There are many types of dog collars and leashes that you can use for helping train your new puppy. However, while your puppy is as young as seven to ten weeks of age, we recommend that soft cotton collars be put on and off the puppy's neck several times during the day to help the pup adjust to the sensation of wearing the collar. Once your puppy is no longer stopping every two feet and scratching at his neck, you can move along and attach a light soft line to his collar and let him drag the line around the house.

You must supervise this event so he will not get tangled up or eat the line. Generally, after a couple of days the puppy will run around the house and not be intimidated by the drag-line. This is the time for you to pick up the line occasionally and walk your puppy around the house. If your pup stops walking, do not pull him, instead induce him with friendly gestures such as a waving hand or "baby" talk until he gets up and walks. At this time you will praise him wildly for moving along with you.

In order to continue making his leash time positive, it is a good idea to drop the line at times so that your puppy will have no opposition from tension on the line. When you notice him moving well along with you, break into a play session. The more comfortable your pup is with the leash the better it will be for both of you in the very near future. If you practice this exercise in your home with your young puppy, then it will pay off when you go for your outdoor walks.

Puppies should wear long light lines for two reasons. First, a long line conditions your puppy to believe that you have influence at a great distance. Second, short leashes will almost always create forging at the end of the line from the opposition of the tight line. Cotton, nylon, leather, and coated steel cable are all possibilities for a comfortable long line. The extendible-type leashes for bathroom walks and training the "come" command, although they do not provide very good control in busy situations.

A Crate And A Bed For Your New Puppy

Your puppy needs a crate. It is his private, personal, snug den where he can sleep, chew a toy and watch the world around him, completely undisturbed. Crates come in two styles: closed (fiberglass) or open (wire). The closed crate is draft-proof, but some puppies as well as their owners want to be able to see more. The open variety offers this visibility, but most dogs like the crate covered, especially while they are sleeping.

Either type must be placed away from drafts and sources of heat or air conditioning. Regardless of which style you decide on, it is important to get the correct size. Gauge the adult size of your pup and get a crate that will just allow him to stand and lie down. If that size gives him more space than he needs for the next couple of months, use an adjustable barrier that can be moved back as needed.

For large breeds, it may be wiser to have a crate suitable for up to six months of age, and then get the one that will last the dog a lifetime. The best puppy bedding is a folded bath towel, one that is washable or disposable in case of accidents.