Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Silko Dog
1. Brand & General Questions
What makes Silko Dog collars and harnesses special?
Silko Dog dog accessories are designed in Finland and handcrafted with high quality in nearby Estonia. The most important feature of our products is coat-friendliness: our smooth and silky-soft lining fabric, Silko®, together with carefully refined designs, prevents hair matting, tangling, and breakage. Our gear is perfectly suited for demanding coats as well as sensitive skin.
2. Sizes & Fit
What sizes of dogs do you have products for?
Currently, we offer gear for small, medium, and smaller large dogs.
Weight range: Approximately 4–30 kg depending on the dog's build.
Collar sizes: Collars are available in 7 different sizes between 23–40 cm.
Harness sizes: The harnesses are fully modular and offer plenty of adjustments. Components are available as follows: front piece: 4 different sizes, chest strap: 9 different sizes, safety strap: 4 different sizes, and safety strap padding: 7 different sizes.
Example breeds: The size range covers breeds all the way from Toy Poodle and Silky Terrier to Standard Poodle and Collie.
Which dogs and coat types are Silko Dog products suitable for?
Silko Dog gear is designed to perfectly suit all different coat and skin types:
For long-haired, curly, and fluffy dogs: The particularly coat-friendly construction and smooth materials glide softly through the coat without snagging, effectively preventing tangles and matting.
For dogs with lush coats and thick undercoats: The collar and harness settle nicely on and within the coat without breaking hairs or rubbing a groove into the fur.
For wire-haired dogs: The smooth material does not catch on coarse hair or break individual strands.
For short-haired and hairless dogs: Soft edges and smooth surfaces prevent chafing, wear, and skin irritation.
Are the harnesses also suitable for unusually shaped dogs, such as sighthounds or dogs with long backs?
The harnesses are assembled from three separate parts, making it very achievable to create a combination that fits your dog’s body shape perfectly.
How do I choose the right collar size for my dog?
Slip-on collar: Measure your dog's neck circumference snugly right behind the ears while the dog is standing normally. Do not pull the measuring tape tight. Choose a collar size that matches or is within ± 1 cm. A slip-on collar should not choke the dog, but tighten snugly when the dog pulls on the leash.
Side-release buckle collar: Measure your dog's neck circumference at the middle of the neck snugly or with the desired looseness. Choose the collar size whose adjustable range fits the measurement best. Note that at the smallest setting, the padding covers the neck best.
How do I choose the right harness size for my dog?
Harness sizing and measuring instructions can be found on the Silko Dog website.
Special Features of the Harness & Safety
Are the harnesses suitable for timid or fearful rescue dogs, rehomed dogs, or dogs that know how to back out of standard harnesses?
Yes, they are. As an add-on, the harness can be equipped with a safety strap that sits around the dog's waist, which can also be fitted with a removable, coat-friendly pad if desired. The security strap prevents the dog from backing out or otherwise slipping out of the harness and escaping. It also balances the harness, making it highly recommended for young and lively dogs as well.
Is the safety strap suitable for male dogs?
Yes, it is. A special accessory—the safety strap belly connector—is available for the harness, allowing the safety strap to be connected to the main body under the belly. Properly adjusted, the safety strap stays closer to the dog's ribcage and does not slide too far back, preventing e.g. urine from hitting the strap.
Quality, Durability, Materials & Safety
Can the gear withstand heavy pulling and rough play?
Yes. All Silko Dog gear is built to withstand heavy use and stress:
- Metal hardware is welded and durable.
- Sewing thread is thick, webbing is strong, and seams are stitched tightly with industrial sewing machines.
- Side-release buckles are made of high-quality, frost-resistant acetal.
Do the products stain the fur?
No, they do not. All materials and fabrics we use are colorfast, so they will not bleed color even when wet or stain light-colored fur.
Does the reflective stitching wear off quickly in use?
No. The reflective stitching and materials we use withstand daily use, wear, and washing very well without losing their reflectivity.
What should be considered regarding dog safety when using the gear?
Outdoor gear is subject to wear and tear; please handle it with care:
Supervision: Do not leave your dog unattended while wearing gear. Always check that the gear is properly fitted and secured.
Regular inspection: Inspect all gear regularly for wear, damage, or loose parts. Damaged gear must be removed from use immediately.
Correct sizing: Always ensure a proper fit. Gear that is too loose may allow the dog to escape, while gear that is too tight can cause discomfort or skin irritation.
Not for tethering: Our products are not intended for tethering or tying up dogs continuously (e.g., tied to a rope or running line).
Disclaimer: The user is responsible for the safety of the dog and the product. Silko Dog is not liable for damages caused by improper or negligent use of the product.
5. Purchasing, Shipping & Returns
Where can I buy Silko Dog products?
Our products can be purchased from the Silko Dog online shop at silko.dog. We ship within the EU.
We also have retailers. You can find our up-to-date retailer list on our retailer page at https://silko.dog/en/pages/jalleenmyyjat
What is the shipping time and delivery cost in Finland and EU?
Delivery time to Finland is usually 1–3 business days. Shipping costs are €7.90 (Posti). To EU countries time and costs vary. The costs are calculated at the check out.
How can I return or exchange a product?
All our products have a 14-day return and exchange right from the date of receipt. The returned product must be unused, clean, and in its original packaging if it was packaged. Please contact our customer service before returning to receive return instructions.