Does your dog’s collar have that annoying little “flappy bit”? Same. Here’s the quick fix (plus the correct fit, where the ID tag should go, and a couple of safety notes most people miss).
Quick fix: stop the “flappy bit” (without changing the size)
If the loose end of the collar is flapping about, it’s usually just the strap not sitting evenly through the slider.
- Pull the loose end through so both sides sit the same length
- This does not make the collar tighter or looser
- It just stops that extra bit flapping around your dog’s neck
How to fit a dog collar correctly (the two-finger rule)
A well-fitted collar should be secure, comfortable, and not so loose it can slide over the ears.
- Aim for two fingers under the collar at the side of the neck
- Too tight: rubbing, discomfort, and restricted movement
- Too loose: it can rotate, catch, or slip off (especially if your dog backs up)
Where the ID tag should go (and why the harness ring is risky)
I recommend keeping your dog’s ID tag on the collar ring, not the harness.
Here’s why: if a harness isn’t fitted properly and a dog slips out, you can end up holding the harness… and the ID tag… while your dog is free-ranging.
Use a proper ID tag like this silicone ID tag and don’t clip your lead to the tag ring (the tag ring can pull open). Clip your lead to the collar’s main D-ring or, ideally, walk on a harness and clip the lead to the harness attachment point.
It’s also worth knowing that in the UK, dogs are legally required to wear a collar and tag with the owner’s name and address when in public places. (Good plain-English summary here: PDSA dog laws for owners.)
My trainer recommendation: what to look for in a collar
- Quick release (faster and easier on/off than buckle faff)
- Padded / neoprene (more comfortable, and quicker-drying)
- Reflective is a bonus for darker mornings and evenings
If you want a solid, comfy everyday option, I recommend the Halti Neoprene Padded Reflective Easy Fit Collar.
Important collar safety notes
Collars are for ID. They are not a training tool.
- If your dog tends to hit the end of the lead, consider walking on a well-fitted harness instead of loading pressure onto the neck (myth-bust here: Do dog harnesses teach dogs to pull?)
- Avoid tools designed to tighten on the neck (more here: Are choke chains bad for dogs?)
- Be aware of everyday collar hazards at home too (quick read: Dog collar safety: collars can be deadly)
FAQ
How tight should a dog collar be?
Aim for two fingers under the collar (at the side of the neck). That’s secure enough to stay on, without being so tight it rubs or restricts movement.
Can a collar slip off over a dog’s ears?
Yes, especially if it’s loose and your dog backs up. If you can fit more than two fingers comfortably, it’s worth tightening slightly and re-checking the fit.
Should an ID tag go on the collar or the harness?
I recommend the collar. A poorly fitted harness can be escaped, leaving you holding the harness and tag while your dog is off. Keep ID on the collar ring, and clip your lead to the correct attachment point (not the tag ring).
Does a harness teach a dog to pull?
No. Pulling is learned because it works. If a tight lead still gets your dog to the sniff, the lamppost, or the park, the behaviour is reinforced regardless of whether you clip to a collar or a harness.
What type of collar is most comfortable?
For most dogs, a padded collar (often neoprene) is a comfy everyday choice for wearing an ID tag. A quick-release clip also makes it easier to take on and off.
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