The collar is a symbol, and as with all symbols we can charge it with what ever we like.

My slave has a dog collar which off-course is because the collar is associated with her being like my dog. Obedient and grateful no matter how harshly I treat and discipline her. And above all, we do love our pets don't we?

The difference is up to you. In a relationship it's the two participants who make the rules.

When my slave got her collar it was like an engagement ring. Very powerful, but nothing changed. We didn't behave any differently and our commitment to each other was the same.