I have 2 questions relating to walking my pup Mac if someone can advise me. The first is ,what is better for his comfort and safety. A collar a harness or a halti? If I opt for a harness how much growth is built in or am I going to need to replace it with a bigger one every few weeks?. Also can anyone advise on how to stop him putting the lead into his mouth? I worry he will bite through it.
Definitely a harness. Just to give you some idea I bought 3 harnesses in her first year as she grew. They do have some growing and adjustment room. I understand that a Y shaped harness are recommended with no obstruction around shoulder movement. I also bought 3 collars as she grew. I liked the harnesses with a handle on the top so I had a little more control at times when I needed, but that’s a choice you can explore. Always rewarded her when put her harness on and still do too.
Hi Aileen, before he even thinks about putting the lead in his mouth give him a tug toy to carry. Also start teaching him give--whatever is in his mouth he gives it to you. You will need to start with two identical toys. He gives you toy and you give him the animated identical toy in the fair exchange. Third, he mouths on the lead. You pull back. Voilá you two have a game. So, grab his harness then release hold of lead. The lead is not interesting. It's not alive anymore. You need to start all three things. Be wary of teaching inadvertent reinforcement of chewing the lead. So, when he chews lead don't give him a reinforcer when he releases hold. First give him some other cue when he releases and reinforce the second cue. Keep changing the second cue so that you avoid teaching a pattern.
