I bring home my new fur baby in 5 weeks - I'm trying to make a list and shop for the training accessories I'll need from day one. This thread is about leads and collars. What types of leads and collars are best first for the puppy stage and what's best for later? Harness or collars? Any other training tools to have on hand? He'll be 8 weeks old when I bring him home. For what it's worth, I live in the center of a big city and will do most of the training in my fenced in yard or at a dog training facility. I'm nervous for off leash training in an unfenced area for fear of distractions. I'm used to when I owned a husky who could never be trusted off leash as she would always bolt. Will things be different with a lab? So. Many. Questions!
Not sure where you live but I bought an Ancol collar for my puppy (now 7 months) size 1 - she is now in size 2. I also bought the Ancol lead with reflective bits in it which I am still using at times. I also bought their harness but didn't like it. I then bought a Perfect Fit harness which is great. Also a double ended clip Halti lead which is so versatile but too big for a small puppy initially.
A back-fastening harness is best for a young puppy, to protect his delicate throat when he pulls (and he will pull, he's a puppy ). For puppies, a mesh harness is great, such as the Puppia harnesses. I bought a Blackberry one for my latest puppy but, on balance, I think I'd still go with the Puppia. I would recommend a harness until your puppy has been trained not to pull. For a very little puppy, you will need a puppy lead. It doesn't really matter which one, as long as it's not too heavy. When he's a little older, I would strongly recommend a Halti training lead or similar. This is a double-ended lead that allows you to have it anywhere between 1m and 2m long, you can attach round your waist, drape over your shoulder, and, quite importantly for a puppy, is long enough to stand on As far as off leash is concerned, if you let your puppy off leash from the start, you can use his natural instinct to stay close and keep nurturing that. Here's a thread that you might find interesting: https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/attention-new-puppy-owners-let-your-puppy-off-the-lead.1333/ Also, I would wholeheartedly recommend the book Total Recall, which is a complete programme for teaching a strong recall, and has sections specifically aimed at very young puppies, which is a ideal time to start.
Thanks so much for your reply. I've promptly purchased the Total Recall and have started it. Looking forward to the wisdom it contains. Thanks for your insight on the leads and collars - it's definitely given me more direction!
I'll endorse the halti lead too, we have 3 (they aren't completely tooth proof!) They are so versatile and can be linked together, shortened, worn round the waist and even used as as emergency slip lead. Super strong, comfortable and not expensive.
Same with me in regards to the Halti lead , it's probably the best and most comfortable lead I have used / owned . In reference to training accessories I would definitely invest in several clickers ( of the same type ) as you can never have too many and they tend to get lost very easily .Also a treat bag that you can attach to your belt .Lastly I would also recommend getting several whistles ( of the same type and frequency) if you intend to whistle train . Oh and finally I would recommend getting several Kongs....My Bella just loves hers and still has the pink one she got when she was a few months old and its still intact even though she is an extreme chewer ...(it seems that her pink Kong is her "precious" lol )
