All dogs have them but how do you choose which type to buy and how many do you really need?  You should start your puppy out with a buckle type of collar. Pinch, chain, or choke collars should not be used until the puppy is at least 4 to 5 months old and only for training and only if needed. Not all dogs need these special collars, many dogs can be trained with a simple buckle type collar.

 Buckle collars or snap collars are good everyday collars for your pet.  They should be labeled with Identification tags in case  your pet gets away from you or escapes from their enclosed area. It is important that you remove all collars  from your dog when you crate them especially if the crate is unsupervised because the buckle could become caught inside the crate. Also check the collar weekly to make sure that your puppy has not out grown the collar.

 Never use a pinch, choke, slip, chain, or head collar as an everyday collar, these  special collars are  to be used only for training or when you need additional control over your pet.

Shock collars for invisible fences should be  used only when your pet is inside  the contained area and set at the lowest setting that is needed, The should be checked daily to ensure that they are in good working order and the animals’ neck should be checked for any signs of distress ( worn hair, sores, etc.)  All animals contained within these fences should undergo a training period and not just put into the area without proper training.

 You really only need two proper fitting buckle/snap collars; however you will need many  size leashes.  A short (6 inch) leash is useful  to control your pet indoors , A six foot long leash is usually used for normal walking and stationing. A twenty foot leash is used for  teaching recall and for exercising in an area that isn’t fenced. 

Retractable leashes  are good  for some  if used correctly. They can allow for your dog to exercise in an open area and you will  not have to drag a twenty foot leash around; however they can be very dangerous if used wrong.  If you chose to use these always use the attached safety collar that is included with the leash. The leash should be attached to the regular buckle collar and the safety collar. These leashes produce a lot of friction and can cut both you and your pet quickly – so never get tangled in the leash and watch that your pet does not get tangled as well. These leashes can cut legs and remove fingers if used improperly, read the directions that come with the leash and practice all safety tips. Remember that these leashes are never loose they are always tight – which makes it impossible to walk on a “loose” leash.  I have used these  before,  but when using them I use the lock button while walking  which gives me control over the dog. The lock button allows us to walk with a “loose” ( the snap is down towards the ground). This allows for me to correct the animal with a quick little tug and release. I unlock the button and allow all twenty feet to play out and then re-lock the button when we reach the play area. This keeps the leash from always pulling the dog back towards me and again gives me more control over the  animal.

All collars and leashes need  to be properly cared for.  Nylon collars and leashes should be placed in a laundry bag ad washed on delicate cycle and allowed to air dry  along with the dog bedding. Leather  collar and leashes need  to be cleaned every few months with saddle soap and then oiled with either olive or neatsfoot oil. All leashes and collars should be hung after every walk and not left on the floor where they could be stepped on, tripped over, or chewed.