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A collar and lead are two very important items both for a dog and its owner. All pups should be introduced to them early. And a calm, non-traumatic introduction is vital if you want your puppy to love them.
Timing is important too. One of the best ways to introduce the collar and lead is at mealtimes. Firstly, fit a firm-fitting leather or webbing collar, one that is not overly thick or large, on the pup. Make sure that you can comfortably fit two fingers under the collar once it is done up.
Attach the lead to the collar, then feed your puppy. Do this every day for a week, constantly extending the time you leave the collar on. A quick and easy method for getting your pup used to its collar and lead is to feed it its favorite “tidbit,” but only immediately after you have put the collar on. The idea is that the pup will associate the collar with something pleasurable. Never leave a pup that is on a lead unattended during this period, as it could get it caught around objects.
Another way to introduce the collar and lead is during playtime: before starting to play with your pup, put its collar on. The best games with a lead are those where the pup chases either a ball, a toy, or you. As with the food technique, accustom the pup to the collar first, then the lead, and let the lead trail behind the pup. Be sure the area you are playing in is clear of trees and other objects that may snag the lead and frighten the pup.
Tug-of-war games are less desirable, but acceptable if the pup has its own tug-of-war toys. Using your own towels or clothes could create problems for you later, as your pup might come to think it is fun to grab your things.
(You should never play games where you chase the pup around or use your hands to push and wrestle. These types of game may create handling problems later: every time you try to touch the pup it will think it is playtime.)
It is not a good idea to fit a check chain at this early stage, as the sound it makes could frighten the uninitiated pup. The noise may be too dramatic for the pup to cope with, and could traumatize it for the rest of its life. The check chain can be introduced later, once your pup is used to wearing something around its neck.
Once your pup is happy with the collar and lead, it is time to take hold of the lead and allow it to take you for a walk in your backyard. This will reduce the amount of trauma it will suffer. Only walk for about five minutes a day, and do this for three days. Always remove the lead once the time is up. Never leave a lead on a pup that is unattended. The lead may be caught on a branch or a chair leg, causing the pup to believe that it is something to be feared.
If you use these basic techniques, which are simple to apply and are based on an understanding of the dog’s nature, you will find your pup is well prepared to start its training.
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