Exposing the Truth: Why ‘Waterproof’ Dog Collars Are Lying to You

What You Need to Know About "Waterproof Dog Collars" (And What They’re Not Telling You). 95% of Dog Collars Will Rust. Ours Don’t.

Shopping for the best waterproof dog collar can be confusing. Do you pick by design or by function? At Wildside, you don’t have to compromise on either.

As a dog collar maker and designer for the past eight years, I’m going to tell you what the big-box brands and Amazon sellers won’t. Their listings are full of flashy claims about having the “best waterproof dog collar.” The problem? Most of them aren’t built to last. They rely on big marketing words to make sales, not on quality materials to keep your dog safe.

Here’s the truth: 95% of so-called waterproof dog collars will eventually rust, crack, or stiffen. The material might be coated to bead off water, but the hardware is almost always “rust resistant” — which only holds up until the coating chips off. Then rust sets in, the D-ring weakens, and your dog’s safety is at risk and not to mention burned skin by the rust. Not only that, they cut corners to use cute colored quick-release buckles but never think about the safety your dogs need. 

At Wildside, we make collars with 100% rust-proof stainless steel hardware and lightweight military-grade quick-release buckles. They’re designed for everyday walks, water adventures, and summit hikes — without the hidden flaws no one else wants to talk about. A dog collar you can truly trust because another dog mom made it for her own dogs. 

👉 [Download the Free Dog Gear Safety Checklist]

What to Look for When Shopping for a Waterproof Dog Collar

Next time you’re in a store or browsing online, take a closer look at the hardware. Some listings will tell you the material, some won’t, and many will only say “rust resistant.” That matters. A brand that truly cares will always list the metal type—because it makes the difference between a collar that lasts and one that fails after the first swim.

Why settle for being misled? Why buy something marketed as a “100% waterproof dog collar” only to have it rust and weaken the moment your dog actually uses it in water?

I’ve been designing and making dog collars for the last eight years, inspired by my soul dog, Jib,  who passed this year, 2025. Wildside is his legacy, and I’ll keep pushing for better because every dog deserves safe, dependable gear—not marketing lies.

We’re the 5% in the dog collar industry that is truly rust-proof. And I want you to have the knowledge to tell the difference. In the next section, I’ll break down the different types of metals used in dog collars and what you should look for before you buy.

I’m 100% on your side—because like you, I’m an advocate for my dogs first.

The "Rust-Resistant" Trap

They say “rust-resistant.” What it really means is a thin coating on cheap metal. Once that coating rubs away, the hardware rusts fast.

Rust weakens the D-ring, leaves stains on fur, and can even cause skin irritation.

 What “rust-resistant” looks like in real life. An actual photo of my customer's dog collars before they found Wildside's Rust-Proof Dog Collars. 

The Waterproof Myth

Most “waterproof” collars are just coated webbing. What really happens:
-The coating yellows and stains.
-It cracks at bend points.
-It stiffens, especially in cold weather.
-And the hardware? It still rusts.

Looks waterproof. Acts disposable.

The Buckle Problem

Buckles aren’t all equal. Many Amazon “bestsellers” use cheap buckles not even rated for dogs. That’s why they crack, pop open, or break in just weeks.

This is what happens when brands chase pennies instead of quality. The proof? Scroll through the one-star reviews on Amazon—there are hundreds just like this.

At Wildside, we chose differently: every collar is built with lightweight military-grade buckles—strong enough for real adventures, light enough for everyday wear.

If I wouldn’t trust it on my own dogs, I won’t sell it to yours.

Why Big-Box Brands Don’t Care

Most collars come from giant factories. The people behind them? They don’t even own dogs. They care about margins, not your pup’s safety.

That’s why most collars are marketed with flashy words like “waterproof” or “rust resistant” instead of being built to actually last. Sure, they might hold up for the first few swims, but before long the coating chips, rust sets in, and you’re stuck spending more money to replace yet another collar.

This is what happens when a “best waterproof dog collar” fails. Rusted hardware left this pup with skin irritation. It’s a reminder that marketing claims aren’t the same as safety.

What Safe Gear Really Looks Like

At Wildside, we design like dog parents—because we are.

-100% rust-proof stainless steel hardware that never chips and never rusts. Stronger than the zinc alloy used in most mass-market collars, and built to last a lifetime.

-Lightweight military-grade buckles that won’t crack under pressure or break to extreme temperatures. We only use a trusted, proven brand. They cost more, but your dog’s safety is worth it.

-Fast-drying, water-resistant webbing that stays soft and flexible. Easy to clean and odor-resistant when washed regularly. Disclaimer: some dogs naturally have oilier skin, which may cause collars to hold more odor regardless of the material.

-Unlike “waterproof” coated materials that become stiff, crack, and yellow over time, our webbing stays comfortable and reliable. It’s also UV-resistant, so the colors hold up in the sun instead of fading after a few adventures.

-Adventure-inspired designs made in small batches. Every print and colorway comes straight from our own adventures with our pack.

Lifetime warranty because your dog deserves gear that lasts. Wildside collars are made to be your dog’s sidekick for every adventure to come.

👉 [Shop the Rust-Proof Collar Collection]

👉 [Download the Free Checklist to run the full 5-minute audit]

Cute is fun. Safe is non-negotiable. Don’t wait until a buckle snaps or a D-ring rusts through. Test your gear, protect your pup, and choose gear that’s built for everyday walks to summit hikes.

📩 [Download the Dog Gear Safety Checklist]
🧭 [Explore Our Rust-Proof Collars]