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The importance of a Collar Grab
The Collar Grab game is something that should be introduced as early as possible, however, it can be introduced at any time.
Your grabbing the collar of the dog should be the prediction of good things.
It is important that we are able to handle our dogs collars – especially when putting leashes on, moving them out of harm’s way etc.
Unfortunately many dogs will develop averse feelings toward this, if the collar grab is followed by the loss of something they value or physical punishment. Imagine from your dogs point of view – grab collar, put leash on, removed form the dog park where he way playing with his friends. Grab collar, pull off couch = loss of comfy rest area. Grab collar drag outside, prediction that you are leaving, dog is losing social human interactions.
We can prevent this, or change their feelings by simply pairing a simple touch of the collar, followed by a valued food reward/toy.
It is important that the reinforcement comes after the collar touch/gab – it must be the predictor of good things.
If your dog is already suspicious of collar grabs – simply touch or hold your hand near their neck and gradually build up criteria.
Overtime and only when your dog is comfortable we want to be able to physically able to grab the collar, followed by a small tug etc.
Practice holding the collar from both side and from the front and back of the dog.
Play this game is several locations and several times a day. It should be something that you do at least 20 times per day.
Even go as far as using out and about – at the park or the beach. Call your dog, collar grab, pop leash on, reward, and release again.
Also note, if your dog does not wear a collar, use their harness, or simple gentle neck grab/scruff (must be gentle).
There is no need to use a reward marker/bridge/clicker in this game. This game is based on classical conditioning – pairing collar grabs with good things, rather than operant conditioning – where we ask for a behaviour, and then reward.
Your grabbing the collar of the dog should be the prediction of good things.
It is important that we are able to handle our dogs collars – especially when putting leashes on, moving them out of harm’s way etc.
Unfortunately many dogs will develop averse feelings toward this, if the collar grab is followed by the loss of something they value or physical punishment. Imagine from your dogs point of view – grab collar, put leash on, removed form the dog park where he way playing with his friends. Grab collar, pull off couch = loss of comfy rest area. Grab collar drag outside, prediction that you are leaving, dog is losing social human interactions.
We can prevent this, or change their feelings by simply pairing a simple touch of the collar, followed by a valued food reward/toy.
It is important that the reinforcement comes after the collar touch/gab – it must be the predictor of good things.
If your dog is already suspicious of collar grabs – simply touch or hold your hand near their neck and gradually build up criteria.
Overtime and only when your dog is comfortable we want to be able to physically able to grab the collar, followed by a small tug etc.
Practice holding the collar from both side and from the front and back of the dog.
Play this game is several locations and several times a day. It should be something that you do at least 20 times per day.
Even go as far as using out and about – at the park or the beach. Call your dog, collar grab, pop leash on, reward, and release again.
Also note, if your dog does not wear a collar, use their harness, or simple gentle neck grab/scruff (must be gentle).
There is no need to use a reward marker/bridge/clicker in this game. This game is based on classical conditioning – pairing collar grabs with good things, rather than operant conditioning – where we ask for a behaviour, and then reward.