Dear Critter Corner: We will be bringing home a new pup soon, and we want to be prepared with the right type of equipment to use for them. What are your suggestions for a young puppy?
There are many different types of equipment options out there to choose from, so it can be overwhelming. Most of our young pups need to first acclimate to having a collar and leash on. This will be a starting point to try out in your home. Use lots of encouragement and treats to build a positive association.
Once you are ready to take them out in the world, you will want equipment that is well-fitted. For young pups, I usually recommend you start with a harness. This will keep pressure off the neck, and if fitted properly, they should not be able to slip out very easily. Some no-pull style harnesses that I like are the Freedom Harness, the Balance Harness, the Easy Walk Harness, or the Sensation Harness.
If your dog tries to back out of a collar or is trying to wiggle out of the harness, I recommend the use of a Martingale collar, either alone or in conjunction with the harness. These collars have a second loop joining the collar together. This allows the collar to be loose when there is no pressure, and if your pup tries to back out, the collar will tighten. When fitted properly, this should be the circumference of your dog’s neck. With most dogs having larger heads than necks, they shouldn’t be able to back out of the collar. Keep in mind that this should only be worn when you are there to supervise, so there is no choking risk.
If your pup is big on pulling and you are struggling with walks or training because of this, I would suggest a head halter. These go around your dog’s muzzle and typically secure on the back of the dog’s head. Your leash attaches to a strap that hangs below the chin. The two most common brands on the market are the Gentle Leader and the Halti. The fit is different for each, so if you go this route you will need to see what works best for your dog.
If you are still struggling with your walks, I recommend that you schedule a 1:1 training session or join one of our classes to get the help that you need.