What does a collar mean to you? Wearing or seeing others wear

[Kai]

A buddy of mine just suggested something to me and got me thinking. If you see someone wearing a collar in public, or in general, what do you think?
It's suggested that when seeing someone wearing a collar, it might be taken a suggestion that they must belong to someone.

I'm currently single, but i've worn the same collar for years. I wear mine because it makes me feel comfortable. It makes me feel more like myself, makes me feel more confident... and I sleep better when I wear it than without it.

I've posed this question to a couple people, and they've suggested the same thing. Although the furs I know who do wear one, wear it for their personal comfort too.

So what is your take?

[Gizmo]

To me, being collared is not a sign of possession - rather that you are comfortable wearing a collar. Now, the tag on the collar (to me) means you belong to an owner / trainer ... I could be wrong, but that is how I see it ..

[Kai]

To me, being collared is not a sign of possession - rather that you are comfortable wearing a collar. Now, the tag on the collar (to me) means you belong to an owner / trainer ... I could be wrong, but that is how I see it ..

Yeah, I see it that way too. A tag is pretty personal.

[Gizmo]

Yeah, I see it that way too. A tag is pretty personal.

My pup has a tag and - your right, it is pretty personal for us. It helps cement the relationship.

[cielo]

Can't coller a squid *flops around*

[SharpCoyote]

For me, it is a bit of the same, with further implications:

I see a leather collar, I see a killer accent, particularly if it is spiked  ;D

I see collar with a d-ring / attachment point, I see a person who would like to be owned by / follow someone;
same collar with a tag, said person has an owner / master / w.h.y.
(or has had their rabies shots  :police: )

[Samurai Kai]

Whenever I see someone wearing one it just tells me they are someone's pet or/and belong to someone, as others have said, that would usually be implied by tag. Some wear it because it is a part of who they are, maybe it's a comfort thing. I can respect that.

If I were to wear one, though, it would only be in the bedroom, with a leash attached to said collar. Not in public. -cough-

[tokar]

Whenever I see someone wearing one it just tells me they are someone's pet or/and belong to someone, as others have said, that would usually be implied by tag. Some wear it because it is a part of who they are, maybe it's a comfort thing. I can respect that.

If I were to wear one, though, it would only be in the bedroom, with a leash attached to said collar. Not in public. -cough-

We can change that thought at the next con.

[Bilston]

It all depends on context and type of collar, I know a few that wear simple leather bands on the regular and I see it as classy and deffinately a sign of comfort. A few of my punk friends wear spiked collars and it just looks like a part of their regular attire at this point, kind of like a wristwatch. I wore a chocker collar for a long time when I was young, I knew I was a furry when I was a kid but at that time it was more a visable way to show how I felt inside.  ( Ahhh the frustration of childhood bullying. >.< )

When I see a person wearing a D ringed, dog style, or just a dog collar in public I tend to think there owned by someone, or someone's pet. Depending how there acting, or if I talk to them my opinion may change.

Honestly though, do how you feel! Do what feels right to you and makes you happy! If you want to wear a collar everywhere  because your comfortable, do it! Don't worry about how other people think if their negative, and never let it get to you, it took me a long time to realise that, but honestly their opinions don't matter. I wear onesies grocery shopping, I might get a few stares and some giggles but I'm usually the happiest person in the store making everyone smile. :D

[Kai]

Ahh, i'm really happy with the responses this thread has been getting, it's been fun reading them all. :3
Seems like most people do equate it with ownership. In light of it I feel like i'm just going to wear it at home more than out and about.

[Rwaulie]

I see it as ownership if there is a tag on the collar. Otherwise it can be fashion or Furry. Non-leather dog collars usually mean Furry.