Collars…
Every now and then I hear people debate over whether or not dogs should wear collars, so lets set the record straight!
Yes, your dog should wear a collar.
There are some valid arguments against dogs wearing collars - what if their paw gets stuck in their collar? what if it’s irritating their skin? what if it’s causing mats in their fur?
But overall, there are so many more important reasons FOR collars:
Firstly, there are just some times when we NEED to be able to grab our dogs and prevent them from doing something they shouldn’t, like eating something poisonous or running onto the road, and this is much easier to do with a collar on.
Collars are also a very important training tool. Being able to handle our dogs without having to tackle them or pull on their fur is very important.
But the MOST IMPORTANT reason to have a collar on your dog is to help them return home safe should they ever escape your home. Simply having a collar on your dog with a tag that has your phone number will make having your dog return home much more likely and a much speedier affair. Having a collar on will make it much easier for someone to catch your dog, and having your phone number on the collar means you’re probably going to receive a quick phone call from a neighbour and have your dog back home, safe and sound within the hour.
On the flip side, if your dog escapes the home without a collar, they’ll need to go to the pound, vet or council facility to have their microchip read, resulting in fees to retrieve them, and a very stressful night (or longer) for you as an owner.
And on top of all of this, there’s ways to get around most objections:
Make sure you get a collar made of a soft material and regularly check your dogs neck for signs of irritation or matting. Take breaks from the collar overnight when your dog is inside and ensure your dog is thoroughly dried after baths or swimming.
So the choice is clear: get your dog the comfiest, most stylish collar you can find and pop it on them for good. Make sure to have a name tag with your phone number as well! Even something as simple as a 50c plastic tag from Bunnings or Kmart could help keep your dog safe!