Leather leads often hold up better than those made from cloth, but they are typically more expensive. Cloth leads come in many choices, though, such as nylon and hemp. The latter is a highly renewable resource, so it’s environmentally friendly as well as economical.
Some brands are marketed as “chew-proof” or “indestructible,” and choosing one of these leads may be wise if your dog is still a puppy. If your pup chews on his leash when you walk him, you can teach him to discontinue this behavior, but until he has reliably stopped chewing, going with a chew-proof brand is a smart move.
You may choose to invest in more than one leash for your pet. Perhaps you want a longer lead for walking your pet in large, open areas. Most trainers discourage owners from using an extendable (retractable) leash because it is more difficult to control a dog’s behavior with this device. A retractable lead must be inspected regularly to make sure the cord has not frayed. Still, many owners enjoy using this type of leash, which allows them to walk their dogs at a 4-foot length, a 26-foot length, or anywhere in between. If you go this route, just make sure that the leash you select can safely accommodate your dog’s size. And use added caution if you wear shorts, skirts, or other warm-weather clothing, because this type of lead can inflict nasty burns or cuts if it wraps around a bare leg.
A sturdy leather leash should give you years of use.
A retractable lead is housed inside a plastic handle, and the leash extends or retracts with the push of a button.
Consider a Halter or Harness
A great option for walking an overly enthusiastic dog is a head halter. This specially designed harness helps prevent a dog from pulling without tightening around his neck. Two simple straps wrap around your pet’s muzzle and neck, placing the ring for attaching his leash just below your dog’s chin. If he pulls while walking on his leash, this collar will pull his head downward and toward you, interrupting his motion. A head halter can help solve a pulling problem quickly without causing your dog any pain.
Head halter
For a correct fit, the halter’s nose strap should sit just underneath your dog’s eyes, and the strap around his neck should sit as high up as possible—just behind your dog’s ears. Like a conventional collar, a head halter should fit your pet snugly yet comfortably. Unlike a regular collar, though, you should be able to fit only a single finger between a head halter and your dog’s neck. A proper fit ensures that your dog won’t slip out of the collar.
Harness
A harness is another option. With a front-clip harness, the ring for the leash is located at the center of the chest strap. If your dog pulls while wearing this type of harness, it pulls him around toward you. This interruption to his movement will discourage him from pulling further. While a head halter does not tighten around your dog’s neck, he can still give himself a hard jerk if he runs to the end of his leash too quickly while wearing one; using a harness usually prevents this from happening.
Most dogs adjust to wearing halters or harnesses fairly quickly, but if your pet resists, put it on him for short periods of time indoors to help him acclimate to it. Both head halters and harnesses are designed for on-leash walking, however, and should always be removed once you return home from a walk.
Collars and Harnesses
Like leashes, collars come in a wide variety of materials, colors, and patterns. Some even offer special technology that makes them safer for your pet. Once again, leather is usually the most durable—albeit costliest—option. A less expensive cloth collar may be the better choice if your dog is still a pup, as he will almost certainly outgrow his collar before reaching his adult size. A large-dog owner may have to buy several sizes during the dog’s first year or two, while the owner of a smaller dog may be able to get by with a single collar that adjusts to accommodate the animal’s moderate size increases. To measure your dog for a collar, place a tape measure around his neck and adjust it to the point where you can slip two fingers underneath.
A smart safety feature to look for when shopping for conventional collars is breakaway technology. Because collars can become caught on household objects, many owners choose to remove the collars from their dogs when they are inside their homes. The downside to this is that it leaves the animal without identification tags in the event he slips out the door. A breakaway collar, however, keeps a pet safe indoors by breaking apart if it becomes caught on anything, effectively preventing the collar from strangling the animal. When walking a dog on this type of collar, you must make sure to hook the leash onto both of the loops. With just one loop attached to the leash, even a slight amount of pulling will cause the collar to release.
If your dog has a special talent for slipping out of his collar—or if he is one of those breeds with a delicate neck—a harness may be a better option. Instead of circling your dog’s neck, a harness wraps around your pet’s chest and midsection. To measure your dog for a harness, place the tape measure around his chest, just behind his front legs. Use the same two-finger rule as when measuring for a collar. Many owners find that harnesses also work better for dogs who pull on their leashes.
No Choke Collars!
Choke chains are marketed toward people who own larger dog breeds, with a pervading message that using these items is the only way to control bigger pets. However, a choke chain won’t teach your dog how to walk properly on a lead—that can result only from proper training—and can injure your dog. A choke chain works by applying pressure to the animal’s windpipe when he pulls. For smaller dogs, those with delicate necks, or animals who pull despite the use of a choke chain, this item can be dangerous. No matter how large or unruly your dog may be, you should never under any circumstance use a prong collar, which isn’t safe for any dog.
If you must use a restrictive collar on your pet until he learns to walk nicely on a leash, I recommend using a martingale collar. This type of collar is flat and made of cloth instead of chain. It is more humane than a choke collar because it limits the amount of pressure applied. Fans of martingales often say that these collars apply just enough pressure to get the dog’s attention. If you buy a martingale for leash training, you can use it as a conventional collar once your dog has mastered proper leash etiquette. Simply hook both loops to the lead when you no longer need the collar to counteract pulling.
You should not use any type of restrictive collar, even a martingale, on brachycephalic dogs. These flat-faced breeds, such as the Boxer and Pug, have shorter breathing passages and can suffer from respiratory distress if their breathing is compromised in any way.
Food
While it may seem elementary, food is one of the most important items to have on hand before your new dog’s arrival. In all the excitement and commotion of preparing for a new pet’s homecoming, many owners do not even realize that they’ve overlooked this essential provision until dinnertime. If you’ve had to travel a long distance to pick up your dog and bring him home, he will surely be hungry soon after his arrival—and a young puppy must eat more frequently than an adult dog.
Check with your breeder or foster family to see what kind of food your dog is currently eating. If it is a healthy food and your dog is thriving on it, consider keeping him on it. Even if you plan to switch your pet to a different brand or formula, you will need some of the food he is presently eating. Sudden dietary changes can cause stomach upset in dogs, so veterinarians recommend gradual transitions. For the first day, give your dog only the food he is used to. The stress of moving
