harness v collar

hi, i have a puppy whos almost 9 weeks old.
after her injections next week im taking her to puppy training classes + have both a collar + harness for her but which do i use?
as shes a staff + they get pretty powerfull im getting her a leather harness when shes older so should i use the mini version i have to get her used to it?
any advise is greatly appreciated, jo xxx

I would use the collar to start off with and train her to walk with a collar first of all. This will probably be covered at puppy classes.

Jo I agree with Carole, I would use a simple well made collar and lead to begin with...good luck with your class

Hi there

I also have a saff pup- 6 months old now. We initially used a collar but he pulled so much he was choking himself so now we have a simple harness from pets at home and he walks perfectly.

jodie x

aahhww!!!
what colour is he?
remi is 9 weeks + is a blue with a white blaze, star on forehead + tips of her toes.
right, i think i'll try the collar 1st + if like your staff jodie she pulls too much ill then use the harness as i have both.
the trainer should be able to advise me if remi is pulling too much shouldnt he?
also (in preperation) how do i get her used to the lead?
ive been told to attatch it to her collar + let her drag it (supervised of coarse).
how did you do yours? jo xxx

I think you have been directed to this article before. Have you read it through?
http://www.dogweb.co.uk/talkdogs/bas...-do_14526.html

It covers collar & lead training among other things.

I don't see the point of allowing a pup to drag a lead around? You might as well hold the end of it.

ok - whats better in your opinion?
a puppy coarse thats £55 for 5 weeks + thats it or
weekly training sesions for as long as i like with a puppy + adult stage for £2.50 per week?
the second is held in a rspca clinic which sounds like a good 1.
im going to watch this 1 this week. jo xxx

It really is not a question of the cost or duration. It is the expertise of the trainer and the quality of the instruction you are given. I would prefer the opportunity to train beyond basic puppy level - but not with an ineffectual trainer.

Do you know people that have used trainers in your area and can give personal recommendations?

i have an english springer spaniel and as otis said he pulled so much he chocked himself so we brought a harness and now he is good as gold and no more coughing and choking!

i asked the vets to go to a puppy socialization class so i could talk to other puppy/dog owners but they dont do them.
i dont know anyone who has had a dog trained.
sb your article was great!!
ive now written a list of words + meanings that i would like her to learn.
im going to toilet train her + lead train her 1st as a start.
then ill pick 1/2 of the other things to try.
thankyou all + ill start straight away. jo xxx