Instructions
Decide on the type of collar or harness for your dog. Traditional collars are much like a belt and work for most dogs. A choke chain is a length of chain with a ring on either end. This type of collar is best for dogs that need occasional correction. Prong collars have prongs that dig into the dog's neck when it pulls on the leash. Prong collars are best for very strong-willed dogs that don't respond to choke chains. Another option is a harness. Harnesses go around the dog's chest and are good for dogs that have delicate tracheas.
Choose the right size collar or harness. It should be loose enough so that you can fit two fingers between the collar or harness and the dog's neck but not so loose that the dog can squeeze its head out.
Put the collar on the dog. Traditional collars buckle around the dog's neck. For choke chains, thread the chain through one of the rings, then put the collar on so that the loose end leading to the leash forms the stem of a letter "P." Prong collars slip over the dog's neck and have a chain loop with a ring at the top. Harnesses buckle into place using straps that go around the dog's neck and chest. Follow the manufacturer's recommendation for how to put them on.
Clip the leash to the attachment point on the collar or harness. Traditional collars and harnesses have a "D" ring attachment. For choke chains, attach the leash to the ring that doesn't have the chain running through it. Prong collars have a ring at the top as an attachment point.
Hold the leash so that a small amount of slack forms, but not so much slack that you can't take it up quickly if the dog starts to misbehave. Some leashes have retractable extender cables to allow the dog more freedom. You can take up the slack with the press of a button.
How to Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Many areas have laws requiring that dogs be kept on leashes. Free-roaming dogs might be considered a hazard to pedestrians and are in danger of being struck by cars. The most important factor in keeping your dog on a leash is buying the right type of collar that fits the dog. Choose a collar or harness that is comfortable for your dog but that won't slip off.