When selecting the type of control device you are going to use with your puppy or dog there are several considerations that you need to make. Perhaps the biggest issue is to consider your dog or puppy and how they are responding to training thus far. It is always the best option to use the least restrictive type of collar, harness or leash, and then only move towards more substantial control device if other training methods are proving ineffective. In reality any puppy can be controlled using a typical collar or harness and leash, however mature dogs and dogs that have developed bad habits on the lead may need some additional training devices to curb bad habits and learn the correct behavior.
Nylon Versus Leather
In reality there is very little difference in how leather or nylon leashes, collars and harnesses fit on your dog or puppy. In most cases choosing between leather and nylon is a personal preference of the owners, not really anything to do with the dog's themselves. There are advantages to both leather and nylon, so it is important to consider your options.
One difference is that leather collars can also have added tags and metal nameplates attached permanently to the collar for identification. Nylon collars can have hanging tags but these can work their way off or simply become detached, posing identification problems should the dog become lost.
The biggest difference between the two will be price. A high quality leather collar and leash set is going to be double or more the price of a nylon set, however it is also much more durable and will last much longer. This is, of course, provided that you take care of the leather leash and collar. It will need to be kept as dry as possible as well as have routine cleaning to keep oils and dirt from accumulating on the leather. Leather collars also typically have a buckle style fastener, which means that they should not be left on the pet when the dog is unsupervised. Leather collars with buckle fasteners can pose the chance of snagging on a branch, fence or other object and cause a strangling risk for the dog.
Nylon collars and leashes are lightweight, easy to clean and much less expensive that their leather counterparts. In addition nylon collars are also much easier to size since they have sliding adjustments to expand or contract the size of the collar. Nylon collars may be equipped with "break away" types of clasps that will detach the collar if the dog becomes caught up on something. Keep in mind this can also occur if the dog is pulling against the lead so you may want to have a breakaway clasp collar for regular use and a standard nylon collar for use on the lead. One of the benefits of the lower cost nylon collars and leash sets is that you can really mix and match colors and patterns at a reasonable cost.
Harnesses, like leashes and collars, can be either nylon or leather. It is important when fitting the harness to get the right size and since puppies may need several harnesses before they are fully grown it makes sense to go with the less expensive nylon until they are mature. Harnesses need to fit correctly to avoid rubbing and irritation to the dog as well as to prevent the dog from literally slipping out of the harness like they would a collar that is not appropriately sized.
Harnesses are ideal for dogs of any size, although it is more costly and more difficult to find harnesses for large and giant breeds. Typically harnesses are more commonly used on toy and small breeds and those dogs with short muzzles. As a matter of fact harnesses are typically recommended for the brachycephalic or short-muzzled breeds such as Pugs, Boston Terriers, Bulldogs and even the Pekingese and Chihuahuas. This is because these breeds often have problems with breathing due to the structure of their nasal passages and respiratory tract. Harnesses eliminated any pressure on the throat area and prevent problems with collapsed trachea that can be common in small and short-muzzled breeds. The collapsed trachea can be caused or compounded by the pressure of the collar against the windpipe when the dog is on the leash with a collar. Proper leash training can prevent this issue however typically owners still prefer a harness to eliminate even the remote chance of putting stress on the throat area.
Headstalls
A headstall is very similar to a halter on a horse and they work by controlling the dog's head and collar rather than just the neck. They are not the same as a muzzle although there is a strap or band around the mouth. Unlike a muzzle the headstall is not designed to prevent biting or barking, it actually works to gently apply pressure to the dog's nose to encourage them to change their behavior to change. When the dog is not pulling against the headstall, there is no pressure on the muzzle. Through this natural and non-punishment based training dogs learn to lead well so they avoid the gentle pressure. Owners do need to be careful when using any type of collar, harness or headstall to avoid jerking or tugging at the restraint. Jerking or pulling will lead to discomfort for the dog and may even cause injury in some cases.
Sizing
For most dogs sizing the collar or harness is simple by measuring the neck or girth and calculating the correct size based on that measurement. Add two or more inches to the actual measurement to determine the correct length or size of the collar or harness. Most pet stores allow you to bring the dog in to try on harnesses or collars, which is also ideal to make sure you get the correct size.
Leashes are typically six or eight feet in length and both work very well. Retractable leashes are a good option for dogs that are already trained to heel and walk with the owner, but may actually lead to bad habit development in puppies and untrained dogs. If you are using a retractable leash it may confuse the dog as to the space he or she has to move away from you while on the leash.
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