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Why Do Dogs Freak Out When You Touch Their Collar?

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Stop Touching My Collar: Why Collar Touches Freak Dogs Out

Touching Dog Collar
tamifreed/Deposit Photos

Does your dog slink away or dodge your hand as you’re reaching for her collar? This is quite common among dogs. Rather than letting your dog freak out when you touch her collar,teach your dog that touching her collar is fun. Sound crazy? It’s not. I can help you fix this issue within 10 to 15 minutes.

Collar Dodging: It’s an Epidemic!

It’s embarrassing. No one wants to be that person chasing his dog and when he finally touches her collar, she takes off again. Some dogs will come right back to you when called, but once you put your hands on her collar, she’s gone again! So why does this happen? Allow me to explain it from your dog’s point of view. I’m sure you’ll have some light bulb moments. 🙂

Ninety percent of the time when someone reaches for a dog’s collar, he’s ending a play session. The person is attaching his dog to a leash to return home or walk him to his crate. Yup, dogs have learned that collar touches mean fun ends or they’re in trouble. No wonder they run away! Think of it as the “last call” announcement you’ve learned at the nightclub when fun has come to an end. Fortunately, we can change your dog’s reaction to collar touches. 🙂

How to Train Your Dog to Enjoy Collar Touches

You can certainly teach dogs no matter their age that collar touches mean yummy treats or, better yet, fun hasn’t ended. Dogs are never too old to learn.

You’ll need super yummy treats, such as hot dogs, cut into pea size bites. You’ll need a clicker to mark good behavior and, of course, your dog’s collar.

Step One: Touching Collar Brings Out Treats

  1. Put your dog’s collar on and sit on the floor. Usually, your dog will walk toward you when sitting on the floor.
  2. Reach out and touch your dog’s collar. As your fingers touch her collar, say “yes” and give your dog a treat.
  3. Move your hand away. After you say “yes,” practice again.
  4. Practice four to five more times and end the session.

WATCH: Touching Your Dog’s Collar Part 1

Step Two: Hand Slides Under/Over Collar

  1. Now, reach your hand under your dog’s collar. As your hand slides under the collar, say “yes” and give your dog a treat.
  2. Remove your hand immediately after saying “yes” and try again.
  3. Practice a few more times and end the session.

If your dog backs away or ducks, go back to step one and practice some more. Once your dog stands still when you touch her collar, then move onto step two.

WATCH: Touching Your Dog’s Collar Part 2

Step Three: Hold Collar

Hold your dog’s collar with your hand either slipped under or over her collar.

  1. Slide your palm under your dog’s collar or hold the collar with your palm facing upwards.
  2. Once your hand is in place, hold for one second. Say “yes” and give your dog a treat.
  3. Practice four to five more times and end the training session.

WATCH: Touching Your Dog’s Collar Part 3

Step Four: Walking While Holding Collar

Usually, this one causes a bit of conflict for most dogs, especially fearful dogs. This is made worse when dog owners use way too much force while holding their dog’s collar.

Goal: Your dog follows along while you’re holding her collar.

  1. Stand up and hold your dog’s collar.
  2. Feed your dog, as you’re walking forward and feed often. Every time you step forward, your dog gets a treat.
  3. Practice walking one to two steps and end the behavior.
  4. Over the course of two to three days, increase your steps. Continue giving your dog lots of treats.

WATCH: Holding Your Dog’s Collar While Walking

Step Five: Practice Outdoors

It’s time to practice in the real world. You can certainly incorporate this new behavior in everything.

  • Playing fetch: Collar touch and throw the ball as a reward.
  • Play session: Collar touch and release dog to continue playing.
  • Meat time: Touch collar and place filled dog food bowl down.

Now, your dog should happily wait for you to grab her collar. Collar touches are fun now! As for last call, you’re still on your own. 🙂

Why Do Dogs Sniff Your Crotch?

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What to Do If Your Dog Sniffs Your Crotch

Why Do Dogs Sniff Your Crotch
Pauws99/iStock

Here’s the deal. We all know dogs perceive the world using their brilliant olfactory abilities. Their sense of smell is much stronger than humans, so it’s no surprise that dogs interact with humans scent first. However, sometimes, dogs sniff your crotch. Oops!

Before dying of embarrassment, teach your dog to do something else with his nose and keep everyone’s private parts, well, private.

Why Do Dogs Sniff Your Crotch?

Dogs sniff crotches because most dogs are nose level. Plus, evidence shows dogs are able to sniff out human pheromones, which fluctuate, depending on hormonal changes. Before getting creeped out, understand that dogs are able to sniff out bladder cancer cells in urine, identify ovulating cows, locate bed bugs and the list goes on. If humans can identify it, dogs can find it. Personally, I think dogs have always been able to perform these miracles. We’re just noticing. 🙂

Dogs follow their noses. They don’t know sniffing your crotch freaks you out. Shoot, it’s part of their doggie greeting rituals.

What to Do If Your Dog Sniffs Your Crotch

Most dog owners couldn’t care less why crotch sniffing happens. They just want their dogs to stop. Instead of shooing your infamous crotch-sniffing dog away from forbidden areas, teach him to target your hand instead.

My motto is teach dogs what you want them to do rather than punishing certain dog behaviors. What if you smiled every time a visitor came over for dinner and then your mother punished you for it? Smiling is instinctual, so being punished is utterly confusing. The same logic applies to dogs.

Teach your dog to touch his nose to your hand. This dog obedience cue is called “touch” and can be used in many ways. You certainly need to teach and practice “touch” behavior before guests visit, so grab some treats and get busy.

RELATED: Why Do Dogs Eat Poop?

How to Teach Your Dog to Touch

Hold Out an Open Palm

Open the palm of your hand and hold it out with your fingers pointing sideways. Sometimes, an open-handed cop signal freaks dogs out, especially when we lean our fingers toward their face. If you think about it, when someone says “talk to the hand” or “stop talking” while pushing our open hand (fingers pointed up) in our face, it’s infuriating and intimidating. Turn your hand sideways please.

Wait for Your Dog to Touch

Hold your hand about one to two feet away from your dog’s nose and wait for him to touch his nose in your hand. Keep your hand still. Don’t move your hand toward your dog. The tiny pause is your dog wondering what to do. If your dog remains sitting, he’s confused. No worries. Hold a tiny treat in your open hand and give it to him once he touches your hand.

Mark the Behavior and Treat

Practice again and say “yes,” as you feel his nose touching your hand. By saying “yes,” you’re marking the behavior you want (nose touch hand) and follow with a treat. Continue four or five more times and end the practice session.

Test on Visitors

Making an open palm a visual cue makes it super simple to remember and for guests to learn. Continue practicing a couple of minutes per day. After a week or so, it’s time to test it out on visitors. I highly recommend using super yummy treats as rewards and placing them in small bowls next to busy door entrances.

When guests come over, ask them to hold their open palms six inches away from their crotch. This redirects your dog’s nose to their hand rather than their crotch. Now, practice a few more times, asking your guests to move their hands further away from their crotch and then end the training session.

Keep a small bowl of treats around, as you and your guest visit. If, at anytime, your dog makes a beeline for private areas, ask him to “touch” before he gets to his final destination. 🙂 After several trials with different people, your dog will learn to sniff hands instead of crotches. If your dog does sniff you or your guest’s private parts, you know what to do. This dog training exercise is very empowering for everyone!

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How to Choose a Sport for Your Dog

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Top 5 Dog Sports

Dog Sports
beardeb/Deposit Photos

Sports aren’t only for humans. Sports can be quite enjoyable for dogs as well. With so many different activities out there, you may feel intimidated choosing the right dog sport for your pet. In this article, we describe the five most popular dog sports you and your dog should try.

Getting involved in a dog sport can help strengthen the bond between you and your dog while providing your companion with an enriching experience. It never hurts to get out there and try something new that you both may enjoy. Remember to have fun with it!

Sports to Play With Your Dog

Not every dog or person, for that matter, will enjoy or excel in every sport. This is why it’s a good idea to make a list of your dog’s characteristics and match them up to the activity that best fits him. Below is a list of the most common sports for dogs.

• Rally Obedience (Rally-O)
• Agility Training Classes
• Flyball Classes
• Disc Dog
• Freestyle

Rally Obedience

During rally obedience, you and your dog navigate through an obedience course that requires stopping at designated stations to perform an obedience cue. This is a great sport for people new to the dog sport world and want to take basic dog obedience up a notch! All purebred and mixed mutts of all ages can compete. Before you play this game, make sure your dog’s vaccinations are updated and he has an understanding of basic obedience, such as “heel,” “sit,” down,” “stay,” and “come.”

Agility 

Agility is a true sport where handler and dog need to work together. In agility, you help guide your dog to complete an obstacle course. This is a timed sport, so faster is better. This course can be challenging, but very enjoyable for you and your dog.

Agility classes are open to all types of dogs–even big, short, fast or slow ones. I’ve watched small dogs dart through an agility course right along with the typical Collie. There is really no breed too big or small for this activity. Is your dog full of energy and has great focus? Then this could definitely be the sport for him. Don’t forget you’re guiding him through the course, so this will be a great workout for you as well!

Flyball

Flyball is a rally race for your dog. This dog sport is fast-paced and fun for everyone involved. Dogs are divided into teams of four. Each dog races across a 51-foot course where he hurdles over a series of jumps, triggers the release of a ball, retrieves the ball and brings it back to the finish line before the next dog is allowed to go.

This sport is open to all dogs of any breed or size that is energetic and loves a challenge. This is a great sport for social dog owners who enjoy being part of a human-human team as well as a human-dog team. It’s also a loud sport because the dogs are having a blast.

Disc Dog

Disc dog is advanced Frisbee for you and your dog. You throw the disc and your dog catches and retrieves it. This sport is judged on distance and tricks–turning an everyday game into some competitive fun!

If you already play Frisbee with your dog and want to step it up a notch, this is a great sport for you. Your dog gets to do what he loves and burn off some energy while you get to spend some quality time with your best friend.

Freestyle

So you like to boogie? Then get your dog involved too! Yup, you can really dance with your dog. It’s called Freestyle. Any breed, big or small that has an owner with a flair for dance, would be great at this dog sport. Find your inner “Night Fever” move!

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How to Talk to Your Dog Through Calming Signals

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Using Calming Signals to Talk to Your Dog

Dog Calming Signals
Jolka100/iStock

Do you ever wonder what your dog is trying to say to you?

Well, dogs have a universal language that allows them to communicate with each other as well as humans. Some parts of this language have been understood by people for a long time, such as a dog growling or the positions of their tails and ears.

Other aspects of this canine language are so subtle they’re still being discovered and interpreted today. Some of these subtle body gestures were given the name “calming signals” by Turid Rugaas, a noted author and lecturer on the subject of canine body language. Ms. Rugaas identifies these body gestures in her book “On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals.” In her book, she identifies specific body gestures and behaviors that dogs use to communicate with one another.

Understanding Your Dog’s Calming Signals

Being able to recognize what your dog is trying to communicate to you will create a better relationship between you and your dog. You can do this by learning how to read the signals your dog offers. These calming signals are often given from a dog to calm nervousness and fear when he feels threatened by dogs and/or people, which can easily be overlooked or misinterpreted by humans.

Dogs, by nature, are conflict-solving animals and will usually attempt to defuse conflicts before they become serious. Sometimes, this is facilitated by offering calming signals. For example, when a dog turns his head away from you, it could mean he feels stressed due to the tone of your voice. By looking away, the dog tries to avoid conflict.

Many humans may misinterpret this calming signal and believe the dog is ignoring them, which could actually escalate the situation. If you, the owner, recognize this calming signal and removed the conflict (i.e. changed the tone of your voice), you’ll find your dog looks back.

Some dogs will soften their eyes when a person or another dog tries to engage in a direct stare. This is to let the person, or other dog, know they’re not trying to be offensive or cause a conflict. Some calming signals are much more subtle, such as licking their nose, flicking their tongue, yawning and walking, or moving slowly. You’ll notice that sometimes your dog will walk or move very slowly when you holler at him to come to you. This is to encourage you to calm down unlike the common misconception that the dog is being intentionally disobedient “because he knows he’s in trouble.”

Common dog calming signals include:

• Head turning
• Softening of the eyes
• Licking the nose
• Flicking of the tongue
• Freezing
• Walking or moving slowly
• Yawning
• Sniffing
• Curving when walking
• Lying down

RELATED: Dog Socialization Tips

Guidelines When Using Calming Signals

You, as the owner, can use these signals to communicate to your dog just as he is using them to communicate with you. For instance, if your dog makes direct eye contact with you in a not-so-happy fashion, you can turn your head away to show your dog no immediate threat, as we don’t want to escalate the situation.

When your dog jumps on you, simply turn your back to let him know this behavior is not welcomed. If you’re dealing with a fearful dog, walk and move slowly to let the dog know you mean no harm. You’re really just talking to your dog with body language, which speaks louder than most words to him.

Conclusion

To become more fluent with calming signals, I invite you to read the book mentioned above written by Turid Rugaas as well as begin observing your dog as he interacts with other dogs and in different situations.

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What to Do When Your Dog Hates Your Spouse

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My Dog Hates My Spouse

My Dog Hates My Spouse
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When your dog hates your spouse, the entire relationship dynamic is shaken. In a nutshell, this is resource guarding. Your dog sees you as a valuable resource (i.e. you provide food, water and shelter) and wants to keep it that way.

To combat this dog behavior, your new household motto should be “everything fun comes from your disliked spouse.” By pairing fun things with your spouse, your dog will learn your spouse is actually quite nice. Think of it this way: when the disliked spouse is around, all good things rain from the sky. When the spouse leaves, all fun stops.

Regardless of your dog’s history, he can certainly learn to trust and bond with new people.

Quick Note for Favored Spouse

By pairing fun things with your spouse, your dog will begin to befriend him, so prepare yourself. Many times, this process is halted because the favored spouse becomes jealous. Her dog is now lying on her spouse’s lap and she feels left out and–dare I say–abandoned. When these emotions stir, tell yourself it’s the right thing to do for your dog and your spouse. Refrain from making snarky comments and, instead, admire and encourage your spouse for bonding with your dog.

Your dog will still adore you and much more so because you’re teaching him how to bond with others, which is a priceless gift. Plus, it’s not fun being left out. As your disliked spouse can attest, it’s downright degrading. Support and encourage your spouse and, of course, still cuddle with your dog. 🙂

Your Dog is Not Protecting You

Some people feel protected and safe when their dogs growl or charge at other people, but it’s actually quite disabling to your dog. You’re teaching your dog to fear everything, so he’s constantly lashing out. Your dog’s living in a constant state of fear. Plus, dogs of all sizes can cause real harm, so encouraging this misguided behavior is downright dangerous. What if a child or elderly person approaches you and your dog tries to bite? You will be held liable per strict laws pertaining to dog bites and you can lose your dog. It’s not fair to your dog.

RELATED: Submissive Urination in Dogs

Training Your Dog to Like Your Spouse

Your Dinner is Served

Going forward, the disliked spouse should serve your dog’s meals. To make it extra fun, try adding some canned food or dollop of yogurt. If the favored spouse is preparing meals when the disliked spouse is not home, then skip the extra food stuff. Save the lusciousness for meals served by your spouse to continue pairing good things with the disliked spouse.

Shall I Feed You Hot Dogs?

Ask your spouse to teach your dog new tricks and reward with high value treats, such as hot dogs. When your dog comes when called in the backyard, your spouse should reward with a jackpot (giving two to five treats at once).

Prepare peanut butter stuffed toys for your dog to enjoy when your spouse is around. Purchase new toys and keep them hidden until your spouse arrives home. Interactive games are awesome. Your spouse and dog should play “find the treat.” Just remember: all fun should come from your spouse.

Long Walks

This is actually a great way to bond with a new dog. You’re both in a new environment with space between you. Dogs find choices just as rewarding as treats, and during walks, they can choose the space between you. The favored spouse can tag along, but ask the disliked spouse to hold the leash so he can encourage your dog and reward good behavior.

Don’t Force Love

Your spouse should build trust with your dog and forcing any type of contact can certainly fracture all trust within seconds. Move at the dog’s pace. If he quits playing, then the game is over. Don’t push it.

If your dog charges or growls at your spouse, don’t punish this behavior. It’s like teaching a child never to say “no” when he’s scared. Boundaries are important in life, so respect your dog’s boundaries too. Instead, your spouse should turn away and ignore your dog. However, there are consequences to actions. Rather than letting your dog march back to you after charging at your spouse and lie back on your lap, crate your dog in another room with a yummy food stuffed toy while you and your spouse enjoy alone time.

If It Gets Worse or Bites Happen

Disliked spouses should not endure biting or constant threats. It’s not fair to your spouse or dog. Plus, you’re allowing your dog to practice unwanted behavior, which makes it much worse. Partner with a professional dog trainer or veterinary animal behaviorist for guidance.

Dog Training Nation is a dog training blog for pet owners and dog lovers. We cover a range of topics from puppy socialization tips to dog aggression to dog health. It is our hope you share our content to make the world a better place for dogs.

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