Dogs are generally comfortable wearing a collar just like humans wearing rings or watches. However, some dogs may develop collar anxiety, especially those who have experienced abuse or trauma. This can be distressing for them.

When we adopted a dog who had a difficult past, she initially struggled to adjust. During the first week, she sought refuge under the desk in our front room, and I even slept on the floor to comfort her. Her previous nylon collar was worn out and too small, so I decided to get her a new collar – a wide, padded, red leather staffy collar, suitable for her size (she weighed 40 kilograms).

But when I removed the old nylon collar and replaced it with the new one, she immediately retreated back under the desk. It was heartbreaking to see her react that way.

Determined to help her overcome this fear, I slowly worked on building her trust. I showed her that our love for her remained unchanged, whether she wore a collar or not. Gradually, she began to understand this and no longer wore the collar inside the house. Instead, we created a collection of collars for her to choose from when we were going out. It became a way for her to express her preferences and even gave me an idea of where she wanted to go based on the collar she selected.

I cherish the memories of my beloved dog, and I miss her deeply. She taught me so much about patience, understanding, and the power of love.