The Right Way to Introduce Your Dog to a New Collar

New Collar

There’s nothing like the excitement of new gear—for you and your pup. Maybe you just brought home your dog for the first time, or maybe it’s time to retire that worn-out old collar for something stronger and safer. Either way, introducing your dog to a new collar isn’t just about clipping it on and calling it a day. Done right, it can be a smooth, stress-free process that sets you both up for success.

Why the Introduction Matters

Dogs are creatures of habit. Something as simple as a new collar can feel strange or even uncomfortable at first. If you just slap it on without giving them a chance to adjust, you might end up with a pup who scratches, fusses, or flat-out resists wearing it.

Taking a few extra steps in the beginning helps your dog feel confident, comfortable, and ready to roll with their new gear.

Step 1: Let Them Check It Out

Before you even put the collar on, let your pup give it the sniff test. Hold it out, let them sniff, lick, and get familiar with the smell and feel. Dogs use their noses to make sense of the world, so this step helps take the “mystery” out of the new collar.

Step 2: Positive Associations

Make the collar a good thing. Pair it with treats, praise, or even playtime. Show it to them, give a treat. Touch it gently to their neck, give another treat. The goal is simple: your dog should start thinking, “Collar = good stuff.”

Step 3: Short and Sweet

When it’s time to actually put the collar on, start small. Clip it on during a calm moment at home, then distract your pup with a toy or a training game. Keep the first wear sessions short—five to ten minutes at most. Take it off before they get fussy, so they associate wearing the collar with positive experiences.

Step 4: Gradual Increase

Each day, let your dog wear the collar a little longer. Pretty soon, it’ll just become part of their routine. Before you know it, they won’t even notice it’s there.

Step 5: Time for a Walk

Once your pup is comfortable wearing their collar, it’s time to clip on the leash and head out. Start in a quiet area with minimal distractions so your dog can focus. This is also the perfect time to practice leash manners and build that “we walk together” connection.

Gear That Makes It Easier

Of course, the collar itself makes a huge difference. If it’s flimsy, uncomfortable, or poorly made, your dog is going to notice—and not in a good way. That’s why we built the Commander Collar tough enough for everyday adventures but comfortable enough for all-day wear. Pair it with a sturdy leash, and you’ve got gear that feels natural from day one.

Final Thought

Introducing your dog to a new collar isn’t complicated—it just takes patience, consistency, and a little positivity. Give your pup time to adjust, and soon the sight of that collar won’t just mean “something on my neck”—it’ll mean, “Adventure time with my favorite human.”