How to Put a Collar on a Dog Safely When They Won't Stay Still
Check out our training collar setup, d-ring dog collar, easy dog collars, and more!
Getting a collar on a fidgety or anxious dog can feel like a wrestling match. Your dog darts away, twists their head, or freezes in place the moment you reach for it. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and there's good news. With patience, the right technique, and a little preparation, putting a collar on even the most resistant dog becomes manageable and stress-free for both of you.
Why Dogs Resist Wearing Collars—Understanding the Root Causes
Before you can solve the problem, it helps to understand why your dog is resisting. Dogs resist collars for various reasons, often stemming from negative associations. A previous traumatic experience involving the collar, such as being caught on something, a sudden painful leash correction, or even the initial discomfort of an ill-fitting collar, can create a lasting aversion. The collar might also be associated with unpleasant activities like vet visits or being left alone, triggering anxiety and avoidance behavior.
Some dogs simply find collars irritating due to their texture, weight, or the constant pressure around their neck. Young puppies are especially sensitive to new sensations, leading them to dislike the feeling of a collar initially. Understanding this helps you approach the collar-fitting process with empathy and patience rather than frustration.
Prevention: Preparing Your Dog Before the Collar Moment
The best way to make collar fitting easier is to set your dog up for success long before you need to put one on. Prevention requires planning and a positive mindset.
Desensitization Starts Early
Desensitization is the process of gradually and positively introducing something that might initially make your dog uncomfortable. When done correctly, it reduces fear and helps build trust.
Start by laying the collar on the floor where your dog can see it. Let them sniff it and explore it without any pressure. Reward this curiosity with treats and praise. Repeat this several times a day over the course of a few days. The goal is to create a positive association with the sight and smell of the collar before you ever try to put it on their neck.
Next, pair the collar with high-value experiences. Every time the collar comes out, something good happens. Treats appear, playtime starts, or their favorite toy emerges. This builds excitement around the collar rather than fear.
Gradual Neck Handling
Before the collar goes on, your dog needs to be comfortable with you touching their neck. Start by gently touching your dog's neck during calm moments, rewarding this touch with treats or praise. Keep these sessions short and upbeat. If your dog pulls away or shows tension, back off and try again later.
This foundational work makes the actual collar placement much easier because your dog has already learned that neck touches lead to good things.
The Step-by-Step Technique: Putting the Collar On Safely
When you're ready to put the collar on, timing, technique, and confidence matter.
Choose the Right Moment
Pick a time when your dog is naturally calmer. This might be after exercise, during meal prep, or during a quiet moment in the house. Avoid stressful moments like when the doorbell is ringing or other dogs are playing nearby. A calm dog is a more cooperative dog.
Use High-Value Rewards
Have treats or a favorite toy ready before you even reach for the collar. Using high-value rewards helps your dog associate the collar-putting process with something positive. The moment the collar is on, reward immediately. This teaches your dog that cooperation leads to good things.
Practice a Calm Approach
Your energy matters. Move slowly and deliberately. Use a cheerful but calm tone—excited and frantic energy can make an anxious dog more nervous. Think of yourself as a steady, confident presence rather than someone trying to pin your dog down.
Quick, Confident Placement
Keep the actual collar-fitting moment brief. Approach from the side rather than from above (which can feel threatening to an anxious dog). Gently slip the collar around their neck and fasten it. Keep the entire process to just 5–10 seconds initially. Speed and confidence reduce struggle.
Celebrate Success
The moment the collar is on, give immediate praise and a treat. Remove the collar before frustration builds. Repeat this process daily for a week, gradually increasing the time the collar stays on. Short, positive repetitions build comfort and acceptance.
Reading Your Dog's Body Language—Signs They're Struggling
Understanding what your dog is trying to tell you prevents escalating anxiety. Signs of collar aversion can range from subtle to overt, including lip licking, yawning, turning their head away, or freezing in place. More obvious signs include pulling away, hiding, barking, growling, or attempting to snap.
Other stress signals to watch for include excessive panting, pacing, and avoidance behaviors like turning away or retreating. Trembling or shaking often occurs when a dog feels threatened or trapped.
When you see these signs, pause and try again later. Pushing through resistance teaches your dog that collars are something to fear, not something neutral or positive.
The Crucial Fit Check—The Two-Finger Rule
A properly fitted collar makes a huge difference in your dog's comfort and acceptance. Even a well-intentioned fit can cause problems if it's too tight or too loose.
What the Two-Finger Rule Is
The two-finger test is simple: if you can't easily slide two fingers between your dog's collar and neck, then their collar is too tight. Time to loosen it a notch and give them some breathing space. Conversely, if you can fit more than two fingers under the collar, it's too loose and needs tightening.
Why It Matters
A collar that is too tight can cause serious problems. A collar that is too tight can lead to hair loss, and the skin in those areas can be more prone to infection. In extreme cases, a very tight collar can cut into a dog's neck. A "moderately tight" collar can lead to skin irritation, and repeated stress on the neck can even lead to long-term medical issues, including damaging the thyroid glands and tissues around the neck area.
Check your dog's collar fit weekly, especially if they're still growing. A collar that sits perfectly when it's standing up may be too tight when the dog reclines, as their skin and body fat redistribute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding what not to do prevents setbacks and builds trust with your dog.
Rushing the process – This is the biggest mistake. Moving too fast overwhelms anxious dogs and reinforces fear. Take your time over days or weeks.
Using a collar that's too tight or poorly fitted – An uncomfortable collar teaches your dog to hate collars, period. Get the fit right from the start.
Grabbing from overhead – Approaching your dog's head from above can feel predatory and scary. Approach from the side instead.
Skipping desensitization steps – Trying to put a collar on a dog who has never seen one before is asking for trouble. Build the foundation first.
Punishing resistance instead of rewarding compliance – If your dog resists and you get angry or forceful, you've just reinforced their fear. Stay calm and try again another time.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you've been consistently working on collar desensitization for 2–3 weeks with no progress, or if your dog displays severe aggression or extreme fear, consult a professional. If your dog displays aggressive behavior, such as growling or snapping, when you attempt to put on the collar, seek professional help immediately, as aggression can be a sign of fear or anxiety.
A certified positive reinforcement trainer or behaviorist can assess your specific situation and provide personalized guidance. Also, if you notice skin irritation, hair loss, or signs of neck pain, consult your veterinarian to rule out medical issues.
The Role of Quality Equipment
The collar itself matters more than many dog owners realize. A soft, comfortable collar makes a huge difference in your dog's willingness to wear it.
Opt for a lightweight, soft, and comfortable collar made from materials like nylon or fabric, and avoid collars with rough edges or bulky buckles that could irritate their skin. A flat, adjustable collar allows for a custom fit, preventing it from being too tight or too loose.
For puppies and active dogs, consider a breakaway collar for safety. These collars are designed to release if they get caught on something, preventing choking hazards. Quality collars like those from Hoss Straps are built to last and designed with your dog's comfort in mind, featuring durable materials and secure fastening systems that work reliably for active dogs of all sizes.
For dogs with necks wider than their heads (like Greyhounds and other sighthounds), a Martingale collar (also called a limited slip collar) provides a secure fit without choking. Some dogs simply prefer harnesses, which distribute pressure across the chest rather than concentrating it on the neck—another solid option if collar resistance continues.
FAQ
How long does it take for a dog to accept a collar?
The timeline varies depending on your dog's temperament and history. Some dogs respond quickly to desensitization and counter-conditioning, showing improvement within a few days. Others may require weeks or even months of consistent effort and patience to fully overcome their fear. The time it takes to overcome collar aversion varies depending on the severity of the aversion and the dog's individual temperament. Stay patient, stay consistent, and celebrate small wins along the way.
My dog tries to bite when I put the collar on—what should I do?
Biting is a sign of extreme fear or anxiety. Do not try to force the collar on. Instead, go back to the very beginning of desensitization. Let your dog simply see and sniff the collar with no expectation of wearing it. Reward calm behavior around the collar heavily. If biting continues, consult a professional positive reinforcement trainer immediately. Aggression can be a sign of fear or anxiety and should be addressed by a qualified behaviorist.
Can a too-tight collar cause behavioral problems?
Yes. Discomfort from a tight collar can create anxiety and resistance to wearing any collar. Additionally, a very tight collar can lead to long-term medical issues, potentially damaging the thyroid glands and tissues around the neck area. A dog experiencing neck pain or constant irritation may become reactive or withdrawn. Always use the two-finger test to ensure proper fit.
Should I leave the collar on all day?
While collars are important for ID and safety, it's recommended to let your dog sleep at night without a collar to give your pet's skin a chance to air out. This simple practice prevents skin irritation and gives your dog a break from the constant sensation. Also, make sure your dog is microchipped so that when you remove your pup's collar at night, the dog can still be identified in an emergency.
What's the difference between collar resistance and aggression?
Collar resistance typically includes behaviors like head turning, backing away, and avoidance. Aggression includes growling, snapping, or biting. Both signal discomfort or fear, but aggression requires professional intervention immediately. Resistance can often be overcome with patient desensitization; aggression should not be handled without expert guidance. If your dog displays aggressive behavior, such as growling or snapping, when you attempt to put on the collar, seek professional help immediately.
