Most owners practice this , but I wanted to make lurkers to beware . Always remove a chain collar when not used for walking etc. I had 2 close calls years ago , before I knew better. Once 2 of my Goldens were playing and one got his tooth caught in the other's collar . Both paniced ..... luckily I heard them before anyone got hurt . The second time , my Golden was sunning on the deck and the O ring slipped between the decking .....again , I was nearby . The third wasn't mine ..... a dog hung himself on a chain link fence .