I see a lot of dogs every week, as you’d imagine, and I see a huge number of dogs with collars that are way too slack. So I often have conversations about how snug or tight a dog’s collar should be.

Generally the ‘two-finger rule’ applies, this means that your dog’s collar should be snug but not tight or constricting.

You should be able to slide two fingers comfortably under your dog’s collar (two fingers side by side)

But if you’ve got a big dog, then change it to a three-finger rule. Live with a tiny istsy bitsy dogg?, you guessed it, one-finger rule.

Just make sure it can’t be pulled over your dog’s head, otherwise one day you will be out walking happily along when your dog puts the brakes on and her collar pops off over her head.

Puppies and dogs should never wear a collar whilst unattended in a crate or at night as a collar can get caught on things that could be dangerous for them.

Removing and then putting a collar back on often is a useful opportunity to practice a nice calm sit whilst you do it and get your dog used to her collar being messed with. It is an opportunity to practice holding the collar and rewarding with a tasty treat.

Collar grabs

Sudden collar grabs are frequent flashpoints for bites as it is something your dog isn’t used to and usually done in a moment of panic by the owner.

Gently hold the collar and then feed tasty treats, then progress to moving the collar around her neck, gently tugging on it, all the way up to quickly grabbing the collar or gently leading your dog by the collar. All whilst giving tasty yummy food rewards.

Put in the practice and your dog will never snap at you if you surprise him in an emergency.