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Recently, while catching up with fellow dog trainers on Facebook, I came across a heartbreaking story. A dog tragically strangled itself when left unattended with its collar on.
This dog was being trained for separation anxiety, and the incident served as a stark reminder of the dangers of leaving a collar on when your dog is alone.
Whenever you leave your dog unattended, it's crucial to remove their collar. Or, as I like to put it, they should go "naked" 🤣.
This applies not just when you leave the house, but anytime you are not directly supervising them, including when they are in a crate.
This rule is especially important in homes with multiple dogs.
Dogs often grab at each other’s collars while playing, which can lead to their jaws getting caught. The ensuing panic can cause serious harm or even be fatal to the dog wearing the collar.
I understand the desire to keep a collar on for identification purposes, especially if your dog has a knack for sneaking out the front door.
In these cases, I recommend using a
breakaway collar. These collars are designed to open when put under stress, reducing the risk of strangulation.
As dog owners, our top priority is the safety and well-being of our furry friends. By ensuring your dog is collar-free when unattended, you can prevent avoidable accidents and keep them safe.
Let’s keep our dogs happy, healthy, and safe.
Give your dogs an extra belly rub from me!
