Hi
I've got a 12 week old border collie pup, she's allowed her first walk next week. Should I use a normal lead and let her off or a flexi lead? Her recall is good inside but I'm not sure how she'll act outside. Should I bring toys or would she not be interested outside?

Thanks

Personally I'd use an ordinary lead (Flexileads, although very handy for limiting exercise for convalescent dogs or in an unsafe place) actually teach dogs to pull - after all, that's how they work! I'd take her to a safe place and let her off while she's still unsure of herself and wanting to stick to safety (that's you!) like glue. Excellent training to stay close to you.

Agree with JG. 

With a flexi your puppy may run fast to the end and hurt herself when it suddenly stops.

I agree completely. Far better to let young puppies off lead in a safe place as soon as possible while you are still the centre of their universe :)

Take a favourite toy to entice her back to you if she goes a bit far and to make coming back to you fun :) (You could buy a special toy just for off lead time :) )

Daisy

If you use a flexi before your puppy is fully trained, you'll find she learns ( & if she's a BC she will learn!!) that if she pulls she can get a lot further & that is very difficult to unlearn. Totally agree, let her off an ordinary lead when it's safe & while she's not very confident. If she doesn't come back, walk the opposite way &, if possible hide from her. Never chase after her - she'll think that's a wonderful game!

I agree to use a regular lead....and don't forget to practise in the house before going for your first walk. Your pup will undoubtedlt be a bit unhappy with the lead at first, and if you get used to it first, your first walk togetjer will be easier :)

I'm not sure what your breeder or vet has suggested but generally I use the initial short walks to get them well socialised and lead trained (on a normal lead).

Both our breeder and vet reccomend only walking a maximum of 5 mins per month of their age per day, broken down into a couple walks, until they are about 6 months. This way they get used to the sights and sounds but do not get too tired. The difference between a lead walk and a puppy charging about in the garden is that if he/she gets tired in the garden then they can stop. That way by 6 months you'll have a well trained pup on the lead :)

Personally I do not use a flexi lead until the pup knows not to pull on a normal lead, unless I am training. However, in general theres no right or wrong way..its down to personal preference.

Good luck anyway. We've got a 13 week old border collie whos been going out on walks these last couple weeks. Initially she was quite timid but shes now bouncing down the road!