A collar is an essential accessory for a dog as it serves multiple purposes. It helps to keep your dog identified, especially if it gets lost. Most dog collars come with name plates where the dog’s name, owner’s contact number, and address are mentioned. We cover the best way to attach tags to a dog collar separately.
If your dog keeps breaking his collar, the cause is usually a poor fit, a collar that’s too flimsy for his size and strength, pulling or lunging on the leash, or scratching and chewing at a collar that’s uncomfortable or itchy. The fix is a well-fitted, sturdy collar (or a harness for walks), gradual collar training, and checking his neck for skin problems.
Continue reading as we take a look into why some dogs break their collars and how to prevent it.
Reasons why your dog keeps breaking its collar
Imagine wearing a necklace you aren’t used to; wouldn’t you feel weird and uncomfortable? Additionally, some might probably get itchy or rashes due to an allergic reaction to metal.
Likewise, dogs have the same issue with collars. Unlike humans, they can’t explain their discomfort, thus resorting to breaking it. Various factors cause your dog to break or get rid of its collar, and as their caretaker, we should pay heed.
Let’s look into some of the common factors causing your dog to break its collar:
1Size of the collar
Sometimes the problem is not with your dog but the size of the collar. A collar that’s too loose slides around, rubs, and can snag on things or get caught in your dog’s paw or mouth while scratching, which puts a lot of strain on the clasp. Hence, it’s vital to get the right fit for your pet.
Furthermore, it shouldn’t be too tight, as that is uncomfortable and can rub the skin or make breathing harder. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slide two fingers flat under the collar. Check the fit regularly on growing puppies. It would be better to take your pet along to the store while purchasing a collar. And if you plan to buy online, check the size guide.
2Collar material
Some of the collar materials might not be suitable for your dog, thus causing irritation to its skin. Take off the collar immediately if you see rashes on your pet’s neck. Some dogs react to metal buckles or certain fabrics, so if irritation keeps coming back, try a different material, such as a nylon or biothane collar with a high-quality plastic buckle. Keep in mind that constant scratching at the neck can also be caused by fleas or allergies, so if the itching continues after you change collars, have your vet take a look.
3Boredom
Dogs, especially puppies, are super active and love to play around. If they don’t get enough physical activity or play, they will feel bored, which can lead to scratching or chewing at the collar. Therefore, you should give your dog adequate exercise and regular walks. It will keep their mind occupied, thus allowing them to forget about the collar.
4Lack of collar training
Another major factor that causes your dog to break the collar is lack of collar training. Allow your pet to wear a collar from a young age to get used to it. It’s normal for puppies to show discomfort or scratch their collars. However, you shouldn’t worry about it as they will get used to it eventually.
5Wrong collar types
Various types of dog collars are available meant for different purposes. For instance, a smart collar features GPS to track your pet’s location in real-time. (We compare the best GPS trackers for dogs separately.) There are also everyday collars that are easy to use and come with a quick-release clasp or metal buckles.
You should get a collar that is suitable for your dog. If your pet is prone to skin irritations, opt for padded collars. But this collar type can be pretty heavy, especially if your dog is a small breed. So, choose the right kind of collar compatible with your dog. Training collars are a separate topic; we explain whether prong collars make dogs aggressive.
6Pulling, play, and snagging
Collars often break from force rather than scratching. Strong dogs that pull or lunge on the leash put a lot of strain on the buckle, and dogs who play rough can grab each other’s collars. Collars can also catch on fences, crates, or branches. Breakaway collars are actually designed to release under pressure to prevent choking, so if yours keeps “breaking,” check whether it’s one of those. For walks with a puller, a well-fitted harness takes the strain off both the collar and your dog’s neck.
How do I prevent my dog from breaking its collar?
Various measures can be taken to prevent your dog from breaking its collar. Understanding the factors causing your pet to scratch its collar plays a vital role. Only once you know the root cause can you solve the issue and take the right steps.
Collar training is one of the key steps to preventing your dog from scratching its collar. If you have a puppy, get a lightweight collar and let it wear daily. Your pet may not like it initially, but it will get used to it after some weeks.
Early training is essential for your pet to get used to wearing a collar. Getting the right type of collar for your dog is also necessary. Select a sturdy collar with quality material and a metal buckle or heavy-duty clasp if you have a large dog breed. That way, it will be much harder for your dog to break the collar.
Whenever your dog starts to scratch or chew at the collar, calmly interrupt and redirect them to a toy or a simple cue like “sit.” Reward your pet with treats or praise when they leave the collar alone. Harsh scolding tends to make dogs more anxious about the collar, not less.
As mentioned earlier, boredom also causes your dog to scratch its collar, thus leading to breakage. Moreover, some dog breeds are hyperactive and require constant physical activities. Dog breeds like Beagle, Cane Corso, etc., require daily exercise. Inadequate physical training may lead them to boredom and develop negative behavior like scratching the collar.
Therefore, allot time for your pet and play with them often. You can also arrange playdates with other dogs to keep their mind occupied. As a pet parent, you should shoulder various responsibilities to develop good behavior. The foundation plays a crucial role; if you inculcate good habits and training early on, this issue won’t arise.
Conclusion
As we conclude the article, we hope it has answered your question about a dog breaking its collar. It’s an issue that can be prevented if you look into the factors causing it.
Some dogs try to get rid of the collar due to skin irritations. And in this case, changing the collar material or types will be helpful. In most cases, it’s due to a lack of collar training when they were puppies. Additionally, some dogs break their collar due to boredom.
All these can be overcome by applying positive reinforcement. It’s never too late, and your dog will adapt to the changes with constant training. Being a pet owner requires patience and consistency with the training process.
