Persons visiting this web site are probably familiar with the do's
and don'ts of training leashes. Here is a brief reminder that the
training leash should be leather, cotton, or soft nylon. Slender leashes are
generally more comfortable to the hand than thick wide leashes. Chain
leashes are unsatisfactory for three reasons: 1) They are too heavy.
2) They are slack and do not allow for precise control. 3) They tear
the hand when the dog pulls.
Retractable leashes are too cumbersome
and do not allow for precise control when training your dog.
But note that I like
retractable leashes when walking my dogs for recreation and exercise.
If you are using a chain training collar, fit is very important.
Collars that are too large will hang down and hit the dog on the
knee, especially if the snap on the leash is large and heavy. If
you have a young puppy, be resigned to the fact that you will need
to buy several collars as he or she grows. Take heart because these
expenditures will be very minor contributions to the cumulative
expense of caring for your dog.
You may find the following information useful:
Dog Owner's Guide: The Prong Collar
Prong collars and some information about their use. Janice Frasche
Training With The Prong Collar by Suzanne Clothier AKC
Gazette August 1988
Sylvia's Tack Box specializes in small dog equipment including
Micro Prong Collars.
Also,
here
and
here.
Alternatives to the prong collar are the Halti, Halt, and
Gentle Leader Headcollar
(formerly known as the Promise Headcollar).
The Problem With Head Halters by Suzanne Clothier
You will find more collar info in Fur Damage and Pulling on Leash.