At what age should a giant-breed puppy wear a collar?
A giant-breed puppy should wear a collar no earlier than 8 weeks of age. After 8 weeks, most puppies are mature enough to tolerate change and new experiences. If you have just brought your 8-week old puppy home, however, you may want to let him settle in for a week or two before putting a collar on him. Choose a flat collar that is durable and easy to clean, and be sure to put your puppy's identifying information on it for safety in case he runs off.
Is it better to walk a giant-breed puppy with a collar or harness?
It is usually better to walk a giant-breed puppy with a harness rather than a collar, although you can use a collar if you prefer. Some vets and trainers recommend martingale collars for training, too. Harnesses usually give you more control during walks and avoid putting stress on your puppy's trachea when he pulls. Many experts also recommend harnesses for giant-breed dogs as adults, so starting your puppy off with a harness will help keep his training regimen consistent and teach him good habits from the start.
What size leash is best for a giant-breed puppy?
The best size leash for a giant-breed puppy is usually a 6-ft. long leash. This length nicely combines the control you need for training and the freedom your dog needs to walk and run naturally. Also be sure to choose a leash that is strong enough to withstand your growing large puppy's pulling power, too. Although giant-breed dogs tend not to be as small as puppies, you should still be sure to choose a lead that is not too heavy, or your puppy may feel weighed down and have difficulty walking with the leash.