Dogs explore the world with their mouths, so it’s no surprise they end up chewing on things they shouldn’t. When that happens, it’s easy to assume you’re dealing with bad behavior, but most of the time it’s simply normal curiosity. The real problem is how many of us react in the moment. One common move can turn a minor issue into a scary situation fast.
In an article by PetsRadar writer Kathryn Williams, trainer Adam Spivey from Southend Dog Training points to a habit he sees all the time. If your dog has an item you want back, he says you don’t want to reach for their collar and try to hold them still. Even with a dog who adores you, that grab can feel threatening. In the worst case, it can lead to a bite because the dog may act on instinct to protect themselves.
Spivey’s advice is to set yourself up for a safer response before trouble starts. Keep your dog on a lead in places where they’re likely to snatch something off the ground, especially outdoors or in busy environments. Then if they do find something questionable, you can pick up the lead, give a clear “leave it” cue, and calmly guide them away. That creates space without forcing a physical confrontation.
He also warns that collar grabbing can trigger more than just resistance over an object. When a dog feels panicked or restrained, that energy can spill forward, sometimes toward other dogs or people nearby. Spivey even notes that this can show up in everyday moments, like when someone knocks at the door and the dog is pulled back by the collar. To a dog, that sensation can feel like a signal that something is wrong and they should be on alert.
A leash, on the other hand, gives you control without escalating emotions. It lets you redirect your dog where you need them to go and helps you avoid turning a simple swap into a struggle. You’re still giving your pup room to sniff and explore, but you’re also keeping your options open if they get curious about something unsafe. Over time, that calmer approach supports better training because your dog learns that listening gets rewarded, not challenged.
Have you ever caught yourself reaching for the collar when your dog grabbed something unexpected, and what worked best for you instead? Share your go-to strategy in the comments.
