My puppy bites her collar. How can I get her to wear it comfortably?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is probably irritating the skin. I would try a collar of a different material. Some dogs are just sensitive to certain materials used to make these collars. My dog for example is very sensitive to collars made out of nylon and develops hair loss and dermatitis if used. I would encourage you to try one of a different material. Keep in mind that there is some getting used to on their end but it should not be itchy. Good luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is rare that this can actually affect her longterm. This is just typical behavior for a dog that is wanting to pull on the leash. I would encourage you to try to avoid this behavior as much as possible. You can try to use a dog trainer who can help you with this. Best of luck!

While I always think a trainer is a good idea, I think you might be able to get Piper used to the collar by putting it on her at meal time or when she is playing with a favorite toy. Use it for short periods of time multiple times a day and take it off is she seems very upset. She’ll figure it out with time.

Hello. The best thing to do is start slow & put the harness on for a few minutes 2-3 times a day. Reward her with many treats & lots of petting to calm her. Then attach a leash & just let her drag it around for a few days. Once she seems comfortable, ask her to follow or approach you while gently pulling on the leash. I always have a tasty treat in my hand to encourage her. With just a little time & patience, all dogs will get used to being on a leash & harness. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! It is very normal for puppies to be mouthy: want to chew on your fingers, play with your fingers like they are toys, jump up and try to grab your fingers, nip, etc. It isn't normal to do it aggressively. They tend to grow out of this behavior by 6 months. https://www.petcoach.co/article/puppy-biting-nipping-of-hands/ Have a great day!

Sounds like the collar may still be pretty scary for your pup! Some puppies may also just be very excited and become wiggly or nip/chew on you in excitement. Here are a few things you can do: Leave the collar/harness on the floor and let your puppy approach it first on his own. Toss a treat and give lots of praise any time he shows interest in it or sniffs it. Practice handling your puppy around the neck and shoulders by petting, playing with, cuddling, etc and giving a favorite treat and praise every time you do this so he begins to associate it with a positive experience. Practice snapping a collar/harness closed next to your pup but not on him, offering a treat and praise every time he is curious about it. Practice sitting while placing the collar or harness on, and giving a treat every time you do. If puppy becomes too wiggly or excited, take a break and try again in a few minutes. Offer extra treas and lots of praise when he successfully puts on and wear the collar, even if it's only for a few minutes.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! You are likely describing teething which is basically a normal type of behavior when puppies are growing up and it is secondary to mouth discomfort as teeth are growing. I recommend that you get her teething type toys which you can get at your local pet store or online. Anytime that she tries to nibble at you, you say no and give her the toy. This is likely going to resolve the issue. Good luck and have a great day!