Puppy Collar
Helpful Tips For Your First Puppy Collar
When you bring your furry friend home for the first time, a puppy collar needs to be one of the first things you purchase. There are a lot of types to choose from which can be a bit confusing but the most important thing to keep in mind is the proper fit.
The puppy collar will hold the puppy's identification tags which is the most important reason to have one. Most puppies will find a way to sneak out at some point and since most of them are so small, it is quite easy for them to slip through the door while you are trying to get in the house with your arms full of groceries. Even if your puppy has been micro-chipped, it is still important for him to wear his identification tags. A neighbor from two streets over is more likely to approach a wandering stray dog wearing tags then one that is not. This allows them to easily bring your puppy home or at least call you to come pick him up while he is running through their flower bed!
Another reason for the puppy collar is that you have to have some way to physically manage your dog. When you take him for walks he will need his collar to attach to the leash and when he tries to run out the door, it gives you a little something to grab if you do happen to have a free hand.
For a very young pup, a flat, lightweight nylon puppy collar that can easily adjust in size is ideal. Puppies grow so quickly that you want something you can adjust often. It may be tempting to get a leather collar or one with rhinestones, etc, but stay away from anything heavy until your puppy's bones are bit stronger and more developed. Keep in mind, a puppy collar is not going to be a welcomed accessory right away. He will not initially care too much for this foreign object around his neck.
When fitting your puppy collar, you should be sure that the collar fits snug yet comfortable. You want to be able to fit two fingers between the puppy collar and your puppy's neck. If you allow it to be looser then this you will not be able to enforce any correction on the leash but any tighter then this and you could potentially choke him. There is a good chance he is going to scratch at the puppy collar or shake his head violently trying to get it off at first. This is completely normal. He will get used to it and then forget he has it on. Once he has done this then you can move on to adding a leash. Do not rush him though. Some pups get used to their puppy collar immediately and others can take over a day to not be bothered by it.
When attaching a leash to the puppy collar, let him drag it around the house for awhile at first, making sure he doesn't get tangled up in anything or trip anyone. This is a bit of an introduction period and lets the puppy get used to a little tug on his neck. Occasionally, pick the leash up and walk with him for a few minutes and then let him go. This lets him get used to you being on the other end of that “thing” that is attached to his puppy collar, pulling on his neck. If your puppy starts pulling on the leash, do not pull back. He will think you are playing a game and this will only lead to future leash walking problems. Instead, you should let go of the leash and try again in a few minutes. If he is chewing at the leash then spraying it with bitter apple spray will usually alleviate this problem.
Overall, when you choose a puppy collar, you need to think about training factors and safety. If you are unsure or are having troubles walking him without him pulling then consult a knowledgeable trainer to help pick out a puppy collar that is right for both of you.