Getting a pet is always an exciting moment. It is even more intriguing when you decide to get a dog. You get ready and even prepare how you will set up for the dog. You go ahead and get a custom-made collar for your newest family member and decide what to call them.
Dogs are loving and loyal. They are outstanding companions, and most people want to keep a dog or two in their homes. While dogs are amazing and all, some of their behavior can be confusing. Luckily, we are here to help you understand your dog better.
Here are some of the things you need to know about your dog and why it might be obsessed with its collar.
Why does my dog love his collar or harness?
Your dog will fall in love with its collar or harness after some time, but it will take some effort. Since the collar is something you want on your dog every day, it might get attached to it. Dogs are intelligent, and they can pick up behavior and habits.
Some dogs will grow attached to something as it associates it with you. Since you put the collar on its neck, removal may signal something else. Dogs are observant, and they pick up behavior from training and repeated habits. If you walk the dog with a harness, they will associate it with spending time with you.
The dog may also feel comfortable in the sleeve. Once the neckpiece is comfortable, it becomes like an ornament that your dog will love wearing all the time. The texture and the feel may be soothing to the dog’s skin and neckline.
A dog will love its collar if it associates it with treats or walks. Dogs love to play and spend time outside. If your dog knows you put the harness on when going outside, they will love the collar. The sight of a collar already indicates that it is time to go out and play.
Dogs also get intrigued when they find something new. The neckpiece may not be new, but seeing it from their necks
Why won’t my dog let me remove his collar?
It might surprise you that your dog does not want to take off his collar. Sometimes, you want to take off the collar for some reason, but the dog has another idea. Here are some reasons why your dog won’t let you remove its collar.
The dog is attached
Your dog does not want to take off his collar. If the dog is already too attached, it will not want you or anyone else to take it off as it is a part of it. Your dog can get possessive as it is very loyal. Some dogs love their stuff, their homes, and owners, so that they take full ownership of everything.
The dog does not want to stop playing
Some dogs also view removing the collar as a sign that playtime and outdoor walks are over. That can bring apprehension to a dog that wants to play or walk. Additionally, removing it is a sign that you want the dog to rest. Your dog wants more playtime or even to stay outside for longer.
Intimidation
Your dog may feel intimidated when you approach it to put on the collar. If you are too quick to confront the dog from the front, your dog might feel threatened. The act alone will create confusion, and your dog will react in a manner you might not expect from your loyal friend. Always work out a plan to calm your dog down and approach it in a way that will not feel threatened.
In case of pain
Sometimes your dog could be scratching the neck around the collar. The irritation and scratching can cause painful wounds, which may be painful for your dog. Since dogs cannot talk, they may get agitated when you touch them around the areas with pain. Calm the dog down before you remove the collar. Establishing trust shows the dog you care about, and you will provide a solution to the pain. Once you get it off, consider replacing it with a friendly collar.
What should you consider about your dog allowing you to take off its collar?
Carefully studying the dog’s behavior can help you understand why it does not allow you to remove the collar. Consider when it readily lets you take off the collar versus when it does not. Once you know the difference, you can learn how to handle a dog. You can also work on better means to trick the dog into doing what you want.
What to do for the dog to allow you to remove its collar?
Be gentle and slow when approaching the dog to remove the collar.
Seek assistance from the vet if you notice some injuries to your dog.
Consider switching to another collar that is easier to remove.
Why is my dog possessive of his collar?
It is the norm for some dogs to love their collars so much. They will freak out and even get aggressive when you indicate you want to take off their collars. That can be a little bit frustrating for any dog owner. However, there are great ways you can deal with the issue. Collars have become a part of the dog, and it is only fair that the dog develops some healthy attachments to them. For instance, we all love to hold onto some clothes and jewelry, especially if they were gifts from someone special.
It smells like them
The collar of a dog smells like a dog. Sniffing it once or twice only to smell it on the collar can be mind-blowing for dogs. Dogs associate all things they possess by rubbing off and leaving their smell. When it leaves its smell on an item, it leaves a mark that it has been there. When something smells like a dog, it is a part of the pack. It also signals that the dog owns it.
A collar is a sense of security.
Some dogs associate their collars with security. Once you take the collar off, the dog may not feel that safe anymore without the collar. Holding on to the collar creates leverage for the dog. With the collar, the dog knows that it can always find its way back to the owner.
Is it bad for a dog to wear his collar all the time?
Collars can be uncomfortable. Imagine having something around your neck all the time. It would be tiring to wear something around your neck. However, collars are vital for pets for identification and other reasons. If you are not sure when to remove the collar, consider the importance of having your dog wear a collar.
Since collars are for identification and carry important information about dogs, it is not practical to keep them on while in the house. You can remove the collar and place it back when you want to go outside. There are many reasons why your dog needs some time without a collar.
Suffocation
Suffocation is a scary thought for every dog owner. However, dogs are overly active, and they may suffocate when they have something tied to their necks. The collar is hard to remove for pets, and when they are in distress, they can get caught up with the collar and suffocate. During play, you should pay attention to your dog. All the jumping, running, and playing can lead to suffocation. Collars may also get caught up when your dog is trying to jump over the fence.
Irritation
Your dog will get irritated by a collar if it is too tight. The collar tends to rub against the neck, which can sometimes make your dog very uncomfortable. Skin problems can arise in the areas where the collar lies.
Some materials are also not that friendly for dogs to wear around the neck. If you notice your dog rolling and trying to scratch its neck, it could be allergic to the collar. If this happens, change the collar to another friendly material.
Neck damage
Your dog might get neck damage from the collar since it makes your pet uncomfortable. The dog can end up struggling to get it off. In that process, the strain in the neck may also lead to severe injuries.
Dogs should get used to wearing their collars. You can help your dog through the process. It is the only way you can make sure your dog embraces the collar. Discomfort may hurt your dog’s neck, especially when they try to move around.
Discomfort
Collars may cause your dog some discomfort. Some dogs hate collars with a buckle. Additionally, others will not like some materials on their necks. If your dog is constantly refusing the collar, it could be that it causes discomfort. Consider that the dog may also have a hard time adjusting to having something around its neck.
Heavily studded collars can be bothersome. Ensure your dog gets a collar that they are comfortable wearing any time.
Is it ok for a dog to sleep with his collar on?
There is no reason why your dog should not sleep with the collar on if it fits well. However, most people consider keeping the collar off at least at night. Since the dog will not go outside, they can sleep without the collar.
During the night, your dog will not go out. Remove the collar so your dog can rest. Removing the collar is an invitation to freedom, and your pet needs to relax sometimes. Whether the collar is a good fit or not, you should consider allowing the pet to have some liberty when sleeping. It is also vital to give your dog some time away from the collar and the harness.
When using a proper collar that does not give your dog an allergic reaction and is comfortable, you can let your dog sleep in it. The collar should, however, be narrower and be a perfect fit on your dog’s neck.
For people who only want their pets to have a collar and harness for some time, the harness is a way to train your dog when you need to go out. They will gladly embrace having the collar around their necks so long as they get to go out with you.
Do puppies need to wear a collar?
Puppies do not need to wear collars. Since they are still young and spend most of their time indoors, there is no need to get them a collar. Most puppies below 12 weeks spend all their time indoors. Use this time to train them on how to wear and feel comfortable wearing collars.
To train your puppy how to wear a collar and get used to one, you need patience. Puppies need time to adjust to wearing collars. Try to pick a material that the puppy will have an easy time wearing on its neck.
When training the dog or puppy to put on the collar, avoid chasing and forcing the dog to put on the collar. Forcing a dog to do something can make the animal aggressive. Instead, establish a bond and bring the dog closer before you attempt putting on the collar.
Choosing the proper collar for your dog
While we insist on choosing a suitable collar for your dog, most people have no idea which one to get. Sure, there are several options you can explore, but not all can serve your dog. Finding a suitable collar for your pet ensures that your pet is protected and comfortable.
Consider your dog coat type. Dogs with a long thick coat cannot wear the same collars as dogs with short fur. Factors such as the size of your dog and the material of the collar are very vital. Go for narrower collars rather than thicker ones. Narrow collars are comfortable as they do not cover up a large portion of the neck.
Always measure the proper length of the neckpiece before you buy it. It should neither be too short nor too long so that the dog can enjoy having it around its neck. You should be able to pass your hand into the collar without hurting the dog.
Once you have a collar for the dog, you can attach the leash. The whole point of having a collar and harness is to allow you to grab the dog when you need to exert pressure.
Once you find the proper collar that is comfortable and dog-friendly, your dog will love wearing it all the time.