When shopping for your new puppy, or for that special dog, we are overwhelmed by the selection, variations, colors and types of equipment (never mind, the toys) that are available.  Your dog’s needs in reality, are very simple, but not always, inexpensive.  Much depends on whether you have working, conformation, agility or obedience training in mind for your dog.  Perhaps all you want to have is a loving, friendly, but trained, canine member of the family.  The following article is designed to help you get started.
      For the purpose of simplicity, we will assume you’re starting off with a puppy.  If you have an older, adopted or rescued, dog you may still wish to read through the whole article for some helpful hints.

Collars and Leashes
     One of the first purchases you will need to make for your dog, is a collar and leash.  In reality, you may wish to purchase two of each.  One collar and leash set for going for a walk, potty calls and play time.  The second set used strictly for training purposes.  This is a way of telling your dog that this can be fun time, or in the case of the second set, a time to be serious, and pay attention.  For the purposes of walking, potty calls, play time, etc., you’ll probably only need a simple nylon, or lightweight leather, collar.  Alot depends on the breed, size, and temperament of the dog.  Also, a four foot walking leash to go with the collar.  Please, Please, Please.  Check your puppy’s collar for tightness about the neck often.  He will be growing, and the collar will get tighter.  If you can easily slip a finger in-between the collar and the neck of your dog, that is a good fit, and the dog will not suddenly slip out of the collar and run after whatever.  One of the most heart-rending experiences I ever had working at a vet’s office, was to have a dog brought in, and the vet had to cut the dog’s skin away from a collar that had embedded itself into the animal’s neck.  The owner “forgot” the dog had a collar on.
     When there are going to be training sessions, the second set is put into action.  This set should be used every day.  Dogs learn by repetition.  They want to please you.  If the dog is a member of a family (more than one person) only one person should be doing the training.  The other members of the family reinforce what is learned in training sessions, by using the same commands and hand signals, and having the same expectations.  There are many schools of thought about a training collar.  Some people use a leather collar for training, and the nylon collar for other times.  Many use a “choke” collar for training.  The “choke” collar must be used judiciously.  The only time it chokes the dog, is when it is placed on the dog’s neck incorrectly.  The idea behind the choke collar is to give immediate correction and release.  The author suggests before using a choke collar on a puppy, use it on yourself first.  Practice pulling on the choke collar wrapped about your wrist, that way you know how it feels, and how much pressure you’re willing to apply.
     To properly put a choke collar on any dog, first you drop the chain through one end loop.  With the dog facing you, the chain and loop will form the letter “P” (for puppy),  place it in this position over the dog’s head.  With the dog on your left side, the chain will come over the dog’s neck, with the sliding ring in proximity to the dog’s right ear, or right neck side.  In this position, when you “pop” the leash (this is only a short jerk of the leash)  the chain  will come up under his throat, and immediately will release when you do; however, if the chain is not correctly positioned, the collar will not release, and will choke the dog.
     For the toy breeds, many owners do not collar these dogs when they are indoors.  When the dog is taken outside a simple “martingale” collar is used.  Martingale collars are great collars for training and showing.  They are made of round nylon construction, so there is no damage to the hair around the neck, and provide even pressure to the dog’s neck rather then pulling and yanking at the throat.  These collars allow for instant correction and release.

Measuring Your Dog For A Collar

     To measure your dog’s neck, simply take a tape measure , place it around the neck of your dog, allowing sufficient room for two of your fingers to be placed flat against the neck and under the tape measure.  When shopping for the collar, be sure to take the tape measure with you.  Some collar manufacturers measure the collar from tip to tip, while others will measure from buckle to center hole, and still others, will measure from buckle to last hole.  If you are buying for a puppy allow some room for growth, leave two holes for growth.  Any longer than this, the puppy will more than likely chew the end of the collar off.

Leashes

     For ordinary walking your dog, a four foot leash is usually sufficient.  This will aid in teaching your dog to heel, this is for reinforcement of training.  For actual training, a six foot leash is recommended.  The six foot length helps with the down, sit and stay commands.
     Again, the choice of materials and colors are up to you.  Take into consideration the breed and temperament of your dog, if it’s a large, muscular dog a skinny little nylon collar and leash probably will not last long.  A spiked, heavy leather collar on a poodle will not do, even if it matches the dog’s personality.  There are many choices available to you, have fun.