- A Few Questions for .Sarah -

[Karen]

A regular flat collar, and start working on him NOT pulling right away. If you do this now, when he's a baby, you won't have to resort to prong or choke later.

This is what we did with every one of our dogs, one mostly-Dane who grew to 145 lbs, and two Saint Bernards, 185 lbs and 155 lbs. None of them ever pulled past the first week of training - when they knew the person holding the leash was paying attention.

The reason for that "when they knew ..." caveat: Freckles (185 lb. Saintly Lady) once pulled me clean off my feet when she spotted a box of kittens at a yard sale and I was not paying attention. She grew up with a kitten across the street the same age, and she just knew all kitties were her friends! Sadly, most kitties panicked - understandably - at the sight of 100+ pounds of enthusiasm barreling their way!

I never let my attention lapse that way again! My skinned knees reminded me!

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Okay, I will go with the regular flat collar then. My breeder just called me and said that she can't deliver him until Saturday. The highway is covered in snow and she has two small children that are coming for the ride. Gives me more time to buy him all the stuff that was suggested!

[.sarah]

A regular flat collar, and start working on him NOT pulling right away. If you do this now, when he's a baby, you won't have to resort to prong or choke later.

This is what we did with every one of our dogs, one mostly-Dane who grew to 145 lbs, and two Saint Bernards, 185 lbs and 155 lbs. None of them ever pulled past the first week of training - when they knew the person holding the leash was paying attention.

I guess it's because Labs are more hyper than Danes, but at 1 year old Nova is still wearing a prong collar when we go out (friendly dog syndrome - she pulls on me when she sees anyone!). We train often, and she is awesome when we are in our neighborhood or a secluded area, but if she sees one person or dog (or any other animal for that matter) she is pulling hard!

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

I am going to buy the collar and leash tomorrow, any idea on what size to get? He is almost 13 weeks old.

[Karen]

Something sturdy but not too expensive - he'll outgrow it no matter what you buy! I'd ask the breeder what size collar to get. Our Dane had been abused and malnourished, so was not as big as she should have been when we got her.

[Crazy-Cat-Lover]

Thanks Karen!

[lute]

"When males are neutered too young, before their hormones are full tilt, they do not gain the muscle that an adult male should have and look like a gangly puppy their whole life. I do not recommend neutering a male until at least 12 months of age."

i had no idea. you learn something new everyday!