A dog trainer has shared an important piece of advice for pet owners, who might not realise they’re making the mistake
Dog owners are being warned to carry out an urgent check on their pet’s collar following advice from a trainer. Josh Brand, a dog trainer and founder of Brand K9 Dog Training, urged dog owners to take action in a social media post. Taking to TikTok as @brand.k9, Josh advised dog owners to check the tightness of their pet’s collar immediately, warning that an incorrect fit could put pets at risk, reports the Daily Record.
Demonstrating the two-second test, Josh said: “Check this today, and it could literally save your dog’s life. If your dog’s collar comes off their head that easily, that can be very dangerous, as if they back out of a situation, it could be an absolute disaster.”
He explained: “It slipped straight off their head. Their collar should be tight enough the only way it can come off is by unbuckling it. It should never just slide off their head. So check that today and keep your dog safe.”
Replying to the video, someone asked: “Hang on, if they back out a situation and the collar comes off instead of trapping them, what’s the disaster? I feel we needed much more explanation as to what the dangerous part is?”
The trainer wrote: “Great question. It’s mainly about the environment they’re in. If they’re walking near a road and they spook from something like a bin lorry or a sudden loud bang, and the collar is too loose, they can back straight out of it and bolt into traffic.
“I’ve seen it happen when another dog approaches on a narrow path and a nervous dog panics, backs out of the collar, and runs. It could also be something as simple as a cyclist suddenly appearing, a kid on a scooter, or even a motorbike revving too close. If the collar slips off, you’ve suddenly got a loose, frightened dog near fast-moving cars.”
According to Pets at Home: “To make sure your dog’s comfy, you need to choose a collar that fits well – you should be able to put two fingers under the collar while your dog’s wearing it.
“For smaller dogs, lightweight collars, made from nylon for example, are usually your best bet. If you have a bigger dog, it’s a good idea to choose something stronger and more hard-wearing like braided nylon or leather. Check your collar has been tested and meets the weight requirements for your dog.”
For some dog owners, using a dog harness may be helpful. Pets at Home says: “Many people use only a collar and a lead when walking their dog. However, this gives your dog plenty of scope to pull and if they’re big enough, drag you forwards.
“With a harness, your dog will struggle to pull like this, as the positioning of the lead attachment means their front legs will come off the ground when they try. Over time, your dog should learn that pulling is ineffective, and this should teach them to walk alongside you in a much calmer manner.”