How Tight Should A Shock Collar Be? Collar Fitting Guide

Last Updated/Info Checked on February 20, 2023 by Linda Michaels

As someone who is aptly known as a pro dog dad among friends, I have committed some blunders when it comes to training my dogs in the very beginning.

The worst of such blunders has to be my unawareness of how tight should a shock collar be.

Finally, after using the collar about 3 times with various variations I learned everything about fitting the shock collar on my dog.

And, mind you, I still feel like my heart pierces whenever I think of how my inability at fitting the collar the right way on my dog’s neck must have caused him utter disturbance for some time.

However, I understand that many people suffer from the same dilemma when it comes to fitting a collar on their pet’s necks.

Questions on how tight a collar should be wrapped around a dog’s neck and how to ensure that the pet is comfortable with the collar are very commonly asked.

A dog shock collar should be tight enough to prevent it from sliding down its neck. You should be able to insert two fingers between the collar and the neck for it to be snug. However, make sure that it’s not extra tight to save your pet from choking.

So, without further ado, let us jump straight into the content.

How Tightly Should A Dog Collar Fit?

The maximum suitable tightness for an e-collar depends on the size of the dog as well as its age and breed.

Hence, I cannot give you a specific number that defines the right kind of collar tightness. However, with all collars, there are a few ways to make sure that they are not too tightly placed on the dog’s neck.

Check #1

Firstly, if the collar is not sliding or re-positioning itself on its own, it is most probably placed tightly enough on the dog’s neck.

Check #2

After you ensure this, you need to see if the collar is extra tight.

For that, you can check your dog’s reaction whenever the pressure is applied to specific points on its neck from the collar. If the pressure is only enough force to inflict no harm to the dog, the tightness is alright.

However, if you feel like the pressure being applied is even a bit extra than its subtle and needed amount, you should loosen the collar a bit without delaying any further.

Check #3

Another great way to ensure that the collar fits in the perfect manner is to use your fingers to check the distance between the collar and the dog’s neck.

If you can simultaneously slide two of your fingers under the collar while it is on the dog’s neck, the collar is perfectly fit.

How To Check If The Collar Is Extra Tight?

Many people have asked me this question. You can easily tell whenever the dog’s collar is loose but is there any way to tell when the collar is extra tight?

Well, the answer is simple, you can get to know a tight collar when you slide your fingers beneath it.

If you face any difficulty doing so, or if one of your two fingers feels a lot of pressure while being slid in, it is time to loosen the collar up a bit. Moreover, if you are training an aggressive dog, make sure to use a strong collar and a little tight.

However, in most cases, you do not even have to take the test to see if the collar is tight because your dog can let you know of it himself right when the collar is fitted onto its neck.

Usually, the dogs bark and make hysterical noises while moving excessively and stretching out their neck.

In case your dog is one of those idle beings that some people in the neighborhood have had the chance of having, you can be notified of the collar’s misplacement when you remove the collar.

The dog’s neck would be bruised and will give clear proof of inflammation, caused due to consistent friction with the collar’s inner side.

From all of what I have said above, you might have developed the idea that fitting a collar on your dog’s neck is a big task.

Well, it is not. All you have to do is to take proper measurements of your dog’s neck and take a collar that is at least an inch bigger than the dog’s neck when wrapped around it.

Once you put the collar on, make the needed adjustments and ensure that it fits tightly without making your dog uncomfortable. And, Ta-Da, you are good to start training your little baby with the e-collar and all the cool features it comes with.

How Tight Should A Shock Collar be? Conclusion

The tightness of shock collars depends on how big your dog is. You could easily check the tightness by inserting your finger or looking at the distress signals given by the dog. Make sure the collar is not too tight so that your dog does not suffer neck injuries. Don’t leave the collar on your dog for too long and remove it before bedtime. If your dog suffers any type of neck injury, consult your veterinarian right away.