Whether or not dogs should wear collars around the house can be a heated topic. Like human parents, every pet parent thinks they are doing what’s best.
Let’s discuss the popular question of “should my dog wear a collar at home?” I went to my personal Facebook page to ask my dog mom and dad friends how they felt about the issue. Valuable opinions flooded my post, and now I’m going to share some insight with you! Of course, I will also be adding my personal thoughts on the matter.
Should my dog wear a collar at home?
Let’s start with what I do.
My dogs don’t wear collars around the house or in the yard. This is for several reasons.
- I hate all the jingling.
- I don’t like the impression that collars can leave in fur, especially with Wynston since he models. Also, Penny came to us from a rescue and she had a terrible impression on her neck from wearing a collar 24/7.
- My dogs aren’t escape artists.
- Even if my dogs went out the gate or front door, they wouldn’t go anywhere. Our dogs stay in our yard and come right back when called. Our dogs value us and our home too much. They don’t go far.
- I worry about the collars getting tangled or caught on something. I’ve heard horror stories about strangulation and such. I’ve watched my mom’s dog become caught in a floor vent via his collar tag. It was traumatizing. Thank God I was there to save him.
- Collars just look uncomfortable to me. I can’t imagine sleeping in one!
Although my kids don’t wear collars at home, as soon as we leave the house, they go on. Here’s your friendly reminder to update your tag information if it’s out of date!
What My Fellow Pet Parents Are Saying
Anti-collars in the house: Ada says, “Lola and Lucky don’t like to wear their collars inside of the house, it doesn’t allow them to lay down comfortably. Only to go outside, travel etc.”
Pro-collars in the house: Katryn S. says, “…We have an escape artist, so with my niece and nephew and my boyfriend’s nephews over as much as they are, and leaving the back door open so they can go outside, it helps with if he does get out…”
Anti-collars: Kelsie M. says, “Mauja and Atka rarely ever wear their collars anymore. They used to and the mats and tangles it caused in the fur were awful to deal with – they really hated me having to brush it out all the time. Also, neither of them are escape artists. I can leave the front door open, walk away, and they’ll stay inside.”
Pro-collars: Jennifer says, “Bernie gets very anxious if you remove her collar. Rocket has been able to get out of our fence, so for that reason, his ID always on, too.”
Anti-collars: Bryn N. says, “Bean and Yoda don’t wear collars unless it’s as a medium to sport a bow tie. They are brachycephalic so collars can impact their ability to breath. They are harnessed when we go out and they have their pet hub tags attached to their harnesses.”
Pro-collars: Amanda says, “Nola is always collared unless she’s in her crate. It’s a way for me to grab her quickly and safely if need be, leash her quick in case of emergency, if she were ever to get out it shows she has a home, I can hear where she is…so many reasons why.”
Anti-collars: Katharine M. says, “No Duff does not [wear a collar] because he hates anything on him, and even when we are out, he is constantly scratching to get it off, shaking it, etc.”
Pro-collars: Abby C. says ” I keep collars on my dogs at all times (they go right back on after a bath) cause I’m paranoid they are gonna get out and be lost.”
Conclusions
As you can see, there are many great arguments for both sides of the issue. There were 30+ comments on my post asking why or why not pet parents keep collars on their dogs at home. I can’t possibly list them all! Common concerns seem to be:
- Comfort
- Noise
- Fear of dogs getting out or getting lost
- Health
- Fear of dogs getting hurt
- Dog’s love for the collar
- Emergency preparation
The fact is, there’s no right or wrong answer to the much discussed question “should my dog wear a collar in the house?” It really comes down to your personal situation.
Just to reiterate, my dogs don’t wear collars in the house. I don’t worry about them escaping from my house or running out the door. I want them to be comfortable and free of risk.
But perhaps you have a dog that likes to bolt out the door. Maybe you’ve had a dog run away before so you want to prevent that. Maybe you’re at risk for natural disaster in your area and you always want to be prepared.
Nobody is wrong. All dogs are different and all pet parents are different. Do what is best for you and your pup, but always be sure to thoroughly analyze your situation before making a decision.
Now it’s time for you to tell me – does your dog wear a collar in the house? Why or why not?
Lindsay N Pevny says
I like how you showed both sides to this, because there’s really no right answer to some questions. Cow has thin fur and sensitive skin around her neck, and Matilda’s so tiny that it’s hard to find a collar that doesn’t overwhelm her. They would escape if given the chance, but hopefully I walk them around the neighborhood often enough that people have a basic idea of who they belong to, and they are microchipped, so I’m not super worried about them getting lost.
Amanda says
When I first got McKenzie Rae, she was collared 24/7 because she was a stray and we didn’t know how she’d settle in. Turns out she’s the least likely to run. It’s almost like she’s thinking “Forget that. I was stray. I’ll stay right here in my cozy home!” But it’s always good to take necessary precautions if you need to!
Linda says
I too, loved the way you handled the question! I have 3 chihuahuas now and no they do not wear collars in the house . We live out in the country away from the public and they are always with me . I do not like to have their necks rubbed with collars. I’ve had shelties and collies and I did not like to have their beautiful fur messed up , but I have had big short haired pups who loved their collars -so I agree with you guys all situations are unique and deserve unique answers.
Amanda says
You make great points. Fluffy dogs can easily get matted or tangled with collars! It really is a case by case basis, and I’m glad that everyone seems to be agreeing that every situation is different!
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Jennifer says
I know this post is from a year ago but I was curious about collar on or off since I have heard both sides of topic. I adopted my husky, Dante, so I was scared he would bolt out the door if given the chance. He is a husky and while doing research it turns out they have a natural instinct to chase. He has now gotten better being off leash, although it is only while we are hiking away from streets. He has two collar, a big leather one that has his tags he wears 24/7 and he has a walking collar. The leather is loose enough for him to take it off if he wanted to, he actually doesnt like anyone taking it off.
Amanda says
Hi Jennifer. I would personally go with what you think is best for your dog. I see great points to both sides of the debate. My dogs don’t wear collars in the house, and it truly comes down to preference and safety.
Miss Molly Says says
I do not allow collars at home. With large breed dogs that like to wrestle and play, there is a danger of them getting hung up on them. It seems that is what they want to grab when wrestling and playing. Better safe than sorry! The only time their collars go on is when we leave the house because the collars carry valuable ID information.
Larry Weaver says
Thanks for explaining that there is no right or wrong answer to if dogs should wear collars inside a home or not. I am planning to get a puppy for my family, and getting a collar has been a point of heavy discussion. I like the idea of my dog always having a form of identification by wearing a collar, so I think we’ll have our new puppy to wear one inside.
Jennifer Johnson says
One thing that isn’t addressed is if your dog is mircochipped and isn’t wearing a collar? Would you or wouldn’t you still keep the collar on or off?
From my point of view, dogs need to have a collar in public areas to keep them and those who may come in contact with him/her safe. However, when it comes to home time, the only time they wear them is outside. Then again, we had ours mircochipped for the possibility of them running away.
One of our dogs (6 years old) had been kept with a chain around her neck and has taken off some of her fur. It would kill me if we had the collar on her and she started to bleed.
Amanda says
All of my animals are microchipped. I personally think that having a microchip or collar isn’t a replacement for the other. I think both are necessary in public, for traveling, or in other specific situations. Can never be too safe!
Chris and Remy says
Hi Amanda, thanks for outlining both sides of this debate… I have a “nudist” Doberman Rottie Remysaurus currently dozing on the couch beside me… For the 4 years of his life he hasn’t worn a collar in the condo. Twice he escaped due to fire alarms going off when I wasn’t home in the summer so I have been looking into having a collar on his at home “just in case”. Now I have read up on everything and all the types of collars around just have one or two draw-backs for making it a pro to wear at home… Everything from smell, safety and comfort all seems to direct me to a “naked” Remy indoors… He is microchipped and everyone around me knows who we are so I feel a bit safer there but the dangers of the streets still are there. Thanks for a great blog and post in particular.
Amanda says
Hi Chris! Thanks for your input. You bring up some great points, and there are truly pros and cons to each side of this debate. I’m glad you’ve found what works for you and Remy!
Casper says
I regard my dogs as family, as soon as you put a collar on your pet at home, i feel you making him a slave and not part of your family. Nature dont breed dogs with collars, they our family and and friends even if whe in a bad mood and lash out on them, they always there for us, loving us
James Mitchell says
I have two dogs and they both always have a collar on! Simply put, you never plan on losing your dog and a collar I’d a safety feature that ensures this as long as you have their tags/info on. (*both are also microchipped) For those who say their dogs would never leave anyways, what happens if your gone and theres a home invasion or a house fire? Or an explosion of some sort in the neighborhood? (Thinking fireworks here!) These are unusual circumstances that can cause a dog to act out of the norm. I’ll stick with using collars for the safety sake of my pets!
Amy says
I have 4 small dogs. I always take off their collars at night. They all sleep with me and they are all microchipped. I know I wouldnt want to wear one at night so I just figure they are more comfortable without them. Plus they know when they see me take the collars out that its time to go outside for a walk!!
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