This exercise is designed to help your dog feel comfortable with hands near and on their collar.
Follow the steps below to help your dog feel comfortable having their collar handled. Take it slow and don’t move on to the next step until your dog is fully comfortable with the step you are on.
- Start by slowly moving your hand towards your dog’s collar stopping 6 inches away from touching them, mark (click), and give them a treat. Move your hand away.
- Watch your dog to gage their comfort level as your hand approaches.
- If your dog turns their head away, or moves their body away those are indications they are not comfortable and need you to back up/slow down.
- If your dog was comfortable with your hand being 6 inches from them, repeat step 1 moving your hand slightly closer each time.
- If your dog indicates they are not comfortable with your hand that close, stop your hand far enough away from them that they are able to remain comfortable. Use this as your starting point and otherwise follow the same instructions.
- Once you have worked up to your dog being comfortable with your hand right next to your dog, place your flat hand on your dog’s collar, mark (click) and treat. Move your hand away.
- Add duration by slowly increasing the time you hold your flat hand on their collar before marking (clicking) and giving your dog a treat.
- Once your dog is comfortable with you holding your hand on their collar for 5 seconds, place two fingers under their collar. Mark (click) and treat. Remove your hand from their collar.
- Place all your fingers under your dog’s collar. Mark (click) and treat. Remove your hand from their collar.
- Gently hold your dog’s collar. Mark (click) and treat. Remove your hand from their collar.
- Add duration to holding your dog’s collar.