Most dog owners face a similar problem when first trying to introduce their pets to collars and leashes. If your dogs are not reacting well to them, it's likely they have not been introduced to them in quite a way that makes them comfortable. The trick lies in getting them used to collars first. If you have puppies, it's advisable initially to go with a plain nylon collars and leashes. The reason being the little guys will soon outgrow them, and then begins the cycle of buying them new ones every once in a while till they achieve optimum growth. For an ideal collar size, use the two-finger method - you should be able to slide two fingers quite easily between the dog's neck and the collar.
Putting the collar on: The next step is placing the collar, and the best times to do this initially is when your puppy is doing something he likes best. Like when he is eating, for that's when he is likely to be the most adjusting. Keep the collar on for sometime, and continue this practice for a few days till you feel your puppy is adjusted to the collar.
Time for the leash: Once your puppy is adjusted to the collar while eating and for a little time after, start attaching a leash to the collar, letting the little fellow eat all the while. Meal over, let him wander about the place for some time, with you safely follow, holding the leash. Extend this collar-and-leash time slowly as the days go by till your puppy is leash-broken.
Trip to the outdoors: Next, start walking your pet outdoors. Holding the loop of the leash in one hand, use treats to get your puppy to follow you around amicably around the block. Try as far as possible to walk the puppy to your safe side, and discourage him from straining or pulling on the leash. Use treats again to lure the puppy back to you whenever he strains. Lessons learned early, either by using praise or a firm hand, tend to last a lifetime.
Prevent chewing, biting and pulling on the leash: Now it's quite likely your puppy is going to chew on his leash the first chance he gets. To get his mind off it, keep the walk interesting, call his name, distract him with treats, and make walking outdoors a fun game to play for him. Like all babies, his attention span is going to be short, so it makes sense to keep your walks short too, at least in the initial breaking-in days. These initial efforts are sure to go a long way in ensuring a lifetime of relaxed, enjoyable outdoor walks with your favorite pet.
