Collars are one of the simplest and most fundamental tools you will use as a new dog owner. A collar can be used for several reasons: Identification, Leash Training, and General Control. The problem with collars is that some dogs do not like them. In fact, most dogs resist wearing a collar when they are first introduced to one.
Dogs will often scratch at their collar, stop dead in their tracks (freeze), or even attempt to take it off. All of these actions are perfectly normal. Most dogs will begin to tolerate a collar, and eventually move around easily without discomfort or irritation once they have been gradually exposed to one using positive reinforcement.
Choosing the Right Collar
When choosing a puppy collar, choose one that is lightweight, has adjustability built in, and soft so as to prevent discomfort to your puppy. A puppy collar that is too small will rub against your puppy’s skin, irritating it. On the other hand, a puppy collar that is too large will tend to fall off of your puppy while it walks. Be certain that you can put at least two of your fingers under the collar when it is placed on your puppy’s neck. This is how you will ensure that your puppy’s collar fits safely and comfortably without hindering your puppy’s ability to move freely.
Puppies are going to require some time to get used to wearing a collar before they are ready to progress to a more advanced walking item such as a leash.
Introducing the Collar Gradually
Before placing the collar onto your dog, allow the dog to smell, touch, and observe the collar. Place the collar in proximity to where your puppy rests so that they become accustomed to seeing it. At this point, there should be no expectation or requirement for the dog to interact with the collar. Simply expose your dog to it. Many dogs will automatically be curious about the collar and investigate it. Once your dog appears comfortable with the collar, you may initiate gentle neck petting (touch) as a preparation step to wearing it.
First Time Wearing the Collar
When you put the collar on your dog (or pup) for the very first time, be sure to make that first experience of wearing the collar one that is enjoyable and as brief as possible. A great way to accomplish both is by putting the collar on your puppy when they are distracted with something they find fun, like eating or playtime. This will help take their attention off of how it feels to wear the collar and reduce the amount of resistance they show initially. Once you have placed the collar on your pup for a short period of time (it could be only seconds), simply take it off again and provide them with calm praise.
Helping Your Puppy Adjust to the Sensation
Once your puppy can accept a few minutes of wearing a training collar, you can begin to gradually extend the time that he wears his training collar. At this point, your puppy will probably be scratching at the collar or shaking his head to try to get rid of the unfamiliar sensation. This is normal as he adjusts to the new feeling.
You should not take the collar off when your puppy reacts to it. Instead, distract him by engaging him in play or giving him some treats until he settles down. The objective of this process is for your puppy to learn that the collar isn’t painful, and that you do not have to remove it from him due to his reaction.
Creating Positive Associations
Pairing a positive experience with the new puppy collar will make for an easier transition. Use the puppy collar right before mealtime, a fun activity (play session), or a quick training session. This trains your puppy to believe wearing the puppy collar is associated with good things; over time, your puppy will connect the use of the puppy collar to its normal routine and happy times instead of being uncomfortable. Consistent behavior in using the puppy collar as described above will also help speed up the process of accepting the puppy collar.
Increasing Wearing Duration Slowly
After you have taught your puppy to tolerate the feeling of a collar around its neck for short amounts of time (even just seconds), then start increasing the amount of time that the collar is on. Increase the length of time by very small increments, and watch your puppy’s behavior. As long as it remains relaxed, you can keep increasing the duration at a gradual pace.
However, if you notice that your puppy begins to appear stressed or uncomfortable, shorten the amount of time that the collar is on by a little bit and proceed with caution so that your puppy does not become overly stressed.
Introducing Movement with the Collar
Once your puppy has adapted to the feel of a dog collar at home, you should allow for gentle motion while the collar is being worn. The motion could be in the form of casual walks, playful activities, or simply doing some basic commands with the puppy. Movement will help your puppy become accustomed to the feeling of the collar as they engage in their normal routine. Additionally, by allowing for movement, your puppy won’t focus so much on the sensation of the collar itself. At this point, most puppies typically do not think about wearing the collar.
Avoiding Negative Experiences
Early exposure to stress while wearing the collar will undermine your dog’s willingness to wear it. As an example, forcing your puppy into a walk with a leash attached too soon creates bad associations.
Avoid using the collar as a tool for correction or punishment when first starting your puppy on obedience. A collar that feels neutral (or better yet, rewarding) will be accepted by your puppy faster than one that has created negative associations.
Managing Scratching or Resistance
Puppies may exhibit behaviors such as trying to scratch or rub against things to get their collars removed during the adjustment period. This is a natural behavior that you can handle calmly.
Do not remove the puppy’s collar immediately. Redirect your puppy’s attention using playtime with toys or other fun activities, then do short training exercises. Once most puppies are distracted by some activity, they will stop worrying about the collar.
Continue if this type of behavior persists. Go back to less time with the collar and continue to build confidence in the collar gradually.
Checking Fit Regularly
The length of your growing puppy’s collar will change as he does. Therefore, you need to check it often so that it doesn’t get too tight or too loose. A collar which fits well will feel comfortable on the dog (i.e., will not restrict his breathing or movement) and requires regular adjustments, especially during periods when there is rapid growth. Acceptance by your puppy for wearing a collar for an extended period depends heavily upon how comfortable he finds the collar.
Transitioning to Leash Training
When your puppy is fully comfortable wearing the collar, it is time to introduce the leash. Begin leash training in short, indoor sessions, then gradually move outdoors as your puppy becomes more accustomed to wearing the leash.
At this point, the collar should be considered familiar to your puppy; therefore, the introduction of a leash will likely occur without stress or hesitation.
Leash training establishes a basis for controlling your puppy’s walks and general behavior outside.
Conclusion
Accepting a puppy’s collar takes place as an individualized process based on the puppy’s personality. Some puppies may take longer to adjust, but generally they will get used to it quickly.
Gradually introduce the puppy to the collar. Each experience should be enjoyable for the puppy. Gradually increase the amount of time the puppy wears the collar. Eventually, the puppy will become accustomed to wearing the collar (as long as you are consistent) and view it as a normal occurrence. As you consistently continue the practice of allowing the puppy to wear its collar, eventually the puppy will learn to walk well on a leash.