My puppy won't wear her collar

She freaks out everytime I put it on, any suggestions?

 

Yes start out with a very light color or even piece of string. every few days you can change it to something weightier. I did not have this problem. When I got my poo pup, i just put on a lightweight leather collar. The only thing she would do, is try to bite the tags. She hardly does it anymore. So start out light. Toy breeds also do better when walked with a harness too. let presure on the trachea.

 

You also might want to try a harness, instead of a collar. My dog never liked the collar either... but has no problems with his harness on (which is much more comfortable for them anyways)

 

Is a harness for wearing all the time or just for a leash?

 

A harness on all the time can really mess up the caot and cause mats. Most people use them only for walks. Try a very light collar. Your pup will chew at it, so get a cheap one. He will forget after a while that its on.

 

You could spray some Bitter Apple on the collar (should be able to get it at any pet store), it tastes disgusting but is non toxic....I know because Ive 'accidentally' tasted it a couple of times.

 

I actually do want to get her the harness for walking, I hate that her neck gets pulled back as she doesn't know how to walk on a leash yet. BUT, I really want her to have a name tag, so she has to wear a collar so that I can hang it off of that. Anyway, she is doing much better with her collar. I think in no time she will forget it is even there!


Thanks for your help!

 

On occasion, my 6 1/2 year old will try like crazy to grab her tags and bell. Then she stops just as quick. Make sure the collar fits just enough to put two fingers in it.

 

As a general rule, I don't care for harnesses. They seem to encourage the dog to pull on the leash, rather than walk at your side. Not so much of an issue with small dogs, but I still find it annoying, personally.

An option over using a harness is a Gentle Leader or Halti. They both fit on the dogs head, like a horse halter. And they discourage pulling. Of course, you don't leave it on the dog all the time. Just for walking on the leash.