Collar problems (We need Advice)

Hi all we have got Leia a plain Leather collar to get her used to it ready for going out into the world next week. Ive never had any problems getting a dog used to a collar before but this is driving her nuts. She cant walk 2 feet without throwing herself on the floor and rubbing her neck, she scratches it all the time and sits there and cries. This has been going on for the last 2 days and we would like some advice. Could it be the leather irritates her and we should try something else or should we just ignore her and let her get used to it.

Any advice would be very appreciated

John & Sonia

We do not put the collar on Billy in the house, only if he is going for a walk. We had a few problems with him doing the same, but with lots of treats when we were out, placed on the ground to make him move forward we finally got somewhere.
I would take her out for lots of little walks for her to get used to the collar, have you got a garden to practice in. Billy now associates the collar with walkkies so he cant wait to put it on.

Hope this helps

same here, I only collar Diesel when we go for walks soon as I pick it up now she goes mental tail wagging and waits at the door

Personally ive never liked the leather collars - I prefer the fleece lined webbing collars.... I doubt it irritates her its more like she dosent know why she needs it on or could be hard ?

Try it a few times a day and take here out on the lead around ur garden - come in, sit and take it off.

For the first collar id use a softer style i.e a nylon etc that dont cling so much to the neck and more moveable not stiff thats what i used for my two and never a problem, vinnie did riff at it a couple of times but was used to it in a couple of hours .. My two ALWAYS have a collar on for safety reason's if they ever managed to escape the garden or get out the door to either grab them or heaven forbid they ran of they have id tags on plus microchip

We did wonder wether to just collar her when taking her out and then as you say she would get excited by having it on. My other dogs have always had a collar and have gotten used to it really quickly. We do have a garden we can practice in but havnt taken her out yet because she hasnt had her last jab and doesnt get it till monday and because i have had a dog before that had parvo i didnt want to take any risks. I know im probably being overprotective lol. Thanks for the advice lynne it all helps

Thanks guys i think we will try a softer style collar. Appreciate your advice

P.a.h are selling all there discontinued range of collars for like 2pound nylon ones

Just been looking online thanks Kelly

No probs

Have you thought of using a soft harness? Some dogs don't like collars. The harness should not cut in behind the front legs. Some dog experts believe constant pulling on a collar could lead to vertebral problems and excessive pressure on neck structures such as the thyroid gland. I prefer using a harness and think it definitely reduces pulling on the lead. From the dogs perspective I wouldn't like a collar for walking either. Trying a long lead may also help as it will give your dog some freedom and let you maintain control.

Hi we have thought about using a harness and we have seen a few people on here using the long retractable leads and we may go down that route and thought it was a good idea.

Thanks for the help

Have you considered getting a large cat collar just to start her off? They're often easier on the neck & have a bit of elastic to help it fit better & come off easily if it gets caught.

A friend of mine got her pup used to wearing something round its neck by tying a bandana round it. It seemed to accept it a little easier.

If you're thinking of using a harness, please remember that the law in the UK says that a dog must wear a collar in a public place...

The Control of Dogs Order 1992
This mandates that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it, or engraved on a tag. Your telephone number is optional (but advisable).

Thats an idea Caryll Thanks i think we are going to use collar and lead to start with and see how she goes on with that. Shes a very calm and mellow puppy so may not have a problem with getting excited and pulling too much.

You can get soft material collars. Romeo had a spiderman one for the summer but i've lost it-i'll have to get him a new one!

Thanks Caryll, i am aware of the legal requirement of collar and ID tag etc. It should be worn but an additional harness used only for walking is what I found useful. Hope this clarifies the matter.

Just getting Skye used to her collar by putting it on a few hours a day. she sulked for a bit but leaving it on for longer periods gets them used to it in the end. Saturday is her first jab day so looking forward to the park, but she hates the lead and will just stay still when wearing it, patience will prevail, good luck it just takes a little time

have you tried a softer collar first. leather tends to be a bit stiff and it could be irritating if your not used to it. a nice soft material one for now should suffice

Thanks Rob & Julie yeah we have got a softer one and although not happy she is much better with it. Cant wait to take her out for her first walk next week

dont forget pics please

Will do lynne the camera will definately be coming with us

enjoy the first walk you will spend more time letting her sniff than walking. dont forget the pics and not too far or too long to start with you dont want to over whelm her on the first go have fun

Thanks julie will do

Nice advice and tips from Julie and Caryll.