swamp after recent rains. The second they spotted it, they were gone. Within minutes, they were chest-deep in murky water, splashing through black muck like it was the best day of their lives.
By the time we got home, they were coated in mud from nose to tail. I could hose the dogs off, but the regular nylon collars were a lost cause. No matter how much I scrubbed, the smell never went away. That’s when I knew I needed something better - something that could survive any adventure without holding onto the stink.
At the time, waterproof collar options were rare. That’s when I stumbled on a small company called Dublin Dog. Their proprietary rubber-like material was impervious to mud, dirt, and odor. It was love at first sight.
Over the years, we expanded our lineup, adding other premium waterproof brands and even designing some of our own. We were helping build a market for collars that could stand up to any adventure.
Today, we carry what we believe are the best waterproof dog collars in the world - made from the strongest materials and proudly manufactured in the USA.
Why We Only Carry American-Made Collars
There are plenty of waterproof collars out there, but we’re picky. American-made Biothane collars consistently outperform in durability, safety, and finish quality.
When you buy from us, you get:
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Consistent quality control - every buckle, rivet, and strap is built to last.
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Support for local craftsmen - many collars come from small U.S. workshops.
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Tested in real-life adventures - Parker, Brinkley, Luma, and countless customers’ dogs have put them through the wringer.
Our Top Picks: Sunglo, Zeta, and SaltyDog
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Sunglo - Tough and high-visibility. Perfect for hunting dogs, hiking buddies, and any pup who needs to be seen from a distance.
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Zeta - Sleek, flexible Biothane that’s soft to the touch yet tough enough for mud, water, and odor-heavy adventures. Great for everyday wear.
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SaltyDog - Built for dogs who spend serious time in the water, especially saltwater environments. Salt-resistant hardware and rugged design keep it looking great.
Customer Adventures
We love hearing from customers who put our collars to the test:
“We live on a farm, and our Lab is in the creek every day. Her Zeta collar still looks brand new after two years.” - Megan in Tennessee
“Our Sunglo collar has been through countless muddy hunts and hose-downs and still looks like the day we bought it.” - Dan in Arkansas
“We sail every weekend, and the SaltyDog is the only collar we’ve found that doesn’t rust or smell.” - Karen in Florida
Benefits of Biothane Waterproof Collars
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No stink - Won’t trap odors like fabric.
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Easy to clean - Rinse or wipe in seconds.
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Long-lasting - Sun, mud, water, and extreme temps are no problem.
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Gentle on skin - Smooth coating prevents chafing.
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Strong - Handles pulling without stretching or fraying.
Tips for Choosing the Right Waterproof Collar
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Measure for comfort - Measure your dog’s neck where the collar will sit and adjust so it fits comfortably (not too tight or too loose).
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Match the collar to activity - Go high-vis for hunting or trails, softer Biothane for everyday wear.
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Pick rust-proof hardware - Stainless steel or nickel-plated brass lasts longest in wet conditions.
FAQ - Waterproof Dog Collars
Q: How do I clean a waterproof collar?
A: Rinse under a faucet or wipe with a damp cloth. For stubborn grime, use mild soap and rinse thoroughly.
Q: Will Biothane crack or fade?
A: Not easily... proper care keeps it flexible and bright for years.
Q: Do you carry ID tags or nameplates for these collars?
A: Yes! We carry Boomerang Slide-On Tags that won’t jingle or fall off, as well as a full line of personalized dog collars.
Final Thoughts
Parker and Brinkley may be gone, but their spirit lives on in every product we carry. Luma continues the tradition... mud, water, and all... making sure we only offer gear that stands up to real-life adventures.
If you want a collar that lasts, looks great, and keeps your dog comfortable no matter where you roam, check out our Sunglo, Zeta, and SaltyDog waterproof collars.
