what is a good collar or harness for a yorkie? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

ricky · 05-16-2009, 01:22 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a harness for my Bella which fits her well - or so I thought. Today, she somehow slipped out of it and ran across the street almost got hit by a car and I almost lost her. Luckily, she's fine and came back to me. But now I'm concerned that she'll get out of her harness again. The harness was snug - I don't know how she got out. She somehow slipped one paw through the leg hole and the rest was history. I'm afraid to use a collar because I don't want to hurt her neck. Is there a safe type of harness? I got my harness at Petco and had a velco and snap back. I'm so afraid now to walk Bella thinking that she will get out again. This was traumatic for me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Ricky

2Parises · 05-16-2009, 01:28 PM

I would use a step-in kind or one that you put the front paws through...and latches by a buckle across the shoulders. You experienced one of my greatest fears.

Thank goodness she is safe!

Gingergirlsmom · 05-16-2009, 01:28 PM

I'm so glad everything turned out okay and Bella wasn't hurt!

Chattiesmom makes silk-step in harnesses and mine have never slipped these. Of course, with any harness, you have to be sure they fit correctly. I also really like my Udogu harness. Ginger has never slipped it, and honestly, I don't think she could.

Bernie, my little Houdini, has slipped several harnesses and we have to tighten them quite a bit under his front legs to make sure he cant.

Good luck!

Juliealfies mum · 05-16-2009, 01:29 PM

I use the puppia step in harness which have and velcro back and a clip I have never haad any problems with it , so glad that Bella was alright you must have got such a fright,

ricky · 05-16-2009, 01:38 PM

2Parises: thank you so much. I have always feared Bella would get out of her harness. That came true today - thankfully, no cars were coming when she ran across - I live on a main street off of a highway and there's usually a ton of traffic. My heart certainly skipped a few beats.

Gingergirlsmom: thank you - I really appreciate your comment. I'll check into the Udogu harness. I just want something that will keep my baby girl safe.

Juliealfies mum: thank you. That is actually the kind of harness Bella has now. It has a velcro back and a clip at the shoulder blades. She slipped out of it.

Bella has lost her baby teeth and are starting to grow her new ones. She lost a little weight I think which is why I think she slipped out because she never slipped out before. thank you all for your comments. Now that I have her back safe and sound I can breathe again.

Thanks,
Ricky

mustangbee · 05-16-2009, 01:40 PM

Hi Ricky,
If I didn't see you're first post
Welcome to yt!

Thank Goodness Bella is OK. I would a try step in harness for sure. Princess has lots of collars, but they are only for show, super cute, but her neck in so much more important, when we go out she wears a harness. Like Gingergirlsmom said Chattiesmom makes some really good ones, I'd check out her site, Or I'm sure you could PM her. We have wonderful people here who can make just about anything you would need to keep your baby safe.

.

YorkichonBella · 05-16-2009, 01:50 PM

How scary that must have been! So glad Bella is safe & sound! Love her name btw.

I've just ordered "my Bella"

the Puppia harness vest which they step into.....fits kinda like a jacket vest. I Love it.....I just should have ordered a sz Medium for her.

Just in case u r interested, here's my for sale thread about the sz Small which shows pictures. Hope u find just the right one for "yr little Bella"!
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-boy-girl.html

mollie jade · 05-16-2009, 01:58 PM

I have several of Chattiesmom harnesses and no one of my little ones slipped out of them . My new little girl tried to escape without success .

littleguysmom · 05-30-2009, 08:31 AM

Hi...I just joined this site. I had been searching for information regarding a slip-proof harness for my little guy "Tuffy". Last night at 1:30 am I took him with me to pick up my daughter. When we got out of the car...I turned to pick up my purse & no longer felt any weight attached to the leash. Tuffy had slipped out of his harness again...even after tightening it the last time he did it. He ran to the next front yard...& I couldn't see him as it's very dark where we live...no street lights. My daughter who had already gone in the house heard me calling him & came back out to help me. He started to come to us & then decided to run across the street. My daughter finally got him. I was sooo upset & actually I still am. I feel like crying...just thinking about what could have happened. So many different harnesses were mentioned here that I'm still confused on which one would work for me. He will be 2 yrs old in August & he weighs 10 1/2 lbs. Thanks for the info...& I'll post the solution to my problem.

luvmyYorkieJack · 05-30-2009, 09:21 AM

You could try using a soft harness. I have serveral for my pup since they come in many different colors and sizes (ranging from xs to l). The strap is adjustable but it buckles. And it's made of this mesh-type material. I have attached a picture of what these look. The picture is of the product off of the website TheNewYorkDogShop.com.

Carol in KY · 05-30-2009, 02:29 PM

My baby, Georgie, has also slipped out of harnesses. I garden in the front yard, and I have this incredibly long leash, and I hook that to his regular leash and then hook him to this thing that I have screwed into the ground. He can follow me just about everywhere in the yard, so it lets him hang out with me. (I hope doing this isn't considered cruel...he's my first dog...it doesn't seem cruel...and I only put him on this while I am in the yard gardening..)

Strangely enough, the thing that has ended up working best for me is this jacket I bought for him at Walmart. It is the fake leather material, and it looks like a bomber jacket. The chest part is made of stretchy sweater like material. It has a full length zipper along his back. The leg holes are made of the stretch material too. And it has the clips for the leash. He hasn't been able to get out of that thing.

For walking, I use a wrap harness that hooks with velcro. I think it is called a Zap Wrap or something like that. I bought it off of QVC. I gave it to my friend who sews and asked her to make me some in seasonal fabric. So, now Georgie has a wrap harness for all the holidays.

I don't, however, use these velcro wraps when I have him out in the yard, because he can get out of them. I've looked around, and he's managed to get his front legs out of it, and the entire thing is hanging around his hind legs, one big pull aways from being completely free. They are good for walks though, and times when he will be constantly supervised.

I am reluctant to use the harnesses that are made of out of collar material. It seems like they still put too much pressure on the little ones.

dhurley52 · 05-30-2009, 09:33 PM

I'm afraid to use a collar on Molly so I bought a harness from four paws and she loves it and its great for little dogs.. I really don't thing there is a way she could slip out of it...

Diana and Molly

lilroxy · 05-31-2009, 04:25 AM

Maggie May has one from Chattiesmom and it is great! She also has the matching leash and collar. She hasn't tried to escape.

viviansnickers · 05-31-2009, 08:11 AM

I also do not trust harnesses which are made of the collar material, seems like it could hurt them if they pull to hard. We use a Puppia step in vest harness with a clip and velcro closure and it fits Snickers perfectly and he jumps right in for his walks. He is 3.5lbs and wears the XS size which was a bit difficult to find.

Snick & Viv

littleguysmom · 05-31-2009, 01:35 PM

Thank you all for responding....& giving me some great ideas. I was wondering if there is a harness that requires the dog to step into it with all four legs. My husband thinks I'm crazy. LOL. We put Tuffy's harness on him the day after he got out of it & we tried to get it to come forward over his head & we couldn't do it....so I'm really confused about how the little guy got out of it. My husband said maybe he's Houdini....& I told him a few of you mentioned your own pups being Houdini too. It completely freaked me out when I had realized he was out of his harness. Very Scary feeling. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. Tuffy's laying here like a little angel right now. LOL.

Ro :>

05-16-2009, 01:22 PM	#1
ricky Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA Posts: 34	what is a good collar or harness for a yorkie? Hi Everyone, I have a harness for my Bella which fits her well - or so I thought. Today, she somehow slipped out of it and ran across the street almost got hit by a car and I almost lost her. Luckily, she's fine and came back to me. But now I'm concerned that she'll get out of her harness again. The harness was snug - I don't know how she got out. She somehow slipped one paw through the leg hole and the rest was history. I'm afraid to use a collar because I don't want to hurt her neck. Is there a safe type of harness? I got my harness at Petco and had a velco and snap back. I'm so afraid now to walk Bella thinking that she will get out again. This was traumatic for me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ricky

05-16-2009, 01:28 PM	#2
2Parises Donating Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Michigan Posts: 951	I would use a step-in kind or one that you put the front paws through...and latches by a buckle across the shoulders. You experienced one of my greatest fears. Thank goodness she is safe! __________________ Lorene, Paris, Paris, Samira, Aja and the newest addition to our family... Halle Belly Bands & Rag Quilts - http://2Parises.etsy.com

05-16-2009, 01:28 PM	#3
Gingergirlsmom and Bernie's mom too!" Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 8,283	I'm so glad everything turned out okay and Bella wasn't hurt! Chattiesmom makes silk-step in harnesses and mine have never slipped these. Of course, with any harness, you have to be sure they fit correctly. I also really like my Udogu harness. Ginger has never slipped it, and honestly, I don't think she could. Bernie, my little Houdini, has slipped several harnesses and we have to tighten them quite a bit under his front legs to make sure he cant. Good luck! __________________ Ginger Bernie Fun Kitty

05-16-2009, 01:29 PM	#4
Juliealfies mum YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: scotland Posts: 2,224	I use the puppia step in harness which have and velcro back and a clip I have never haad any problems with it , so glad that Bella was alright you must have got such a fright, __________________ From Julie Alfie & Lottie

05-16-2009, 01:40 PM	#6
mustangbee Donating YT 9000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: North Carolina :) Posts: 10,616	Hi Ricky, If I didn't see you're first post Welcome to yt! Thank Goodness Bella is OK. I would a try step in harness for sure. Princess has lots of collars, but they are only for show, super cute, but her neck in so much more important, when we go out she wears a harness. Like Gingergirlsmom said Chattiesmom makes some really good ones, I'd check out her site, Or I'm sure you could PM her. We have wonderful people here who can make just about anything you would need to keep your baby safe. . __________________ Friends are God's way of apologizing for our relatives. "Love & Support Our YT Members" Gina & Princess Member of the SSLS

05-16-2009, 01:38 PM	#5
ricky Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Woburn, Massachusetts, USA Posts: 34	2Parises: thank you so much. I have always feared Bella would get out of her harness. That came true today - thankfully, no cars were coming when she ran across - I live on a main street off of a highway and there's usually a ton of traffic. My heart certainly skipped a few beats. Gingergirlsmom: thank you - I really appreciate your comment. I'll check into the Udogu harness. I just want something that will keep my baby girl safe. Juliealfies mum: thank you. That is actually the kind of harness Bella has now. It has a velcro back and a clip at the shoulder blades. She slipped out of it. Bella has lost her baby teeth and are starting to grow her new ones. She lost a little weight I think which is why I think she slipped out because she never slipped out before. thank you all for your comments. Now that I have her back safe and sound I can breathe again. Thanks, Ricky

05-16-2009, 01:50 PM	#7
YorkichonBella My little Shadow Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NC Posts: 4,132 Blog Entries: 2	How scary that must have been! So glad Bella is safe & sound! Love her name btw. I've just ordered "my Bella" the Puppia harness vest which they step into.....fits kinda like a jacket vest. I Love it.....I just should have ordered a sz Medium for her. Just in case u r interested, here's my for sale thread about the sz Small which shows pictures. Hope u find just the right one for "yr little Bella"! http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/yor...-boy-girl.html __________________ Bella Ganma-ma to ColeRIPNoahRIP

05-16-2009, 01:58 PM	#8
mollie jade YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 712	I have several of Chattiesmom harnesses and no one of my little ones slipped out of them . My new little girl tried to escape without success .

05-30-2009, 08:31 AM	#9
littleguysmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hopatcong Posts: 4	Slipped out of harness AGAIN Hi...I just joined this site. I had been searching for information regarding a slip-proof harness for my little guy "Tuffy". Last night at 1:30 am I took him with me to pick up my daughter. When we got out of the car...I turned to pick up my purse & no longer felt any weight attached to the leash. Tuffy had slipped out of his harness again...even after tightening it the last time he did it. He ran to the next front yard...& I couldn't see him as it's very dark where we live...no street lights. My daughter who had already gone in the house heard me calling him & came back out to help me. He started to come to us & then decided to run across the street. My daughter finally got him. I was sooo upset & actually I still am. I feel like crying...just thinking about what could have happened. So many different harnesses were mentioned here that I'm still confused on which one would work for me. He will be 2 yrs old in August & he weighs 10 1/2 lbs. Thanks for the info...& I'll post the solution to my problem.

05-30-2009, 09:21 AM	#10
luvmyYorkieJack Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Mankato, MN, US Posts: 180	You could try using a soft harness. I have serveral for my pup since they come in many different colors and sizes (ranging from xs to l). The strap is adjustable but it buckles. And it's made of this mesh-type material. I have attached a picture of what these look. The picture is of the product off of the website TheNewYorkDogShop.com. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... it's about learning to dance in the rain. Jack & Madden

05-30-2009, 02:29 PM	#11
Carol in KY YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Lexington, Kentucky, USA Posts: 3	My baby, Georgie, has also slipped out of harnesses. I garden in the front yard, and I have this incredibly long leash, and I hook that to his regular leash and then hook him to this thing that I have screwed into the ground. He can follow me just about everywhere in the yard, so it lets him hang out with me. (I hope doing this isn't considered cruel...he's my first dog...it doesn't seem cruel...and I only put him on this while I am in the yard gardening..) Strangely enough, the thing that has ended up working best for me is this jacket I bought for him at Walmart. It is the fake leather material, and it looks like a bomber jacket. The chest part is made of stretchy sweater like material. It has a full length zipper along his back. The leg holes are made of the stretch material too. And it has the clips for the leash. He hasn't been able to get out of that thing. For walking, I use a wrap harness that hooks with velcro. I think it is called a Zap Wrap or something like that. I bought it off of QVC. I gave it to my friend who sews and asked her to make me some in seasonal fabric. So, now Georgie has a wrap harness for all the holidays. I don't, however, use these velcro wraps when I have him out in the yard, because he can get out of them. I've looked around, and he's managed to get his front legs out of it, and the entire thing is hanging around his hind legs, one big pull aways from being completely free. They are good for walks though, and times when he will be constantly supervised. I am reluctant to use the harnesses that are made of out of collar material. It seems like they still put too much pressure on the little ones.

05-30-2009, 09:33 PM	#12
dhurley52 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Wauseon Posts: 113	Harness I'm afraid to use a collar on Molly so I bought a harness from four paws and she loves it and its great for little dogs.. I really don't thing there is a way she could slip out of it... Diana and Molly

05-31-2009, 04:25 AM	#13
lilroxy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: North Alabama Posts: 161	Maggie May has one from Chattiesmom and it is great! She also has the matching leash and collar. She hasn't tried to escape. __________________ Maggie May and Smallblock Chevy's Momma Roxy!We'll never forget you. RIP Baby

05-31-2009, 08:11 AM	#14
viviansnickers Snick&Viv= BFF Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,755	I also do not trust harnesses which are made of the collar material, seems like it could hurt them if they pull to hard. We use a Puppia step in vest harness with a clip and velcro closure and it fits Snickers perfectly and he jumps right in for his walks. He is 3.5lbs and wears the XS size which was a bit difficult to find. Snick & Viv __________________ -Vivian Mommy to my cuddlebug baby boys-Snickers & Reesie

05-31-2009, 01:35 PM	#15
littleguysmom YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hopatcong Posts: 4	Thank you.....Re: Harness Thank you all for responding....& giving me some great ideas. I was wondering if there is a harness that requires the dog to step into it with all four legs. My husband thinks I'm crazy. LOL. We put Tuffy's harness on him the day after he got out of it & we tried to get it to come forward over his head & we couldn't do it....so I'm really confused about how the little guy got out of it. My husband said maybe he's Houdini....& I told him a few of you mentioned your own pups being Houdini too. It completely freaked me out when I had realized he was out of his harness. Very Scary feeling. Thanks again to everyone for your suggestions. Tuffy's laying here like a little angel right now. LOL. Ro :>