When getting a dog, one important task you should consider taking quite seriously is, choosing the suitable collar for your little munchkin, depending on its breed. As confusing as it is, the common dog behavior here is they become obsessed with their collars. Dogs have a way of making their collars a part of their natural skin. But why do dogs like their collars so much exactly?
Dogs fall in love with their collars because, in time, it is usually associated with you, treats, and walks. However, your baby getting attached to its collar, although non-life-threatening, could have possible adverse effects.
Given that dogs run on love and loyalty alone, they have their eyes on you. Constantly watching and picking up patterns related to you and them and what you do that make your little munchkin happy. Usually, with collars comes long walks and treats. Your fur baby is intelligent, and it knows when you’re about to take it for a walk.
Why Do Dogs Like Their Collars?
Dogs love to get physical, and they especially love playing with you outside. Therefore, it is considered normal common dog behavior, regardless of the breed, to be excited at the sight of a collar or harness.
Being associated with whether it is the right thing to do, to keep or take off a collar from your dog depends on how you live. It is essential to learn what goes through their sophisticated mind and decide on whatever makes your fur baby happy.
Why Is My Dog Obsessed With Its Collar?
Looking at some of the most common dog behavior, becoming obsessed with its collar isn’t as hot news as you think after all. It depends on how you raise your little munchkin. Putting on a collar makes your dog happy since the good things he loves are often associated with wearing a collar.
The good things like you and your furry friend, always going for a walk at the sight of a collar, you give him a treat after every successful run or walk, and everything about the collar associates with you guys together. Then surely your partner would love to have its collar on.
And in general, not only your dog but anyone would be obsessed over their collars if it brings them unconditional happiness. Additionally, the collar becomes a part of your dog, and it creates a sense of security in your furry friend.
Generally, a dog’s collar takes a while for your munchkin to get used to it. But after getting attached with positive associations related to its collar, the collar becomes a symbol of happiness for it and in addition to it, more outdoor fun. Dogs being naturally social and loving animals, are always ready to spend quality time with you and are up for a game of tag whenever.
Why Is My Dog Possessive Over Its Collar?
A common problem among dogs and their owners is refusing to have their collars removed. It is frustrating when your dog refuses to let you remove its collar, or worst scenario shows aggression when you come near it.
From possible negative associations with your dog and its collar to health-threatening conditions, your munchkin is usually telling you something.
- Possible negative associations
As mentioned earlier, a dog and its collar are usually linked with good associations. Still, your dog resisting taking it off could mean distress usually comes after removing the collar.
Dogs are simple creatures; even a simple routine like removing the collar and sending your buddy to its crate before you leave for work would mean something entirely heartbreaking for the little guy. In your partner’s mind, you tend to leave it alone after removing the collar.
It could also possibly mean that your baby is not ready to stop playing with you. As removing the collar is usually associated with the playtime being officially over, your dog would have difficulty accepting it. Hence, associating negative behaviors right after you remove the collar should make your dog hesitant or aggressive in removing its collar.
While teaching your dog that it is equally okay with removing the collar as it is with putting it on is considered a long process, you should start training your baby immediately after noticing it.
Starting small and giving your baby treats after removing the collar and associating similar good experiences with removing its collar should do the trick.
Health Concerns That Come From Dog Collars
Your furry friend might be aggressive or seem possessive when you go near its collar. It could be because it has irritated skin or sensitive skin surrounding the area of the collar, which is usually caused by tight collars. Choosing a custom-built collar should be the first concern for you as an owner.
While the damage is done, it is not undoable. Another reason could be a type of skin allergy or an injury like a cut on the neck located in the collar area.
While being aggressive or possessive may result from behavioral issues regarding how you raised your little buddy, a visit to the vet should be your priority if you think it could be a medical condition. A vet will access its situation and fix your munchkin right up. It would also help if you considered changing your partner’s collar immediately.
Choosing the Right Dog Collar
Choosing the suitable collar might get your little munchkin back on track. With a comfortable dog-friendly collar, it might not have to deal with a love-hate relationship of taking it off and on, considering it has a happy association with both actions.
Measuring the right length and neckpiece is vital before buying a suitable collar for your dog. In addition, choosing a narrow or thicker collar solely depends on your little buddy’s coat type, and factors like its breed and size are usually the way to go.
You should put a lot of effort into choosing the right kind of collar for your little munchkin since most collars are dangerous to its skin. Also, after buying a collar, you should always check up on your dog for possible allergic reactions due to its skin being sensitive and change accordingly for your little munchkin’s excellent health and happiness.
The purpose of a collar is to stay on the neck but make sure it’s not too tight for your little munchkin. You should always consider checking if it is too tight or not by putting two fingers between your little buddy’s neck and collar.
When Is the Right Time to Take a Dogs’ Collar Off?
Taking off your little munchkin’s collar should depend entirely on you and how you guys live. If you’re constantly outdoors, you should keep his collar on. However, you worry about taking it off since the purpose of a collar on a dog, other than a fashion statement, is to certify that it belongs to you. It is okay to take it off while inside the house and when it has no reason to run or go out.
Because collars can be uncomfortable, a good time to take off your dog’s collar is when you guys go to bed. While sleeping with a collar on is perfectly okay, with the doors locked, taking off your dog’s collar should do a little justice to the skin underneath it.
Also, taking off your little buddy’s collar would silence the chimes it usually roams around the house with. A very good night’s sleep is surely guaranteed with the collars off if you don’t usually do well with noises.
Another splendid time to take your puppy’s collar off is when it’s playing with other dogs in a confined area to make sure they do not get hurt. Collars are often associated with accidents like dogs getting stuck on each other’s collars.
The best solution is to take off their collars and supervise them while they playfully bite each other. However, if there’s any possibility of your buddy running out of the house accidentally, you should always keep the collar intact with its name and information on it. It’s the only place that anyone will look for and help you get your munchkin back if it gets lost.
To Keep It Simple
If you think your dog likes having its collar on more than it should, and if you’re having trouble getting the collar off of your little munchkin. While disregarding the fact that it has some medical issues, it is safe to consider that it has obsessive dog behavior.
Obsessive behavior generally happens when your dog goes through repetitive stress. A quick visit to the vet or consulting a trainer is vital in helping your dog get better.
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