FAQ: Collars & Leashes for dogs

Nylon collars are light, inexpensive, dry quickly and wash easily, but they can rub the fur. Leather collars last a long time and soften and mould to the neck over time, but they need care after getting wet.

Biothane is polyester webbing coated in plastic that is waterproof, does not absorb smells and wipes clean easily. This makes biothane products popular for dogs that love swimming and mud.

Neoprene padding is soft, so it rubs the skin less and softens pressure when the dog pulls. It dries quickly, but in hot weather the fur underneath can get sweatier.

Rope leads are strong, comfortable to grip and often have a sturdy clip, so they suit dogs of various sizes. Thicker rope takes longer to dry, and cheaper rope may fray or wear out faster.

For swimming, water-resistant materials such as biothane and rust-proof metal hardware work well. Leather collars are best taken off, as they can stiffen and take a long time to dry after water.

In rare cases a dog's skin may react to dyes, leather treatments or metal parts such as nickel. If the skin under the collar turns red or sores appear, switch materials and consult a vet.

Natural-fibre collars are soft and pleasant on the skin, so they suit dogs with sensitive skin. They soak up water and dirt more easily, so they need washing more often.

Good-quality plastic buckles are usually strong enough for small and medium dogs. For large dogs that pull hard, a metal buckle or a locking fastener is often advised.

Sturdy metal clips with a twist or locking gate that cannot open by accident are considered the safest. Simple spring clips are convenient, but the spring may weaken over time.

A swivel clip lets the lead turn freely, so it does not tangle or twist when the dog spins around. This is especially handy with long lines or lively dogs.

Cheaper metal parts are often only thinly plated, and the coating wears off with water, salt and dirt. Stainless steel or good-quality aluminium rusts much less, so it suits dogs that often get wet.

Usually the ring is on the back, between the shoulder blades, which suits dogs that walk calmly. For dogs that pull, an extra ring on the chest is often used to help control direction.

A puppy can start wearing a light, soft collar in its first weeks at home, as soon as you bring it back. It is important to check and loosen it often, because puppies grow very fast.

Put the collar on for a short time during play or a meal at first so the puppy links it with something pleasant, then gradually lengthen the time it wears it. It may scratch at first, but usually gets used to it within a few days.

First let the puppy sniff the harness and reward it, then put it on briefly at home and give a treat. The time is gradually increased until the puppy wears the harness calmly, and only then is the lead attached.

Start at home or in the yard: attach a light lead, let it trail and reward the puppy when it walks beside you. When the puppy pulls, stop and continue once the lead is slack again.

Puppies often bite the lead out of excitement or in play. Do not tug back, stop, redirect its attention to a toy or treat and reward it when it lets go.

A growing puppy suits a light collar with a wide adjustment range that can be lengthened as it grows. An inexpensive first collar often needs replacing several times in the first months.

For growing puppies it is worth checking the collar and harness at least once a week, as they can quickly become too tight. Check that two fingers still fit under the straps.

Many puppies do well in a light, well-fitting harness, since it does not load the neck while the puppy is still learning not to pull. A light collar with an ID tag is useful too.