
My dogs wear a collar from the 1st day I get them so by the time they go on a lead for the first time they are used to the collar
I also train them to do ALL heelwork off lead(in the garden obviously)Yes I do have to work a lot harder than people who use a lead as I have nothing other than my voice & treats/toys to keep the dog with me, but(& it is a really big but)when I put them on a lead I never(over the last 40 years)have any problems no pulling or refusing to walk etc because my dog wants to be with me & verbal commands keep them close. This makes "social"walking a pleasure
I learnt this from a police dog handler many many years ago-he was ahead of his time in dog training & he never used the then popular chokers either