By the time your puppy is 10 weeks old, you should start getting it used to its collar. Consequently, it will be ready to go out with you on a leash when it reaches its first year. Some puppies may not take even an hour before they can get used to a collar. However, there may be some puppies that may take as long as weeks. If your puppy belongs to the latter, you have a responsibility to fulfill.
A collar is an important step before a puppy can be tied to a leash. It may be impossible not to let a dog be tied on a leash. It is important for other training you want your dog to undergo. Moreover, you cannot take walks with your dog outside of your fence if it is not leashed. Indeed, having your puppy get familiarized wearing a collar is a basic responsibility of every dog owner to ensure the dog’s safety. It is also a way to ensure that your dog will be able to enjoy its life with you to the fullest.
Here are tips and ways to help your puppy get used to its collar:
Contents
- 1 Choose the Right Collar
- 2 Introduce the Collar Positively
- 3 Be Reassuring During the First Time
- 4 Make Fitting as Fast as Possible
- 5 Ignore Your Puppy’s Struggles
- 6 Think of Ways to Distract Your Puppy Away from Its Collar
- 7 Remove the Collar When Your Puppy Stops Struggling
- 8 Reward Your Puppy after Removing Its Collar
Choose the Right Collar
The right collar for a puppy is something small, light, flat, and wide. Never buy a collar that you think will last for a few years to save on money. It will surely be very heavy on your puppy’s neck. For sure, it will be very difficult for your cute little pup to get used to it. A flat and wide collar also is more comfortable than a round and thin collar. It might cause blisters on your dog’s neck.
A collar for puppies should be easy to put on. Avoid collars that use buckles. Instead, buy a collar that is easy and quick to get it on and off to avoid stressing your puppy some more.
Introduce the Collar Positively
You only have to let your dog get familiarized with the appearance and scent of the collar. Just let it be seen regularly. Let it sniff on it so that it will not treat it like a strange object when you put it on his neck for the first time.
Be Reassuring During the First Time
Be calm and reassuring when trying to put on the collar for the first time. If possible, do it when the puppy is also relaxed. Do not disturb a puppy during its playtime to put on the collar. It will surely not accept the collar freely. Try putting the collar when the puppy is relaxing on your lap, so you can stroke it to reassure him that there’s nothing to worry about.
Make Fitting as Fast as Possible
The reason why a plastic clip fastening is advised is to keep the entire procedure of putting on the collar fast and quick. If the collar is not adjusted to the right fit beforehand, it will defeat the purpose as it may take time to get the right fit. You should adjust the collar before fitting it. Use a tape measure to get the circumference of your puppy’s neck and add at least three inches so that you can insert two of your fingers when the collar is on your puppy’s neck. This will ensure comfort and no interference in your dog’s breathing.
Ignore Your Puppy’s Struggles
If you accede to your puppy’s complaints by going and checking on its collar and adjusting it, it will always do so every time you put the collar on. Ignore those struggles and your puppy will know that you did the right thing.
Think of Ways to Distract Your Puppy Away from Its Collar
When you successfully placed the collar, play some exciting games. Your pup will surely forget that it is wearing a collar. Give its favorite toys if you are busy or a chewy treat that will keep it busy until it’s time to remove the collar.
Remove the Collar When Your Puppy Stops Struggling
The only time to remove the collar after first placing it on your puppy is when you feel that it is resigned and has become relaxed. This way, it will know that you will not remove it when it continues to struggle with its collar.
Reward Your Puppy after Removing Its Collar
When you finally removed the collar after your dog has become relaxed with it, give it the reward it deserves. It may not actually consist of a treat all the time but it can be a belly rub, a massage, or a little cuddling. The dog will think that you love him more because he wore the collar.
Indeed, you should try your best to be successful with the collar training of your puppy. It is the prerequisite of many more training that your pup will have to undergo. Be patient and consistent and you will get there.
