Hi there i just wanted some advice on when people put collars on their pups. Our male recently proved to be a successful stud & the bitch has just had her puppies...they are lovely. 4 boys, 4 girls. We are having one of the pups & want to buy a collar for her but was therefore wondering when to hand one over so she can get use to wearing it.....sorry for such a "dumb" question. Thanks in advance! :)

I practise putting collars on pups before they leave for their new homes, but it is impractical when there still in a litter as they will chew them off each other.  I can usually supervise a couple at a time at quiet times for this through.

Once I am down to the last one or two pups and they are over 8 weeks then they get to wear the collars all day.

From this time on my own pups wear a collar 24/7.  I personally feel there is more danger for them with me living on a busy road with a small hall, of them trying to leg it out the front door than they are in danger of catching their collars anywhere when left in the kitchen when I am out.

Thanks for the advice, i understand what youve said about puppies chewing them off each other. I would like her to have a collar as we live in the country & that way she can have one with tags on it etc. Our other dog has his taken off at night & has a big scratch. Thanks again.

I don't think any of my dogs had worn collars until we brought them home at 10 weeks, but they got used to them very quickly. With the litter of 2 we had last winter, I had collars and leads on them from about 6 or 8 weeks, and was taking them out and about in my arms as soon as they had first shots at 8 weeks. I didn't leave the collars on though. I can't even leave them on my adults any more since madam who is now 3 years old was a collar chewer as a puppy!!

never known pups chew off each others collars! i put cat collars on from 4 weeks and a nice new smart one for them to go to new homes in, never had anyone try to remove them or anything.

Thanks guys for the replies. I will get a collar & give it to the lady ready for when she decides to put it on the pup. Can't wait till pup arrives though...lots of mini walks in order, my other dog will love that!

Sorry, I know I'm changing the subject here, and don't want to cause upset, but is this your staffie cross that has sired a litter? 
Can I ask, given the huge with the huge rescue problem that exists in staffies and staffie crosses why you decided to breed ?

I understand what you are saying & no upset caused. This may sound daft (no meanness pls) but it was fate in some ways. We were looking for a second dog but as we have cats, chickens most dogs from the rehoming centre were saying great with other dogs but not good with cats or children. We have a lot of friends with children & didnt want to offend them in anyway. Our friend approached us & we went from there. All pups have homes waiting already with close friends of hers....so they will be going to good homes, she is also keeping one. I know this may not make sense to many & some will feel its wrong but all pups are healthy & happy & as a strong dog lover i would not them to be mistreated in anyway. They have a vets already & the date for vacs is sorted....they are living with a family loving home & are being constantly watched. Im going there this week to watch over them whilst she is at work. I hope this doesnt upset people, if however it does pls dont "take it out on me". I appreciate all the advice given about collars & shall take it all on board & pass info on. Thanks guys :)

Oh dear, did you have your dog DNA tested & clinically tested ? Is the bitch a mongrel too ? was she also health tested ?

Too late now of course as the puppies are born :-( I hope you are having your dog castrated & his daughter spayed otherwise you could have real problems when she is in season & dogs willing mate with their close relations

Oh dear.   Well the pups are here now, so hope they all have happy homes. 

I would urge you not to breed from your boy again - it is heartbreaking working in rescue and seeing the results of this kind of breeding.  Having had a taste for it he may be more eager to repeat the experience so it may be best to get him castrated.

At least the pups are healthy, and happy.  Good for you for having homes lined up before the litter was born.  A lot of people breed, and just hope someone will come along for a pup. 

To answer your original question, collars usually (for me and my friends anyways) go on around 6 weeks of age.  First start out with a short time, and slowly increase it.  So by the time they are ready for their new homes, the pups will be quite used to a collar.