Hello, What would be the best type of collar or harness for a 9-10 week old pup? I am concerned with trachea damage that could occur, but I also want something that will help with training and corrections. We live on a large acreage of land, with about 60 acres covered in trees. We have wolves, bears and other predators as well, I don't want her to run off when she is out with me. I am also training her to be off the lease, but time outside is very short when the temps and wind chill is well below zero. There is also so much info on types of training its gets a bit confusing and frustrating to say the least. Everyone has a good reason why this or that system is good or not. I will be taking her to classes, but it won't be for a month or two yet. Thanks Pat
Re: Collar recomendations for 9 -10 week old pup Hello there I would say a soft, back fastening harness would be best. Perhaps something like this: http://toppooch.com/soft-dog-harness-a-plain-black-2 I used ones very similar to these when my puppy was small, and thought them very good - they can't wriggle out of them if they fit properly, and keep puppy nice and safe while you teach them to walk on a lead. You can attach ID to them if you need to. I wouldn't say a very small puppy needs any corrections at all, so I wouldn't worry about that. My boy unfortunately doesn't like harnesses, otherwise I would still use a back fastening harness, as I think they are by far the best thing to use. I use a flat collar and lead now.
Re: Collar recomendations for 9 -10 week old pup Pat if I'm right you should teach the heel position off the lead in a secure area so no chance of over doing the correction with a lead and collar or slip lead.
Re: Collar recomendations for 9 -10 week old pup At that age the pup will want to be with you and it is a good idea to teach off lead heel work with no pressure. I was told to have ten pieces of my dog's kibble in my right hand (you could use tiny treats), take two or three steps and feed the pup from your left hand, gradually increase the number of steps you take before treating, do this every morning before you feed the dog his/her breakfast.
Re: Collar recomendations for 9 -10 week old pup Back fastening harnesses are a godsend for me. They have been really good for heel walking. I let Harley off her lead on our first walk in the park and she wouldn't venture very far at all. I'm glad I let her loose straight away as my neighbour kept her lab (whose the same age as Harley) on lead for the first month. When he is let off now, she us having problems with him running off, she is currently training recall but it is much harder. I used the same technique Stacia explains - it is brilliant
Re: Collar recomendations for 9 -10 week old pup I took Jax to pets at home yesterday and they said they measured up for harness's. Maybe good to get an idea of the sizes
