This advent calendar is about the small but important details of everyday life with our dogs. ❤️ We often do things without thinking about them, but they can have a big impact on our interaction.
Today we look at something as simple as taking off the collar – a routine that can be more uncomfortable for the dog than we might think.
Why can it be uncomfortable?
Many dogs may find it uncomfortable when the collar is removed, and there are several reasons for this:
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The collar often has to be pulled over the head.
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We tend to lean over the dog.
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The dog loses a sense of control because it is being held or cannot see what is happening.
Let the dog take the initiative
A good way to make this experience enjoyable is to let the dog pull himself out of the collar. When the dog takes the initiative, he maintains control and it becomes a more positive experience. I have trained my dog, Viggo, to walk out of his collar by himself using shaping.
How to train it:
1. Start with collar play: First and foremost, the dog should have a positive experience with you touching the collar. Collar play creates an expectation of something good and makes training easier.
2. Reward small steps: Mark and reward when the dog starts to pull its head back a little, and gradually more until it pulls itself completely free of the collar.
3. Give a signal: Use a signal like "out" or "free" to give the dog predictability so it knows what is happening.
Reward while you exercise
If you don't have the patience for shaping, or while you're still training, you can reward your dog along the way while you take off the collar. That way, you create positive associations with the situation.
Consider your position
For many dogs, bending over them can be overwhelming. Try standing next to the dog or kneeling instead of leaning forward. This can make the experience much more comfortable.
Have you ever wondered how to take your dog's collar off? It may be a small detail, but it has a big impact on your dog's well-being. 💛
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.
Advent calendar with Dog Life in Door 12 - Off the leash - let the dog take control
This advent calendar is about the small but important details of everyday life with our dogs. ❤️ We often do things without thinking about them, but they can have a big impact on our interaction.
Today we look at something as simple as taking off the collar – a routine that can be more uncomfortable for the dog than we might think.
Why can it be uncomfortable?
Many dogs may find it uncomfortable when the collar is removed, and there are several reasons for this:
Let the dog take the initiative
A good way to make this experience enjoyable is to let the dog pull himself out of the collar. When the dog takes the initiative, he maintains control and it becomes a more positive experience. I have trained my dog, Viggo, to walk out of his collar by himself using shaping.
How to train it:
1. Start with collar play: First and foremost, the dog should have a positive experience with you touching the collar. Collar play creates an expectation of something good and makes training easier.
2. Reward small steps: Mark and reward when the dog starts to pull its head back a little, and gradually more until it pulls itself completely free of the collar.
3. Give a signal: Use a signal like "out" or "free" to give the dog predictability so it knows what is happening.
Reward while you exercise
If you don't have the patience for shaping, or while you're still training, you can reward your dog along the way while you take off the collar. That way, you create positive associations with the situation.
Consider your position
For many dogs, bending over them can be overwhelming. Try standing next to the dog or kneeling instead of leaning forward. This can make the experience much more comfortable.
Have you ever wondered how to take your dog's collar off? It may be a small detail, but it has a big impact on your dog's well-being. 💛
About Zara Zachariasen from Dog Life
Zara is a dedicated dog trainer and passionate dog owner.
Zara's love for dogs and the relationship between dog and owner shines through in her approach to training. She pays attention to detail and often has a strong theoretical approach to her teaching.
Zara currently works full-time as a dog trainer in her company Hundeliv. Here she shares her knowledge with physical training classes, and as a presenter of webinars, workshops and articles.
Follow Zara on the Facebook page " Hundeliv ," where she shares her own training experiences and reflections.