Tools And Leather

[KatBug]

I plan on making some collars and chokers, but i'm not sure on what leather to buy and where the best place is to get it. I don't want to buy an entire hide for hundreds of dollars if i'm just going to be making a few collars, I wouldn't know what to do with the rest. I'll get cheap leather to practice on, but I'm looking for good quality leather for the actual pieces that i'm going to be making. I'm not sure what animal the leather should be from.. Suggestions?

I'd also like to know of some good resources for the tools.

Thanks in advance!