Stop Touching My Collar: Why Collar Touches Freak Dogs Out

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. 🙂