Leash walking
Why does my dog slip out of its collar on walks?
Last updated 23 September 2026 · How we write and check this
Short answer
A collar that slips off is almost always too loose, sitting more than two finger widths from the neck, or fitted on a dog with a neck narrower than its head, such as many sighthounds and some puppies still growing into their frames. Sudden backward pulling, especially when startled, can pop even a reasonably fitted collar off a dog with this body shape. A martingale collar, which tightens slightly under tension but does not choke, is generally safer for dogs prone to slipping out.
Checking the fit properly
With the collar on, you should fit exactly two fingers snugly under it, not three or four, and it should not be able to slide up over your dog's ears when you gently push it forward from behind.
Why some breeds are especially at risk
Greyhounds, Whippets, and similar breeds often have a neck circumference close to or smaller than their head circumference, which means even a well fitted flat collar can slip off if the dog backs away suddenly or twists hard. A martingale style collar, sized correctly, solves this specific problem without using a full choke design.
Key takeaways
- Most collar slipping comes from a fit that is too loose, not a training issue.
- Check fit with two fingers snugly under the collar and no room to slide over the ears.
- Martingale collars are a safer option for narrow necked breeds prone to slipping out.