How to Put a Collar On a Dog & Get Used to Wearing it?

Last Updated on February, 2025

Dogs are very energetic pets and love to go for walks often. As pet parents, we need to make sure that we take them for walks daily. 

Collars are popular and often mandatory to use when taking your dog for a walk. Collars help you control your pet and not lose sight of it. 

There is a proper way to put this tool on a canine and use it. If you don’t correctly use collars, it can lead to adverse results and even strangulation. Read on to find out how to put a collar on a dog’s neck and ensure that it stays safe the whole time.

Quick Summary

The proper process of putting on a collar, including choosing the right size, fitting it properly, and gradually getting the dog used to wearing it.

Proper fitting and gradual introduction to the collar are important for the dog’s comfort and safety.

There are various types of collars available for different purposes, such as flat collars, martingale collars, and shock collars.

Why Does a Dog Need to Wear a Collar?

wearing a collar on a dog

Before learning how to put a collar on your pet, let’s get to know why they need to wear collars.

Here are a few reasons why your paw friends need to wear collars:

  • Allow you to have better control of your dog.
  • Make training easier to conduct.
  • Are sometimes a legal requirement.
  • Give you a place to attach your dog’s ID tag so that in case your dog gets lost, someone can return it to you using the details on the ID.
  • Give you a place to hang the vaccination tag to inform others that your dog is fully vaccinated.

How to Put a Collar on a Dog’s Neck?

Before you put the collar on your dog’s neck, make sure you get the proper size for it. Collars for most dogs come with a size to compare with your dog’s weight, so you can find out if it is the right one.

Once you get the right fit, now it’s time to put it on your dog. Remember, your dog might struggle while putting it on for the first few times and wearing it. It is normal and nothing to worry about. 

You need to gradually get your canine used to wearing one by increasing the duration. More on this later on. Ensure you can insert two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck to ensure it is not too tight or loose.

Still if you’re confused on how tight should a shock collar be, read this complete guide.

If your puppy makes a fuss, don’t remove the collar immediately. If so, your pooch might think that fussing will make you remove it. Use food, play, or training to distract puppies and bring them to a calm state before doing so.

In about a week, your dog will get used to wearing it and will not see it as a burden anymore.

Types Of Dog Collars

Types Of Dog Collars

There are several types of collars you can choose for your dog. These differ from the specific uses and materials they are made of.

  • Flat Collar 

A traditional flat collar made of nylon or leather with a buckle for attachment. They contain rings for inserting ID, tag, and leash. Flat collars should perfectly fit dogs, not too tight or too loose.

  • Martingale Collar

It is a type of training collar for large dogs and when the dog’s head is narrow. Examples of canines with narrow heads are Whippets, Greyhounds, etc. It gives the pet parent more control and prevents the product from slipping out of the dog’s head.

It consists of a loop of chain connecting to the collar’s band that goes around the animal’s neck. Martingale collars are usually nylon and can be highly comfortable for your canine. They are best to avoid neck injury.

  • Leather Collar

These collars are very durable due to being made from high-quality leather. They are cost-effective as you don’t have to replace them for months or sometimes years. Rolled collars are an example of this type.

  • Nylon Collar

These are excellent for regular use as they are comfortable and durable. They come in many lengths and widths with plastic buckles to securely lock together. They also come in a variety of colors which make them look attractive.

  • Choke Collar

These collars are made of metal links or choke chains with two rings at either end. These are not everyday collars and are especially for aggressive dogs who are disobedient or pull when on the leash.

Choke collars are not recommended for use during dog training.

Check out this guide on using a choke collar chain on a dog if you’re going to train your aggressive dog with this type of collar.

  • Prong Collar or Pinch Collar

These collars are also for dogs who often pull on the leash. These collars have sort of spikes that warn dogs when being disobedient. Prong collars discourage pulling and are not preferred by any dog trainer.

  • Shock Collar

These collars are also meant for training sessions. They work by sending an electrical ‘shock’ to the furry friend’s neck at the press of a button in the remote. The intensity and duration of the shock are customizable. 

We have a list of recommended small dogs shock collars on our website.

How to Choose the Right Collar For a Dog?

Mini Educator Training Collar

Consider these points when buying a dog’s collar:

  • Go for a small, lightweight one, so it’ll be easier to wear.
  • Buy one that fits your paw friend now and not one it will ultimately grow into.
  • Opt for a wide, flat collar that is easier on your dog’s throat.
  • Go for a dog’s collar with quick and easy-to-use clips rather than buckle fastening (eg:- slip collars).

Things to Remember When Putting a Collar on a Dog

Here are a few things you need to remember when putting a collar on your furry friend.

  • Stay calm and relaxed during the time your canine takes to get used to wearing it. Don’t show anger or frustration at any point.
  • Remove it from your pet whenever it’s not under supervision.
  • Act as though wearing it is no big deal and try not to let your pet focus on it too much.

How to Get a Dog Used to Wearing a Collar?

Your pup will take time to get used to wearing a collar. At first, wearing it might feel like a burden. It is completely normal, and here are a few points on how to get your pup used to the feeling.

  • Take things slow and steady, and give your dog some time to get used to wearing the collar. Initially, your dog might fuss, but it will gradually reduce with time.
  • Ensure to purchase the right size and type and fit it properly on your pet.
  • Ignore your dog’s struggles and remove the collar only after it calms down.
  • Try to distract your dog by using food, play, or training.
  • Treat your dog for wearing a collar to make it feel that it’s a positive thing.

Harness Vs. Collar

Harness Vs. Collar

A dog harness consists of straps that fit around the dog’s chest. It is used to hold, guide, or lift the dog and reduces tensions on the neck while pulling. A dog harness is excellent for walking because it doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s neck. 

There are many types of dog harnesses with specific uses. Some example types of harnesses are front-clip harness, back-clip harness, step-in harness, etc. You can buy any size harness that fits your canine.

A dog collar has a place to include an ID tag and is more comfortable to wear. These are great for training and give more control over your dog.

However, a dog harness is an effective tool if your dog is prone to breathing issues.

Conclusion

Your dog will take time to get used to wearing a collar and will eventually start to feel comfortable wearing it. It all depends on how well you put this on your pet and ensure it’s properly fitted.

Make sure to buy one that fits your dog by checking the size the product supports. Your dog’s weight should also be on your mind when shopping for a dog’s collar.

Remember the above facts and tips so that you can help your dog wear a collar comfortably.

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Author
Thomas Villalpando
Thomas Villalpando is the main author of Dogs Academy. He spends his time reading, training, and working with several Dogs' behaviors. He has been featured in MSN, Yahoo Finance, The Sun, Entrepreneur & More. You can find more about him here.

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