Collar and lead
Although it will be a few weeks before you can walk your puppy outside on a lead (prior to vaccination, you should carry your puppy to avoid the risk of infection), you can get them used to a collar once they’ve had a few days to settle into their new home.
What type of collar?
Your puppy's first collar should be one with a buckle, definitely not chain or choke collar. When you put it on, you should be able to slide two fingers between the collar and your puppy’s neck.
When to put it on
Choose a time when something pleasant is about to happen, such as feeding, playing or going outdoors. You must be prepared for your puppy to try and remove it at first by scratching at it, but you should ignore this and as soon as they stop, lavish praise. After a short time, divert attention with another pleasant event and take the collar off and put it back on again later.
Tasty Tips
Getting accustomed to a collar
It should only take a few days for your puppy to get used to the collar. When your puppy begins to ignore it, you can leave it on all the time. There are two things to remember at this time; firstly, your puppy will almost certainly grow at a tremendous rate, so check the collar every few days, to make sure it isn't too tight and restricting. Secondly, your puppy can so easily get lost in the early weeks, so it's important that you attach an identification tag. The law states that all dogs must wear a tag with their owners' contact details on at all times when in a public place.
When your puppy is used to being handled, start getting them used to being restrained by the collar. Hold their body with one hand, to stop them trying to pull away from you, and hold onto the collar. Try to ignore the wriggling around, when your puppy stands still, give praise. By gently restraining your puppy like this, they'll learn and accept, that they can't get away if being held by the collar.
Time for the lead
Once your puppy has got used to being restrained by their collar, you can attach a lead. To help get used to the feel of the lead, let your puppy drag it around during a few play periods. You can pick up the lead now and again, but keep still when you do, that way your puppy will learn that being on the lead means they can't go wherever they want. Once your puppy has accepted that they’re restrained, give plenty of praise before letting them go again.
Your puppy's ID
As already mentioned, it is the law dogs to wear a tag with owner details clearly displayed. There are also other steps you can take to ensure your puppy's safe return if they get lost. For more information see article on Microchipping.
Related products
Adult Light Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Light Adult Wet Dog Food is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs that tend to gain weight easily. This deliciously smooth loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support weight maintenance in adult dogs.
Hypoallergenic Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Hypoallergenic Adult Wet Dog Food with Salmon is a complete premium pet food for all adult dogs from 1 year. This savoury tinned loaf is specially formulated for dogs with delicate skin and stomachs. It features a single novel animal protein source and is grain-free.
Adult Dog Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Wet Dog Food with Turkey is a complete premium pet food for adult dogs from 1 year. This deliciously smooth minced turkey loaf is formulated to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of adult dogs.
Puppy Food
Hill's Science Plan Puppy Wet Dog Food with Chicken is a complete premium pet food for growing puppies from weaning until 1 year old and for pregnant and nursing dogs. This deliciously smooth minced chicken loaf is precisely balanced to deliver the appropriate amount of energy to support the needs of growing puppies.
Related articles
Your Checklist for Savvy Dog Ownership
Your checklist for savvy dog ownership
Everything You Need to Know About Microchipping Dogs
Learn why microchipping dogs is vital for pet safety. Discover benefits, costs, and the details to protect your furry friend. See more at Hill's Pet UK.
10 Tips to Prepare for Adopting a Dog
Adopting a dog can be overwhelming if you simply don't know where to begin. Learn about ten things you should do to ensure a smooth, and fun, transition.
How to Be the Best New Dog Parent
If you are considering adopting a dog or have recently done so, follow these 10 tips to be the best new dog parent around.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your dog on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your dog's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavourful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.