There are a couple of items that every dog should have — a collar of some sort and a leash. There’s such an assortment of collars and leads available that it can be rather overwhelming when making a choice.Generally, the collar and leash you choose is merely a matter of personal preference. The most important thing to remember is to get a collar that fits properly, and a leash that is neither too heavy nor too light for the dog you have. Every pet should wear a collar with an identification tag that gives your name, address, and phone number. Here are some guidelines to follow when making your selection.

Getting the Proper Fit:

This depends on the size of your dog. A large, strong dog can easily break a collar or leash that is lightweight, so they need a heavier collar and leash. Smaller dogs, on the other hand, don’t need to carry around a heavy, wide collar and leash.

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Unlike collars, which control a dog by attaching to the neck and/or head, a harness wraps to the dog’s body. The leash attaches to a ring at the top of the dog’s back, usually at the withers (shoulder blades). A variety of different styles are available, merely variations on a theme, with the dog’s comfort the primary consideration.

No-Pull Harness
There are some “no-pull” harnesses on the market. The no-pull harness puts a varying amount of pressure in the area between the dog’s front legs and chest (armpits) when the leash tightens. The handler needs to watch for pinching under the front legs. The no-pull harness can cause abrasion in the armpits.
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Once you’ve begun teaching your puppy the household rules, it’s time to teach it how to walk on a leash. Have you ever tried to walk a dog that hasn’t been taught this? Sometimes the dog takes you for a walk. All that pulling makes the walk unenjoyable for both you and the dog.

Many people are actually “walked” by their dog - their dog pulls in the direction he wants to go, and you give in or try to resist. Loose leash walking is about teaching your dog to walk where you want to walk - without force. There are two parts to this process.

1. Teaching your dog to stand nicely without pulling. In order to do this, keep a few bite size treats ready. Relax and hold the leash against your body. Reward your dog for being calm and paying attention. If he pulls out to the end of the leash, don’t move and don’t try to reel him back in. After your dog returns to you, reward her with a treat.
2. After you’ve mastered that, it’s time to take your first step. First, say your dog’s name, then “let’s go.” If your dog dashes out to the end of the leash, say “stop” and “wait.” when he returns to you, start over. Keep in mind that walking is the reward for your dog, and when he doesn’t do it properly, the reward stops. This is called a life reward. Every time you go walking, practice this.

Puppy Education and Beginner Education classes at PetSmart cover this cue in depth. In addition, our accredited trainers will help you learn to get more consistent results with your dog’s behavior.