Puppies! Collars and Leashes - What You Should Know...

This article tells you how to get your puppy used to a collar and leash before you go out for your first walk together.

When buying a collar for your puppy, choose one made of nylon or soft leather. Collars that "grow" with your puppy are also suitable. If your puppy is not used to a collar yet, he should start wearing it in the house for a few days. At first he may scratch himself a lot or may even try to get rid of the collar. It will not take long, however, for him to get used to it.

There is no need for your puppy to wear the collar in the house permanently, but he should not leave the house without it.

After about a week, your puppy should have gotten used to the collar and the leash, and you can start out on your first walk together. Of course, everything is new for your puppy. He wants to sniff at everything, he may stop abruptly, and you may have to be careful not to step on him.

On your first walks together, you may have to talk to him to calm him down so he won't rebel against wearing a collar and a leash. At this point in time, it's too early to train your puppy. You may be tempted to let your puppy get away with everything; after all, he's just getting to know his new environment. Remember, though, that you need to be consistent: you, and not your dog, should be the one to decide where you are going.

Of course, your puppy is allowed to sniff around, but when you call him and pull on the leash gently, he should follow you without protest. It will take your puppy about one or two days to get used to the leash. After that, you can teach him the meaning of the command "Heel!"

It will take some weeks or even months, though, until he obeys you perfectly. If you keep at it right from the start, however, this will save you a lot of trouble later on. Even if your dog is not very big, walking him will be a lot more enjoyable if he doesn't keep pulling on the leash.

Obedience classes can be a big help for a dog to learn how to "heel," because they give you and your dog the chance to get proper instructions and to work together with other dog owners.

(Photo can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/janneja/361558847/, content provided by Pedigree)