How to Fit the Nova Collar

A proper fit is essential for safety, correction reliability, and GPS performance. 

For the best performance, the SpotOn logo should sit at the front of your dog’s neck, keeping the antenna in the optimal position for sky view, accuracy, and connection to more satellites.

Fitting the SpotOn Nova collar

A proper fit is essential for safety, correction reliability, and GPS performance.

For the best performance, the SpotOn logo should sit at the front of your dog’s neck, keeping the antenna in the optimal position for sky view, accuracy, and connection to more satellites.

Before You Buy

Our new one-size-fits-all collar best fits dogs with neck sizes from 10” to 26” inches. Most dogs fall comfortably within this range, and a strap extender is available if you ever need extra length.

If you’d like to double-check, you can take a quick measurement of your dog’s neck using a flexible tape measure but unlike our previous collars, selecting a specific size isn’t required.

Is my dog too small for the collar?

Your dog's neck must be at least 10 inches (25 cm) to comfortably wear the collar and weigh at least 15 pounds (7 kilgroams). 

The breeds that are typically too small for SpotOn include: Chihuahuas, Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, Pomeranians, Maltese, Papillon, and most other toy breeds.

Smaller breeds that will require you to measure your dog's neck to ensure proper fitment include: Dachshunds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Havanese, Miniature Schnauzers, Italian Greyhounds, West Highland White Terriers, and other small dogs between 15-25 pounds (7-12 kilograms).

Is my dog too large for the collar?

It's uncommon for a dog to be too large for the SpotOn collar. Most large and giant breeds will fit either the standard collar or the collar with a strap extender. 

Your dog's neck can be up to 26 inches (66 cm) to comfortably wear the collar on its own.

If your dog's neck measures between 26-29 inches (66-74 cm), you can use our strap extender for additional length.

The breeds that may require a strap extender include: Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Leonbergers, Anatolian Shepherds, Irish Wolfhounds, and other giant breeds with neck sizes larger than 26 inches (66 cm).

For dogs with long or thick coats, such as Newfoundlands, Great Pyrenees, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and other long-haired breeds, we recommend adding our Winged Comfort Pads. These pads help improve comfort and collar contact by allowing the collar to sit more naturally against your dog's neck through dense fur.

If you're unsure whether your dog will fit, measure the circumference of their neck where the collar will sit.


Fit Matters!

You should be able to fit two fingers between the buckle and your dog’s neck and the contact points must touch the skin, especially on long-haired dogs. If your dog has a thick coat, you may choose to clip or shave a small area beneath the collar to improve contact.

Nova is engineered with a firmer, more durable strap designed to stay secure on even the strongest or most active dogs. A snug fit ensures two things:

•  That your dog receives consistent static correction (if enabled)
•  That the GPS antenna stays properly oriented for maximum accuracy

To keep your dog comfortable, we recommend rotating the collar between uses—one day with the logo facing up, the next with the logo facing down—so your dog’s skin gets a break.

Dog wearing a SpotOn collar on a light gray background

Watch Fit Video

Welcoming a new puppy?

SpotOn is recommended for dogs 5 months and older, once their neck size and training readiness are more developed.

If you’re purchasing Nova for a growing pup, here’s what to know:

• You can trim the strap for a perfect fit on a smaller neck.
• As your dog grows, you can purchase replacement straps to size up.
• The collar’s one-size design ensures that most puppies will grow into it without needing a full replacement device.

This gives you flexibility to start early—when your dog is ready—while knowing the collar can grow with them over time.

Puppy standing on grass with a blurred background

When it arrives, fit SpotOn to your dog

Once you receive your SpotOn GPS Fence, try it on your dog before setting up your fence!
If it doesn't fit, email support@spotonfence.com.

Illustration of a hand holding a SpotOn collar while installing and tightening the contact pointsusing the included tool.

1. Install Contact Points (If Using Static Correction)

Two sizes are included:
• Short – for short-haired dogs
• Long – for long-haired dogs

Screw the contact points into the back of the collar and tighten using the included contact point tester (the tool that looks like a tiny spaceship!).

Line drawing of a dog wearing a SpotOn collar while the owner ensures proper fit.

2. Adjust the Strap for a Snug Fit

Lift the strap from the buckle notch—Nova’s firmer mechanism may require a little extra force. For easier adjusting, push the strap through from the opposite side before pulling. Fit the collar so:
• Two fingers comfortably fit between the buckle and your dog’s neck
• Contact points touch the skin and part the coat
• No twisting or loosening occurs during movement

Line drawing of a dog wearing a SpotOn collar showing the proper placement of the dog icon under the dog's neck.

3. Position the Logo for Best GPS Performance

Center the SpotOn dog-logo plate at the front of your dog’s neck. This ensures the GPS antenna is oriented correctly for the most accurate tracking and reliable containment.

4. Trim Excess Strap

Once you have the perfect fit, trim any extra strap so it doesn’t snag on branches or gear. Nova’s strap includes curved cut lines to ensure smooth edges when trimming.

If your dog outgrows the collar or you ever need a new strap, replacement straps are available.