The easiest way to put a bandana on a dog is to thread their collar through the bandana's top channel, so the collar holds it in place and the point hangs down at the chest. If you're using a plain square of fabric instead, fold it into a triangle and tie it at the back of the neck, loose enough to slide two fingers underneath.
Either way, a bandana only stays put when the collar under it fits well. Here's how to get both right.
How do you put an over-the-collar bandana on a dog?
An over-the-collar bandana has a sewn channel along its top edge. Your dog's collar runs through the channel, so there's no knot to come undone. Our bandanas are made this way, like the Blue Bandanna Print Dog Bandana.
- Take the collar off. It's much easier to thread flat on a table than on a wriggling dog.
- Thread the collar through the channel. Feed the buckle end in first and pull it out the other side.
- Centre the bandana. Slide it along the collar until the point is halfway between the buckle and the D-ring.
- Put the collar back on. Buckle it so the point of the bandana sits under your dog's chin and the D-ring is at the back of the neck.
- Check the fit. You should still fit two fingers flat between the collar and your dog's neck, bandana included.
That last step matters. The bandana adds a layer of fabric under the strap, so a collar that was a touch snug before can feel tighter with one on. If it does, loosen it by one notch.
How do you tie a dog bandana so it stays put?
For a square bandana with no channel, the knot does all the work.
- Fold it into a triangle. Bring one corner across to the opposite corner.
- Roll the long edge. Roll from the folded edge toward the point, two or three turns. This makes a thicker band that grips better and doesn't fray at the neck.
- Wrap it round the neck. The point hangs down at the front, the two ends meet at the back.
- Tie a square knot. Right over left, then left over right. It lies flat and holds better than a granny knot, which tends to twist and slip.
- Do the two-finger check. Slide two fingers under the band at the back. If they don't fit, retie it looser.
Never tie a bandana tight to stop it moving. A tight knot can't come loose if it catches on something, and it rubs. If a tied bandana won't stay put at a safe fit, switch to the over-the-collar kind.
Why does my dog's bandana keep slipping or turning?
Most of the time the bandana isn't the problem. It's what's holding it.
- The collar is loose. An over-the-collar bandana goes wherever the collar goes. If the collar spins, the bandana ends up on your dog's back. Two fingers of room is right; four is too many.
- The tags pull it round. A heavy bunch of tags on the D-ring drags the collar, and everything on it, as your dog moves. Fewer tags, or embroidering the name and phone number on the collar instead, keeps things centred.
- The bandana is too big. A bandana that's too big for the neck has a long, heavy point that swings to one side. It can also hang low enough to catch on your dog's front legs.
- The knot is in the wrong place. On a tied bandana, the knot should sit at the back of the neck. Under the chin it gets scratched loose.
- Your dog is scratching at it. Some dogs paw at anything new round their neck. Give them short sessions with treats until they forget it's there.
What size bandana does your dog need?
Size it to your dog's neck, the same as a collar. Measure round the neck where the collar sits with a soft tape and add two fingers. The size guide walks you through it.
Our bandanas come in Small, Medium and Large, all at $15. If your dog is between sizes or you're not sure, send us their neck measurement and we'll tell you which one to pick.
A well-sized bandana covers the top of the chest without reaching the front legs. If the point hangs below the elbows, it's too big.
When should your dog not wear a bandana?
A bandana is for when you're there to see it. Take it off:
- In the crate or at bedtime. Anything round the neck can catch when nobody's watching.
- For rough play with other dogs. Teeth and paws find a dangling point quickly.
- When it's wet. After swimming, a bath or a rainy walk, damp fabric against the skin can rub. Let it dry before it goes back on.
- If your dog chews it. A dog that mouths fabric can swallow pieces. Put it away until they've lost interest.
A bandana is a nice extra for walks, photos and markets. It isn't a collar, and a tied one shouldn't ever carry a leash.
Ready to pick a bandana?
Pick a print that suits your dog's coat from our apparel collection, thread their collar through, and do the two-finger check. If it stays centred on the first walk, you've got it right.
FAQ
Should a dog bandana go over or under the collar?
An over-the-collar bandana goes on the collar itself, with the strap running through the channel. A tied bandana is best worn on its own, or tied just above the collar so the two don't rub against each other. Don't tuck a tied bandana under a collar. It adds bulk where it can rub.
Will your bandanas fit my dog's collar?
Our bandanas are made to pair with any collar in the shop. If you're using a collar from somewhere else and you're unsure about the width, send us its width before you order.
Can my dog wear a bandana all day?
It's fine for a day out as long as you're with them. Check the fit and the skin under it now and then, and take it off for naps in the crate, rough play and overnight.
Need a collar to go under it? Browse our handmade dog collars.