Collarless: Max’s Escape and the Lessons Learned

As a certified pet trainer and volunteer, and most importantly, as a mom to Daisy and Max, I’ve had my fair share of escapades. But none quite as memorable as the day Max decided to take a solo adventure — sans collar.

It’s a tale filled with humor and valuable takeaways on the importance of a proper dog collar, and perfect fit.

Max’s Great Escape

One sunny afternoon, I found myself in a sitcom-worthy moment when Max, then a curious pup young, energetic ready for Houdini-escape, managed to slip out of his collar. A collar which I had assuredly double-checked was secure.

“You should be able to get one finger under the collar for cats, and two fingers for dogs.” – Animal Humane Society

The above advice from the Animal Humane Society is something I had always practiced, but on that day, the collar I picked was loose as Max had grown since the last check I just took that collar guessing that would be good for Max.

And from that day I am never guessing when comes to my dog collaring, ” Always measure and ensure proper fit” and this is what I always do now.. 🙂

The Chase

The chas was nothing short of a comedy. Picture me, a pet trainer, who advises others on the importance of collar safety, dashing after a collarless Max, who seemed to believe the world was his oyster, and he has to take the most out of it. 😀

The Misadventure

Through the neighborhood we went, with Max darting across manicured lawns, and me — in hot pursuit — apologizing the neighbors. This scene might have been comical to onlookers, but the worry I felt was no laughing matter. As Max is very close to my heart.

But I am glade as my I found him safe with my kind neighbor who had been gardening, and who luckily knew Max by sight.

Reflection on Dog Safety

This escapade brought home the importance of not just any collar, but the right fit.

And now nothing is more important for me than the perfect fit.

As mentioned in a study on canine neck pressure:

“Results suggest that collar construction material will alter contact pressures and peak force exerted on the neck […] forces will vary depending on the direction of travel in relation to the handler.” – Study: Pressure and force on the canine neck

While the material and fit are important, so is ensuring the collar grows with your dog, something I had momentarily overlooked with Max’s rapid puppy growth.

The Takeaway

A Good Laugh and a Good Lesson

While Max’s adventure provided neighborhood entertainment, it taught me very valuable lesson that;

Regularly checking your dog’s collar fit isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a necessity.

“Once a month, or once a week for puppies and kittens, check your pet’s collar to ensure it still has the proper fit.” – Animal Humane Society

The Professional and Personal Merge

In my professional life, I stress the importance of pet safety. This incident with Max was a reminder that accidents can happen to anyone, and they can provide powerful lessons.

Conclusion

Max’s collarless escape was an eventful chapter in our lives. It reminded me that while we can’t always prevent a pet’s mischievous behavior, we can certainly be prepared for it by ensuring their safety equipment — their collar — is always up to par.

Key Takeaways

• Always ensure a snug, proper fit for your dog’s collar.
• Regular checks and adjustments to the collar are crucial as your dog grows.
• Even as a professional, the unexpected can happen, reinforcing the lessons we teach.

From Max’s escapade, I’ve learned to inject a bit more humor into our training sessions, all while emphasizing the critical message of safety first. It’s a story I often share with a laugh, but always with the clear intent of highlighting the importance of a well-fitted collar.