I have a 2 month old pup and I want to train him to get used to the collar. At first, I put it on him (the collar was very lose so it wouldn't choke him) and he seemed to be ok with it. The next day however, even when he saw the collar he got scared as hell and since then I can't put it on him. Pls tell me what to do.
2007-02-17 22:38:33 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
Oh and by the way I put it indoors so he can get used to it
2007-02-17 22:48:58 · update #1
While you are cuddling with him on your lap, talking to him in soothing tones, put the collar within eyesight. Leave it there for a while, then bring it closer, slowly. Continue to be calming and reassuring to ease the pup's nerves. Let him sniff it as much as he wants to, then while continuing to cuddle, talk soothingly, etc., put the collar on him slowly. A gradual introduction is easier on the pup and won't be as frustrating for you. Once you have the collar on, leave it there. By no means should you take it off, unless it's to give him a bath. This is the only way he will get used to wearing it, if you leave it on him. The fit should be approximately two-fingers-width from his neck to the collar, this will provide comfort without fear of choking. Whatever you do, do not grab him by the collar when disciplining, that teaches the wrong impressions if and when you do eventually take the collar off.
2007-02-17 22:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by Laurie K 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are a couple of ways that you could try
1) Put the collar on him and then feed or play with him so that he establishes the collar with pleasure.
2) Put the collar on him without making any fuss, he should soon get used to it.
3) Take him to the vet because he might have pain in his neck area which the collar could be irritating.
4) Wait until he is a little older and try again (not the best solution)
2007-02-18 01:17:02 · answer #2 · answered by animal_1211 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it sounds like he got the collar caught on something when it was so loose on his neck. start with just showing him the collar and if he stays with you and does not run away then give him a treat. after a little try just touching him with the collar on his body like you are petting him. if he will let you do this treat him for it. you need a buckle collar or a snap on collar not one that goes over his head. make sure that you can get two fingers under the collar no more than two . do not make it to loose on his neck. check on the akc.org site for more help on training your dog.
2007-02-17 22:52:05 · answer #3 · answered by Skyhoss 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well, you're having an emergency right now. Go to the pet store and buy a cheap harness and try putting that on her. Hopefully it will be different enough from a collar to let her relax about it.
If she is so fearful, yes, you may want to consider anti-anxiety meds for a period of time.
You could also take him to the puppy store and go to the collar isle, try to see which one he feels comfortable with on
I think your best bet is to find a really good behaviorist in your area. These are not really problems that can be dealt with without someone seeing and evaluating your dog in person.
I found this site and it shows you what to do in each type of reaction to the collar. It is organized in a chart by each emotion:
http://www.nrta.com/breedforfoundation/temptest.html
Good luck.
2007-02-17 22:50:37 · answer #4 · answered by Jess 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Chances are because it was lose, he got his foot stuck and fell, or something caught it. While it wouldnt really hurt him, he's probobly decided it restricts him and dislikes it. Show him the collar, have him sniff it, and give him a treat when he does. Put it around his neck, and when he lets you, give him a treat, then snap it on. If that doesn't work, mimick putting it on yourself, I.E. your wrist or something so he realizes it wouln't hurt him. Then put it on him, and don't put it on too loose. You should be able to fit two fingers under the collar. Praise him when you get it on him, and don't take it off again. He needs to get used to it, and taking it off might make him realize if he's bad and resists he wouln't have to wear it.
2007-02-18 00:33:23 · answer #5 · answered by Cherrykins 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
either leave the collar on him all the time so he can get used to it and if he tries to run away you can grab his collare to stop him or when you do put his collar on try to lure him with a treat or put on the collar and then reward him, that way whenever he puts on his collar he gets a treat and when he gets used to it you don't have to reward him with a treat but with praise instead but i hope this helps and good luck :-)
2007-02-17 23:05:46 · answer #6 · answered by xkittykatx 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
first take the collar out lay it in it's kennel on the floor etc. and leave it there till he getts the idea it's not going to hurt him then after that stage take it and just lay it on it's neck dont attach it just lay it there then while doing that give him treats and pet him/her and show her that the collar is a good thing and then after she is used to it enough try to put it on her hopr this helped and good luck!!!
2007-02-17 22:51:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
be patient with him. Put he collar on him indoors where he knows he is safe and leave it on for a while so he gets used to it.
When you start to take him for walks his interest in new surounding should help make him forget his fear and start to associate his collar with going out for walks
My dog was similar when statred trying a lead on him but he quickly learnt that his lead meant good things like walkies and now he goes and gets it himself!
2007-02-17 22:45:39 · answer #8 · answered by tracyloveslfc@btinternet.com 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
all good advice here but just put the collar on and leave it. the pup will soon forget its there.
2007-02-18 01:39:59 · answer #9 · answered by yahooisawastofspaceremoveme 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
maybe you can make the collar visible to him by keeping it in his pile of toys. puppies are easily tricked when they think something is 'fun' or 'new'. I would just keep it with his toys, let it sit on his things to get that new and leather smell off of it. Try rubbing his scent on the collar, maybe its the smell? good luck, puppies can be tricky!
2007-02-17 22:50:03 · answer #10 · answered by ali 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋