What is a recommendation for when a K-9 should not wear a collar?

Collars can pose a risk to a dog's safety in certain situations, especially when the dog is unsupervised for extended periods, such as at night. When a K-9 is left alone without supervision, there is a potential for the collar to become entangled in objects, leading to choking or injury. Removing the collar during these times ensures that the dog is not at risk of an accident while it is not being observed.

Additionally, while collars are essential for identification and control, there are situations like grooming where a collar might not be necessary, but it's typically more important to remove the collar during unsupervised times to prioritize the dog’s safety. During training sessions and while swimming or playing, collars might still serve a purpose, such as maintaining control or preventing escape, hence they are not universally discouraged in those scenarios.