I think there's risk no matter which way you go. So you gotta know your dogs and choose the lesser of the risk to them. And then do a whole lot of praying that your choice works out.

I know with mine, I've always felt it was a greater risk to the leave the collars on them all the time. When Murph was younger, I witnessed him getting his collar caught and the panic that issued from him. If I hadn't been home, I've no doubt he would have strangled himself to death.

On the flip side, I've not really had escape issues that would make me panicky for them not to have their collars on if they got loose. Not too long ago, I was at my Mom's. All 3 were in the backyard, while I was in the house. One of us didn't latch the gate fully. I went outside to put my stuff in the car to head back home and realized the gate was open and no doggies were in the yard. I went running around the corner towards the front. And there calmly sat Oz and Gull at the back of my SUV making sure they didn't miss their ride home. Meanwhile, Murpher was busily peeing on every bush in sight, so he didn't even make it half way down the driveway.

So for me no collars on, unless we're away from home.

Par...