| Pet shops can stock many types of collars and leads. | | | | a wider collar - 2.5 to 4cm is usually suitable) |
| Generally, your choice will depend on what you | | | | Nylon Collars: Smaller breeds are more suited to nylon |
| prefer, but there are a few points to take into | | | | collars as they are less durable than leather. They can |
| consideration. | | | | also cause rubbing on the neck, especially if the dog |
| Leads (leashes), collars and harnesses are usually | | | | pulls on the lead. |
| made from rope, leather, chain or nylon webbing. | | | | Chain Collars: These are made from several rows of |
| Choosing Your Lead | | | | chain with a buckle and leather strap. Care should be |
| Leather and Chain Leads: If you dog is one of the | | | | taken to use the correct size as they may pinch the |
| large breeds, you would be advised to select a | | | | skin of the dog's neck if too narrow. |
| strong lead made of leather or chain with a leather | | | | Check Chains (Choke Chain): I advise against using a |
| handle. Dogs that chew their leads will also benefit a | | | | check chain unless absolutely necessary as very few |
| chain lead. | | | | people know how to fit and use them correctly. |
| Nylon leads: These are lightweight leads and usually | | | | Half-check collars (a nylon band with a chain |
| washable, so they are useful to put in your pocket | | | | attached) are minimally better. They are a training aid |
| on a long walk or in case of an emergency. | | | | only and should only be used when walking or training. |
| Rope Leads: Slip leads (with a loop that goes around | | | | Puppy's First Collar and Lead Arrived at that |
| the dog's neck) and showing leads are often made | | | | momentous time when you buy your puppy's first |
| from soft rope. | | | | collar and lead? Here are some safety points to |
| Retractable leads: Some dogs need to be kept on | | | | remember:- |
| their lead at all times e.g young or untrained dogs, | | | | - Do not fasten the collar too tightly - make sure you |
| deaf, blind or elderly dogs. Retractable leads are | | | | can fit three fingers under it. |
| usually made from thin nylon rope or webbing on a | | | | - Never use a check chain on a young puppy - they |
| spool that can extend 4 to 6 metres. This allows the | | | | can damage the pup's neck. |
| dog to explore when out walking and allows you to | | | | - Keep an eye on your puppy especially at first as |
| keep control. | | | | sometimes they try and rub the collar off and can |
| | | | get it caught on anything projecting. |
| Choosing Your Collar | | | | - Even when the puppy is very young, its a good |
| Leather collars: These are strong and durable and | | | | idea to attach the lead to the collar and make it into |
| most dogs find them comfortable as they do not | | | | a game - the puppy will get used to the feel of the |
| chafe the neck when fitted correctly. They are | | | | lead and it will be easier for you when the time |
| available in several styles - rolled, flat, studded etc. A | | | | comes to start training. Finally, remember to check |
| leather collar 12mm wide is adequate for most dogs | | | | your dog's collar and lead regularly for damaged |
| (larger breeds, bull terriers, greyhounds etc may need | | | | stitching or wear and replace it before it breaks. |