Accepting collar and leash

Question
Hi Lucy: We got adopted by a stray two weeks ago. It's going well and Mutt is a sweet dog.
Know nothing about his past. has some chow, weighs about 45 lbs. but he wants nothing to
do with a collar (did not have one when he showed up). If I can get him to accept one I can
take him for walks. But if he gets loose he wants to run the neighborhood but comes back.
How do approach this ? Also how do I find out if he knows of riding in a vehicle and guidance
once I get the collar issue resolved ? Dog clueless right now. Thanks......... Glenn

Answer
Hi Glenn

when you get a dog with an unknown history it is always a case of assuming they know nothing (so treat as a puppy) until proven otherwise!

I don't know what you have tried but I would put a thin, lightweight collar on him, play a game with him or feed him his dinner/some treats, then remove the collar.  Do this as often as you can so he starts to associate the collar with good things, yet doesn't have a chance to worry about it (as you are distracting him).

Teach him a recall in the house and garden - associate his name + recall command (e.g. "come") with returning to you, having collar held and receiving a favorite treat.  If he has roamed for a long time you may need to keep him on a lead for a while, until you have built a good relationship with him.

With regards vehicle travel, you will know if he is familiar with it by his reaction when he gets in.

good luck

Lucy