The impact of the collar on dog behavior: Role, limitations and well-being
Updated 14 October 2026
In short: a collar does not make a dog obedient: what changes behaviour is how the dog is taught. A tight collar, or one used for corrections (jerks, pressure, pain), raises stress, fear and sometimes reactivity. A flat, light, well-fitted collar is for carrying an ID tag and walking a dog that already walks nicely; for a dog that pulls, a Y-shaped harness protects the throat.
Can a collar change a dog's behaviour?
Not directly. A collar is a holder: it carries the ID tag and lets you clip on the lead. Behaviour depends on what the dog learns, on its emotions and on its needs (exercise, sleep, socialisation). The collar acts mostly indirectly: depending on whether it is comfortable or painful, it makes walks pleasant or stressful, and the dog gradually links the lead with one or the other.
That is why trainers no longer talk about "collar corrections". Research on dog training shows that methods based on pressure or punishment come at a cost to the dog's welfare without giving better results: in a UK study of 63 dogs, those trained with rewards responded better and faster to recall than those trained with an electronic collar.
Why lead jerks and neck pressure should be avoided
A sharp tug on the lead, or a dog pulling with all its weight on a collar, concentrates force on a small area: the throat, the windpipe and the blood vessels of the neck. Three research findings sum up the problem:
No collar is risk-free when a dog pulls
Using a sensor-equipped neck model, UK researchers measured the pressure applied by different collars during a firm pull, a strong pull and a jerk. Every collar, even wide or padded ones, exceeded levels considered safe.
Eye pressure rises with a collar
A veterinary study (26 dogs) measured an average 52% rise in intraocular pressure when force was applied through a collar, versus 16% (not significant) through a harness. This matters for dogs prone to glaucoma.
Aversive methods leave a mark
Across 92 dogs at 7 training schools, those trained with aversive methods (jerks, shouting, pressure) showed more stress signals, higher cortisol after sessions and a more "pessimistic" emotional state in daily life.
Summary of three studies published between 2006 and 2020 (references at the bottom of the page).
Key point: a collar is not a training tool. It identifies the dog and is fine for walks once loose-lead walking is learned. To teach a dog not to pull, rely on rewards and a harness that spares the throat.
True or false: 5 myths about collars
Click each statement to reveal the answer.
A small jerk on the collar helps the dog understand.
FALSEThe dog mainly learns that the lead hurts or is scary, not what you want from it. Rewarding the right behaviour (slack lead, checking in with you) is clearer and lasts longer.
A wide, padded collar protects the throat when the dog pulls.
FALSEIt spreads pressure slightly better, but measurements show that no collar stays below safety thresholds when a dog pulls hard. For a dog that pulls, a harness remains the better option.
A collar is still useful even if you walk your dog on a harness.
TRUEYes: it carries a tag with your phone number. Microchipping is compulsory in France, and a tag means whoever finds your dog can call you straight away.
A dog should wear its collar day and night.
IT DEPENDSNot necessarily. A flat, well-fitted collar can stay on during the day. At night or at home, many owners take it off so the fur does not mat and it cannot catch on anything.
A loose collar is more comfortable.
FALSEToo loose, it can slip over the head or snag. The right fit: two flat fingers between the collar and the neck.
Quiz: collar, harness or both?
How to choose a collar that doesn't affect behaviour
A comfortable collar goes unnoticed: the dog forgets it's there, which is exactly the goal. Here is what matters.
| Criterion | What to look for | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Flat collar with a clip buckle | It never tightens: no pressure as the dog moves |
| Fit | Two flat fingers under the collar | Not too tight (discomfort, rubbing), not too loose (slips off) |
| Width | Matched to size: 1.5 cm for a small dog, 2.5 cm for a large one | Too thin marks the neck, too wide bothers a small dog |
| Material | Light and soft (polyester), or waterproof for water and mud | Less weight, fewer smells, quick drying |
| Safety | Sturdy ring for tag and lead | Your dog can be identified if lost |
Check-up: is your dog comfortable in its collar?
Collar or harness depending on your dog
- Dog that pulls: a Y-shaped anti-pull harness, lead on the chest ring, plus short loose-lead walking sessions.
- Anxious or reactive dog: avoid any pressure on the neck, which can link encounters with an unpleasant feeling. A harness and help from a reward-based trainer are better.
- Short-muzzled breeds: bulldogs, pugs or shih tzus already struggle to breathe; a harness is strongly recommended.
- Senior dog or fragile eyes: use a harness for walks and the collar for the tag.
- Dog that walks well: a flat collar is fine for calm walks. For outings near water, a waterproof collar dries fast and doesn't hold smells.
Frequently asked questions
Does a collar influence a dog's behaviour?
Indirectly. A comfortable collar goes unnoticed. A tight collar, or one used for jerks, can make walks stressful, and a stressed dog becomes more reactive. Behaviour mostly depends on training and on the dog's needs.
Can you train a dog with a collar?
You can walk a trained dog on a collar, but the collar is not a training tool. To teach loose-lead walking, reward your dog whenever the lead is slack and use a harness if the dog pulls.
Collar or harness for a dog that pulls?
A harness. With a collar, all the force goes to the throat. A Y-shaped harness with a chest ring spreads the pressure and helps the dog slow down.
How do I know the collar fits?
You should be able to slide two flat fingers between collar and neck, and the collar must not slip over the head. Check regularly on a growing puppy.
Are choke and electric collars banned in France?
Since July 2025, dog professionals in France (trainers, breeders, shelters, pet shops) may no longer use them. Private owners are still allowed to, but veterinary behaviourists advise against them.
Sources
- Carter A., McNally D., Roshier A. (2020). Canine collars: an investigation of collar type and the forces applied to a simulated neck model. Veterinary Record.
- Pauli A. M. et al. (2006). Effects of the application of neck pressure by a collar or harness on intraocular pressure in dogs. JAAHA 42(3).
- Vieira de Castro A. C. et al. (2020). Does training method matter? Evidence for the negative impact of aversive-based methods on companion dog welfare. PLOS ONE.
- China L., Mills D. S., Cooper J. J. (2020). Efficacy of dog training with and without remote electronic collars vs. a focus on positive reinforcement. Frontiers in Veterinary Science 7:508.
- French ministerial order of 19 June 2025 on professional pet-care activities; ministerial answer published in the Senate Official Journal, 20/08/2026.