sign in • sign up
web   discussions   tasks   blogs   photos

Do you use a harness on your dog?  email this discussion to a friend?

myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs 5 years ago

We have a very small dog and once we start taking her for walks, I intend on using a harness leash for her. I'm not sure what the difference in using a collar type leash, and a harness leash is. Is it better for the smaller dogs to have the harness? I really don't have a preference. My mother in law gave me the harness that is too small for her dog, so that's really the only reason why I would use it.
If anyone can offer insight, that would be great.

 

dogs
sponsors
dog collars
Designer, Fancy, Unique, Fun Dog Collars& More. Shop Today& Save!
www.HotDogCollars.com

Designer Dog Dresses
Huge Selection Of Designer Dog Dresses. ALL10% OFF& FREE SHIPPING!
www.MarilynMuttroe.com

Nylon Dog Leashes
All Colors& Lengths Available. Nylon& Polypro. From $3.50!
www.StrapWorks.com

gingerichchild (2) response was accepted on 11/14/2007.
denotes best response, click it to go to the best response.
tags:  dog harness, harness, collar, dog collars, dog lover
 
1. myLot reputation of 98/100. ctrymuziklvr (4712)   ranked 46 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

I don't like harnesses on dogs they look so uncomfortable. When I had my ferrets I had to put little harnesses on them and they worked well. I'm just not a fan of harnesses. I go for the leash more. I'm getting a new yorkie next week and definitely won't put a harness on her. But I think this is a personal decision for the owner.


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

So far we have been using a harness on my little dog and it is working well. She is already starting to get too big for the one I have though, so I might change over to collar.

dog collars Designer, Fancy, Unique, Fun Dog Collars & More. Shop Today & Save!  www.HotDogCollars.com
 
2. myLot reputation of 86/100. crazed_moma (873)   ranked 1,275 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

I tried to find harnesses for my dogs but I wasn't able to get harnesses to fit them. I thought it would help keep their leashes from sliding under their legs. I'd try the harness to see if it works and if you don't like it just go buy a collar. They aren't very expensive.


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

So far the harness I have works well, but she is starting to grow out of it and I need to size up. I'm not sure if I want to get a bigger harness now or change over to collar. We do have a flea collar on her right now, and it don't have a leash hook so I'm not sure what we will do yet.

Designer Dog Dresses Huge Selection Of Designer Dog Dresses. ALL10% OFF & FREE SHIPPING!  www.MarilynMuttroe.com
 
3. gingerichchild (2)   ranked 3,914 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

Actually there are three basic methods to use. The collar, the chest harness, and now they have come up with a head harness whch is quite similar to a horse halter. The head harness is used for the much bigger dog as it offers more control by using pressure points, etc.
You haven't mentioned your dog's weight but either the collar or the chest harness would be fine. Since the dog is small you probably will not have trouble controling it, so use either. You can use the harness if a small child is walking the dog as this prevents jerking and pulling on the neck. The harness removes the pressure from the neck to the total chest area eliminating neck problems. The harness will not help prevent pulling though so as your dog grows you may want to change to a collar.
The regular collar reduces pulling by putting pressure on the dogs neck when they pull. For some dog this helps and some it doesn't. There are various collars to purchase to reduce pulling although again, these are for bigger dogs.
Some people feel the chest harness is the most humane as it gives the dog the least restraint.


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

Thanks for all of the information! My dog weighs less then 4 pounds right now and she probably will stay less then 10 pounds I would guess. Right now we are using a harness, but I might change to a collar over time.

Nylon Dog Leashes All Colors & Lengths Available. Nylon & Polypro. From $3.50!  www.StrapWorks.com
 
4. myLot reputation of 95/100. maybebaby (963)   ranked 115 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

I have two dogs. With my cocker spaniel I use a collar and leash. She's bigger and its comfortable for her. With my Chihuahua I use a chest harness and leash. The vet actually reccomended it because using a regular collar and leash can damage her windpipe if she pulls at all. Apparently, according to the vet, many small dogs come in with windpipe injuries due to using a collar. She walks much better on the harness too.


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

Wow, that is interesting. Your chihuahua is probably the size of my dog, maybe a bit smaller. If I keep using the harness on her then I need to buy a bigger one because the one I have is getting to tiny. Thanks again for your opinion!

Honda Short Films Watch Honda's 'Kicking out the Ladder' philosophy in action.  www.Honda.com
 
5. myLot reputation of 98/100. Nardz13 (4317)   ranked 2,035 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

Hi there. Yes when we take our dog out walking we have a chain connected to her collar, because she is not a very social dog, and cant be trusted to follow along without taking off across the road or after another animal...


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

Yeah I wouldn't recommend using nothing. Do you have to put a muzzle on your dog?

Dog Food for Dog Lovers Healthy Ingredients and Flavors Made to Satisfy Even Finicky Eaters  BlueBuffalo.com
 
6. myLot reputation of 98/100. jan135 (423)   ranked 594 out of 7,859 in dogs   5 years ago

I use a harness on my 3 dogs, as I find it easier to walk them that way. I also think it more comfortable for the dog.
Babies used to have harness's years ago, when they were just up and walking, (don't think they called them harness's though).

I find I have more control over the dog's with a harness.


myLot reputation of 97/100. guss2000 (1077)   ranked 137 out of 7,859 in dogs  5 years ago

I've never had my own dog before this one so I guess I really don't have anything to compare it to as far as for control.
I did notice when I was walking her it seemed like she wasn't 'choking' when she was pulling off to run about.

Sharper Leashes Great Marketing That Leads Clients Back To Your Business.  www.e-sharper.com
 
sponsors
Honda Short Films
Watch Honda's 'Kicking out the Ladder' philosophy in action.
www.Honda.com

Dog Food for Dog Lovers
Healthy Ingredients and Flavors Made to Satisfy Even Finicky Eaters
BlueBuffalo.com

Sharper Leashes
Great Marketing That Leads Clients Back To Your Business.
www.e-sharper.com

sponsors
Honda Short Films
Watch Honda's 'Kicking out the Ladder' philosophy in action.
www.Honda.com
Dog Food for Dog Lovers
Healthy Ingredients and Flavors Made to Satisfy Even Finicky Eaters
BlueBuffalo.com
Sharper Leashes
Great Marketing That Leads Clients Back To Your Business.
www.e-sharper.com
Harness
Looking For Harness? Find It Nearby With Local.com!
Local.com
Doggiwater 10% OFF!
100% Natural. Give your dog a vitamin beverage instead of tap water!
www.Doggiwater.com
Find All Jobs
Search for millions of jobs. Find your new job today.
indeed.com/jobs
dog collars for
dog collars for Deals Find Low Prices & Save up to 30%
mySimon.com/Low_Prices
return to mylot
We are loading a word from our sponsors. No thanks, cancel loading.