Most people who have a dog forget this gesture before going for a walk.
This simple gesture on your dog’s head can prevent a serious accident. Many owners think about checking the leash before leaving, but forget an essential detail: the adjustment of the collar. A common mistake that can turn an ordinary walk into a critical situation. Josh, a British dog trainer, warns of this common scenario. The dog becomes frightened, backs away suddenly, and frees itself from its tether in a fraction of a second.
The problem does not come from the quality of the material, whether nylon or leather, but from the way the collar is worn on a daily basis and how it is attached. Faced with a sudden noise or another dog, the reflex is almost always the same: fleeing backwards when the animal becomes frightened. So, if the collar is not properly adjusted to block this movement, it will slip over the head. The animal then finds itself free, often near the road and cars. “This could literally save your dog’s life. If the collar goes over his head that easily, it’s dangerous“, warns Josh.
To avoid this risk, the educator recommends a simple test: apply the “two fingers” rule. The collar must be tight enough so as not to escape, while allowing two fingers to pass flat between the strap and the neck. This check only takes a few seconds and is enough to venture into nature with your pet.
Beyond adjusting the collar, consider using an anti-escape harness (with an additional abdominal strap) for particularly fearful or thin-built dogs like greyhounds. Also remember to regularly check the state of wear of plastic buckles and carabiners, which can become weakened by the cold or salt in winter. Finally, make sure that the identification tag is clearly legible and that the contact details linked to the electronic chip are up to date, because even with the best equipment, zero risk does not exist.
