This is a practice that many should look into but especially goes with the recall (come when called) and every owner should practice it if they expect to spend any time with their dogs outside off leash.

So why work with your dog to be comfortable with you grabbing their collar? First off, there are countless times when safety necessitates it. Secondly, it can be invaluable in every day commands. For example, if you call your dog to you and she comes but ducks away when you try to reach for her collar then how are you suppose to put her leash back on? If you need to remove your dog from the front door (who is still too exuberant to greet visitors politely) but he won’t let you take him by the collar as he knows the fun will end, then you are busy chasing him around your visitors which teaches him nothing and only frustrates you more. How about the dog who considers reaching for their neck a game and tries to mouth you instead? Having a dog who is comfortable with and associates a collar grab with something calming and positive is a priceless part of communication and trust.

You can introduce your dog to this in a number of ways but start out in the home environment when there is nothing else going on. Just gently hold their collar for a mere second and then praise and treat. The next time do it a second longer, then praise and treat. Make sure you are in front of them and they can see you reaching. Then move to practicing doing it over their head, under the neck, etc. The next session make sure to vary your positions: sitting, standing, grabbing while walking next to your dog and so forth.

As you can tell your dog is associating this reaching and grabbing interaction with something positive and harmless, you will have an easier time corralling them when it comes to needing to settle them down or leash them. Which is priceless for a dog who loves to ‘come’ but then wants to be chased instead!

Any questions? Leave a comment below!