How to Make a Homemade Collar to Keep Your Dog From Biting

The "lampshades" dogs wear may look silly, but they actually fulfill a purpose. Elizabethan collars, or e-collars, are used on cats and dogs to prevent them from biting their bodies or scratching the facial area. E-collars can be purchased from a pet store or veterinarian. However, they may not always be available, based on your location or time of day. A homemade collar can be used in place of a purchased one, fashioned with items found at home.

Things You'll Need

  • Lightweight plastic bucket
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Shoelace
  • Cardboard
  • Pencil
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Instructions

  1. Small Dogs

    • 1

      Turn a lightweight bucket upside down. Pierce the bottom of the bucket with scissors. Cut a circle into the bottom of the bucket, large enough to fit over your dog's head.

    • 2

      Sand the edges of the bucket where your dog's head will fit to avoid injury. You may also use packing tape around the rough edges to create padding.

    • 3

      Puncture two holes, on the opposite side of each other, close to the neck hole in the bucket. Thread one shoelace through the two holes.

    • 4

      Place the bucket on your pet's head. With the shoelace around one side of your pet's head, pull the shoelace around the other side. Tie the shoelace in a secure knot, so the bucket will not slip off your dog's head.

    Any Size Dog

    • 5

      Sketch a triangular shape on a piece of cardboard. Draw the sides of the triangle 2 inches longer than the length from your dog's neck to mouth.

    • 6

      Cut out the triangular shape. Fold the cardboard to create a cone shape. Cut the top of the triangle in a straight line, parallel to the bottom of the triangle, just enough so that the cone will fit around your dog's neck.

    • 7

      Puncture holes around the base of the cone, where your dog's neck will fit. Thread a shoelace in and out of the punctured holes.

    • 8

      Place the cardboard collar on your dog's head. Pull the ends of the shoelace together and secure with a knot for proper fit.