Page 295 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

PREP ARING F OR ARRIV AL 295

Collars and leashes Harnesses and halters
To begin with, you will need to buy a small, light puppy collar A typical harness fits around the body with the leash
and replace it as your dog grows. The style of collar depends attaching on the dog’s back. This can be beneficial for some
on what your dog finds most comfortable. For example, dogs, as it removes tension from around the neck, but
longhaired breeds will find a smooth, rolled leather collar harnesses can be tricky to take on and off, especially with
more comfortable because it does not pull on their coat as an exuberant or overexcited dog. The harness straps should
much as a nylon collar. Greyhound-type breeds are happier be well fitted at all points, leaving enough room for you to
with a wide, flat collar that is less likely to damage their slip two fingers easily between the harness and the dog’s
sensitive necks. Whatever type of dog you have, make sure body. Contrary to popular belief, harnesses do not stop
that the width of his collar exceeds the width of one of his a dog from pulling on the leash—only training can do that.
neck vertebrae. When choosing a leash, simply handle a few If you have a dog that is a determined puller, you may find
to see which one feels most comfortable for you. a halter with a fixed noseband helps restrain him.

THE RIGHT COLLAR
Choose a collar for comfort,
not fashionable appearance. Nylon Leather
Address holder Avoid collars that tighten collar collar
when the dog pulls, such as
NAME................. chain collars.
Name
tag TEL....................
ID TAGS
Include your name and emergency
contact details so that people can
get in touch with you easily if
your dog is lost.
Retractable Short
leash leash
TYPES OF LEASH
Short leashes are ideal for
close control—for example,
when training. Retractable
leashes allow your dog
more freedom to run.

FITTING A COLLAR
A collar should fit securely
around a dog’s neck without
being too tight. As a guide,
you should be able to fit two Body
fingers between the collar and harness
the dog’s neck. Check the fit
regularly as your puppy grows
and alter it as necessary.
Replace the collar as soon as
your puppy grows out of it.

Fixed
noseband
halter
HARNESSES AND HALTERS
Instead of a collar, you may prefer to use a harness or
halter. These must fit correctly and be introduced to
a dog carefully. Some short-legged dogs cannot wear
harnesses and short-muzzled dogs cannot wear halters.

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