Have you ever taken a minute to wonder if your dog can actually recognize its own collar? We don’t blame you if you haven’t! Think about it, you clip it on them every single day, so much so that it is one of the most frequent parts of their routine, but do they have any real awareness of the accessory beyond the simple fact of its functionality?
We all know that dogs rely on their sense of smell more than their sense of sight, so could that mean that your furry friend recognizes their collar by scent instead? Or perhaps it is something that they simply associate with security and adventure in their day? These are all interesting questions to ponder, and luckily we are here to help you figure it all out!
Come with us as we take a closer look at some of the science behind this, and what experience says about dogs and the way they interact with their everyday items.
Do Dogs Recognize Their Own Collars?
Okay, so here are some of the facts. Unlike us humans, dogs don’t actually look at objects and think ‘that’s mine!’ consciously about them. Having said that, they are able to recognize familiar and frequently used objects based on things like touch, scent and routine association.
The Role of Scent
It’s fair to say that a dog’s sense of smell is the closest thing it has to a superpower, and since their collar absorbs a lot of their natural scent over time, it is easy for them to distinguish it from other objects. This is usually the reason why your pup might react more positively to an old collar than a new one, because it carries more of that unique scent with it!
Routine Reinforcement
Dogs naturally associate objects with experiences, and this means that when their collar is put on, it is usually going to lead to a fun walk. Because of this association, a positive emotional connection will develop. At the same time, it’s also important to recognize that if their collar leads to feelings of discomfort from being too tight or irritating to their skin, a negative association will be formed instead.
Tactile Familiarity
Your pup’s comfort levels play a big role in their recognition skills. For example, a well fitted collar that doesn’t pinch or chafe will leave them happy and unhampered, whereas an ill fitting one will inevitably lead to lots of distress and attempts to remove it by shaking and scratching. These emotions will become part of their core memory, so choosing the perfect collar is essential for making sure they don’t dread walk time.
Why Choosing the Right Collar Matters
At this point, we are sure you have already gotten the picture that a collar is so much more than just a way to attach a leash to your pup; it’s a part of their daily comfort and well being. The right collar can make all the difference when it comes to things like happiness, health and overall behavior.
Comfort & Fit Matter
Would you want to wear a too-tight, scratchy bracelet or necklace all day? Well, neither would your pup! From skin irritation to chafing to and more, constant discomfort from a collar will lead to your furry friend being resistant to having their collar attached which will make daily walks very stressful for both of you.
Psychological Effects
Once your dog has created that negative association with their collar, they will react very anxiously to it and will probably try to escape from it frequently. This is in complete contrast to a comfortable collar that will promote security and calmness.
Positive Routine
All dogs thrive on a strong routine, and you need to make sure that they see their collar as a ‘trusted companion piece’ when out on their daily adventures rather than a source of irritation or pain. When your pup enjoys wearing its collar, it becomes a reassuring part of everyday life with you.
Why Vegetable-Tanned Leather is the Best Choice for Your Dog
One of the main things you need to think about when choosing a new dog collar is the material it is made from. In our opinion, vegetable-tanned leather stands out as the premium and superior choice in this department. From comfort to durability to eco-friendliness, vegetable-tanned leather is king!
What is Vegetable-Tanned Leather?
Vegetable-tanned leather is made from a process that uses plant-based tannins, which makes it 100% safe and natural for your pet. Unlike the cheaper, lower quality synthetic collars you see, this type of leather doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate sensitive skin. Here are some of our favorite key benefits.
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Gentle on Skin
As we said, being free from harsh chemicals makes vegetable-tanned leather ideal for any canine companions with sensitive skin. It also has the ability to soften and adapt to the shape of your dog’s neck over time, giving extra protection against chafing and irritation. -
Durability & Longevity
Synthetic material collars are prone to wearing out very quickly, but vegetable-tanned leather only gets better with age. The way that it can mold to your dog’s unique shape means that it stays comfortable whilst maintaining all of its original strength and reliability. -
Odor-Resistant & Breathable
Unlike nylon and plastic, leather doesn’t trap nasty odors, which will help your dog to stay fresh and comfortable on every adventure. -
Eco-Friendly & Sustainable
Vegetable-tanned leather is long-lasting, and it is also biodegradable thanks to a lack of toxic dyes. This makes it the number one responsible option for any pet parents that want to be eco-conscious in their choices. -
Aesthetic & Style
And let’s not forget the all important factor of style! You want your pup to be the best looking pooch at the dog park, and with beautifully crafted leather around their neck, they will always be timelessly stylish!
How to Ensure a Positive Collar Experience for Your Dog
Picking the right collar is only the first step to success; you also need to know how to best introduce and maintain it in order to have the most positive experience possible.
Introduce the Collar Properly
Give your pup the opportunity to sniff and inspect the collar you put it on them, and use plenty of treats and verbal praise to get the positive association started from the off.
Check for Fit & Adjustments
Pay close attention to how the collar is fitting around their necks. We rely on the traditional ‘two finger’ method where you should be able to snuggly fit two of your fingers between the collar and dog’s neck without any trouble.
Pair it with Positive Experiences
On your first go with the collar, opt for something short and fun like indoor playtime or cuddles at home. Pair this with plenty of treat rewards when your pup appears to be behaving well with the collar on. When it comes to a first walk, choose a route that is fun and relaxed and doesn’t have too many distraction possibilities along the way.
Maintain the Leather
Once your pup has accepted and even enjoys its new collar, it is up to you to maintain it in good condition for as long as possible. Thankfully, this can be done relatively easily by a simple routine of cleaning gently with a damp cloth and applying some good quality leather conditioner to keep the material soft and strong.
When all of the stars align and you find a well-made collar for your precious pup, it becomes so much more than just a practical accessory, it becomes part of their identity and a factor in their daily happiness!
Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s probably fair to say that your dog might not ‘recognize’ their collar in the same way that a human would recognize their items of clothing, but it is absolutely true that they will form a strong emotional association with it based on all of the factors that we have discussed above. Choosing the right collar is an essential element of making sure that your furry friend feels comfortable, safe and happy in the long-term.
If you are at the stage where upgrading to a new collar is on the to-do list, then head over to the The Lille Björn site to browse through our collection of premium vegetable-tanned leather collars. We can promise you that you will find something that ticks all the boxes.
Your pup deserves the very best, and the good news is that we have the very best ready and waiting for you to discover!
