Your problem does seem like a bit of chaffing especially if it is improving when you leave the collar off. I agree with Claire&daisy - the woven fabric collars also seem the best suited for my dogs, they are very soft and they do wash well. Its amazing how dirty a collar can get especially if in and out of water/mud. I go for the lightweight half to three-quarter inch wide collars. I also take collars off at night and when around the house - mainly for comfort, but partly because I don't like to see a collar mark around the ruff (vanity). They wouldn't wear one at all if they didn't have to - I much prefer an "old fashioned" leather or rope slip lead.