we've not owned a labrador before and we need to have a collar ready to slip on him when we pick him up at the kennels - can someone please advise which type would be the best? he is big, fully grown and pulls on the lead a lot - i was told that when he sees other dogs while out walking, he will pull you, big time. thanks!
Re: collar advice please! Do you think a harness would be good? I used one of these when my boy pulled on the lead: http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?f...t_id=3929&ParentCat=783&string=Fleece harness It doesn't help with the pulling (I don't anything does but training) but at least it won't hurt his neck. With a short lead, it's easy to hold even a large dog on this harness, I find.
Re: collar advice please! I don't use a harness normally, but it might be a thought - do you know whether he has any issues about wearing a collar? Is it worth having a check with the rescue, they might offer some advice?? I'm sorry I don't know your boy's story although have heard his name mentioned before, but I guess he might have some collar issues??
Re: collar advice please! Is he overweight? That might mean his neck is bigger than his head in which case you don't want anything too small. A webbing collar with a sliding adjustable part would be good. That will give you a lot of room to alter the length (whereas a buckle collar with pre-punched holes will have limited options). When it comes to walking him.... With a back fastening harness it is a bit harder for the dog to get traction if they pull. If they pull their front end tends to lift up a bit. Plus it won't hurt their neck. Of course, it will still take strength to hold him... Definitely get a thick lead that is comfortable to hold and won't give you rope burn. Even a cotton horse lead with a few knots in it for grip. I know he's had some mistreatment round his nose area but I wonder if a head halter might be worth a try. Before you take him for his first walk charge up a marker word or clicker and do some practice at home on 'look at me or sit for a treat'. He might not know much about treats and rewards and the fact that he can manipulate humans into producing them via his behaviour. The sooner he learns the 'training game' the sooner you will be able to apply his knowledge to modify behaviour on walks.
