Are collars dangerous on a Yorkie pup? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

lemonlime · 06-22-2012, 05:55 AM

Sophie is now 6 months old and weighs 3.5lbs. I have always used a kitten harness on her and now a Buddy Belt. I wanted to know if I can also put a tiny collar on her that she can wear with a little bell and identification tag. Are there any concerns I should be aware of if I never attach it to a leash? Can she wear it all the time?

Lil Sis · 06-22-2012, 05:58 AM

I think it would be ok. A lot of people use break away collars.

I am so glad you are using a good harness! I have a clip that has Remy's tag and id that I clip to her harness.. I think I got it when I ordered a silk harness from chattiesmom

jencar98 · 06-22-2012, 06:09 AM

I like collars with tags, but am very careful using them. Ruby caught her's (the metal tooth) on pillow fringe one time, and was stuck, couldn't move, the pillow weighed almost as much as she does.

chattiesmom · 06-22-2012, 06:10 AM

Even when you don't attach a leash, collars are hazardous. If you are using a small kitty collar then it probably has a break-away buckle. Please be sure that it is a quick release - sometimes called kitty klip - and then test the amount of pulling and twisting it takes to make the buckle open. If it is reasonable that your little Sophie could pull hard enough without injuring herself, then the collar is probably reasonably safe.

We have lost and/or nearly lost many of our YT fur family members from collars. I'm not talking about carelessness - I'm talking freak accidents -- tags getting hung in a floor vent, getting hung up in plush carpet, wire crates, and the list goes on and on and on.

Personally, I don't use collars, but you need to weigh the benefits and piece of mind against the dangers of wearing a collar and come to your decision.

lexi43 · 06-22-2012, 06:10 AM

I don't ;use collars on any of my dogs while in the house. I've had too many bad experiences with the collars. I only put the harness or collar on when they go outside.

107barney · 06-22-2012, 07:18 AM

My four yorkies wear collars at all times. Two of them started at 8 weeks old and one at 10 weeks old. I would not leave my dog without a collar and ID tag at all times. They are walked on harnesses. I've never had an issue with a properly fitting collar.

Nancy1999 · 06-22-2012, 07:36 AM

I like the cat break-away collars. Make sure that they don't break away too easily, and as Chattiesmom suggests test them with your hands. You want something that stays put, unless they actually get it caught on something.

lemonlime · 06-22-2012, 10:03 AM

I would never want anything to happen to her...thanks for all your advice. She is microchipped but I want her to have an id tag on her at all times because even though she is watched like a hawk you never know if something could cause her to bolt when someone opens a door. I think I just might keep her harness on all day from now on instead of just when she goes outside. She seems to be comfortable in her new Buddy Belt and that way I can attach the id tag to that. I thought the collar would be more comfortable for her but I don't think I want to risk it now reading how others have had bad experiences with their babies wearing one.

Thanks again everyone!

maggiefromnj · 06-22-2012, 10:05 AM

I got Maggie a little dog collar at petsmart. I got one of their tags as well. It is a tiny piece of metal that has her name and phone number laser etched onto it by their machine in the store. It is about an inch long and lays flat on her collar, held on by a rivet on either end. You have to poke 2 holes in the collar and the little rivet goes through and you hammer it flat. It won't catch on anything and I feel better knowing that if she ever slips out someone can call me when they find her. She is chipped as well.

luvlee · 06-22-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maggiefromnj

I got Maggie a little dog collar at petsmart. I got one of their tags as well. It is a tiny piece of metal that has her name and phone number laser etched onto it by their machine in the store. It is about an inch long and lays flat on her collar, held on by a rivet on either end. You have to poke 2 holes in the collar and the little rivet goes through and you hammer it flat. It won't catch on anything and I feel better knowing that if she ever slips out someone can call me when they find her. She is chipped as well.

Can that tag be affixed to a buddy belt? I'm getting Lucy used to wearing her BB a lot. I take it off at night but since I'm potty training outside, she's gotta be good to go when she's gotta "go".

sophias mommy · 06-22-2012, 10:36 AM

Both Brody and Sophia have their Rabies tag + another ID tag saying "REWARD IF FOUND" and my # on the opposite side. Both attached to their BB's. It works out great

.

BiewerYorkie · 06-22-2012, 10:41 AM

Of my six, only the three oldest/biggest go out. They keep their collars on. The three that use peepee pads, including my Biewer Yorkie generally only wear them when they go to the vet, for a drive, etc.

I bought Zachary a Buddy Belt but he found a way to get his little teeth on it and chewed it up pretty good. It is still wearable though and after reading this thread, I will be putting it back on him. Sometimes we put his collar on to facilitate housebreaking.

Louise

YazminD · 06-22-2012, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvlee

Can that tag be affixed to a buddy belt? I'm getting Lucy used to wearing her BB a lot. I take it off at night but since I'm potty training outside, she's gotta be good to go when she's gotta "go".

Yazmin has two Buddy Belts that she wears alternatley when we leave home and I have the flat black rivot tag attached to both of them. I found that the tag fits best below the BB emblem on the harness. She also wears a collar just in case she were to ever escape but I AWAYS remove it if she's left home alone. She's also microchipped. I want all basis covered for my peace of mind!

mscat · 06-22-2012, 11:35 AM

I have never used collars on my dogs, I just do not think they are safe enough, and worry they may try to take them off and choke themselves, even a break away one. I've seen Suzi my yorkie wigle out of her harness when my son tried to walk her, she only likes me to walk her, but I don't see any reason for a collar while inside. A harness is safer on these little ones, that is my opinion. I do not thin it is good for their necks, trachea, or anything that has the potentiel to hurt them. Both of mine are microchipped, and do wear all their tags with their harness and leash on for walks .Those tags always jingle , and if take themout for a walk at night when it is cooler I always bring a flashllight too.

lemonlime · 06-22-2012, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YazminD

Yazmin has two Buddy Belts that she wears alternatley when we leave home and I have the flat black rivot tag attached to both of them. I found that the tag fits best below the BB emblem on the harness. She also wears a collar just in case she were to ever escape but I AWAYS remove it if she's left home alone. She's also microchipped. I want all basis covered for my peace of mind!

Carla,
Would you be able post a link or picture of the flat black rivot tag you attach to Yazmin's Buddy Belts. I would really appreciate it as I have not purchased Sophie's id tag yet and would like to see yours and know where you purchased it.
Thank you!

06-22-2012, 05:55 AM	#1
lemonlime Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 130	Are collars dangerous on a Yorkie pup? Sophie is now 6 months old and weighs 3.5lbs. I have always used a kitten harness on her and now a Buddy Belt. I wanted to know if I can also put a tiny collar on her that she can wear with a little bell and identification tag. Are there any concerns I should be aware of if I never attach it to a leash? Can she wear it all the time? __________________ Sophie's Mommy

06-22-2012, 05:58 AM	#2
Lil Sis Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: South Florida Posts: 8,008	I think it would be ok. A lot of people use break away collars. I am so glad you are using a good harness! I have a clip that has Remy's tag and id that I clip to her harness.. I think I got it when I ordered a silk harness from chattiesmom __________________ Shinja mom to Remy lil Sis to Bailey and Sammy

06-22-2012, 06:09 AM	#3
jencar98 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 6,435 Blog Entries: 3	I like collars with tags, but am very careful using them. Ruby caught her's (the metal tooth) on pillow fringe one time, and was stuck, couldn't move, the pillow weighed almost as much as she does. __________________ ~Ruby, Reno, Razz, & Jack~

06-22-2012, 06:10 AM	#4
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	Even when you don't attach a leash, collars are hazardous. If you are using a small kitty collar then it probably has a break-away buckle. Please be sure that it is a quick release - sometimes called kitty klip - and then test the amount of pulling and twisting it takes to make the buckle open. If it is reasonable that your little Sophie could pull hard enough without injuring herself, then the collar is probably reasonably safe. We have lost and/or nearly lost many of our YT fur family members from collars. I'm not talking about carelessness - I'm talking freak accidents -- tags getting hung in a floor vent, getting hung up in plush carpet, wire crates, and the list goes on and on and on. Personally, I don't use collars, but you need to weigh the benefits and piece of mind against the dangers of wearing a collar and come to your decision. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

06-22-2012, 07:18 AM	#6
107barney T. Bumpkins & Co. Donating YT Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: New England Posts: 9,816	My four yorkies wear collars at all times. Two of them started at 8 weeks old and one at 10 weeks old. I would not leave my dog without a collar and ID tag at all times. They are walked on harnesses. I've never had an issue with a properly fitting collar. __________________ T. Bumpkins & Co. Washable Doggie Pee Pads (Save 10% Enter YTSAVE10 at checkout) Cathy, Teddy, Winston and Baby Clyde...RIP angels Barney and Daisy

06-22-2012, 06:10 AM	#5
lexi43 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Deer Park New York Posts: 1,586	I don't ;use collars on any of my dogs while in the house. I've had too many bad experiences with the collars. I only put the harness or collar on when they go outside.

06-22-2012, 07:36 AM	#7
Nancy1999 I ♥ Joey & Ralphie! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Arizona Posts: 25,396 Blog Entries: 2	I like the cat break-away collars. Make sure that they don't break away too easily, and as Chattiesmom suggests test them with your hands. You want something that stays put, unless they actually get it caught on something. __________________ NancyJoey Proud members of the CrAzYcLuB and YAP! ** Just Say No to Puppymills – Join YAP! Yorkshire Terrier Club of America – Breeder Referrals

06-22-2012, 10:03 AM	#8
lemonlime Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Canada Posts: 130	I would never want anything to happen to her...thanks for all your advice. She is microchipped but I want her to have an id tag on her at all times because even though she is watched like a hawk you never know if something could cause her to bolt when someone opens a door. I think I just might keep her harness on all day from now on instead of just when she goes outside. She seems to be comfortable in her new Buddy Belt and that way I can attach the id tag to that. I thought the collar would be more comfortable for her but I don't think I want to risk it now reading how others have had bad experiences with their babies wearing one. Thanks again everyone! __________________ Sophie's Mommy

06-22-2012, 10:05 AM	#9
maggiefromnj YT Addict Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: nj Posts: 497	I got Maggie a little dog collar at petsmart. I got one of their tags as well. It is a tiny piece of metal that has her name and phone number laser etched onto it by their machine in the store. It is about an inch long and lays flat on her collar, held on by a rivet on either end. You have to poke 2 holes in the collar and the little rivet goes through and you hammer it flat. It won't catch on anything and I feel better knowing that if she ever slips out someone can call me when they find her. She is chipped as well.

06-22-2012, 10:36 AM	#11
sophias mommy YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 3,609	Both Brody and Sophia have their Rabies tag + another ID tag saying "REWARD IF FOUND" and my # on the opposite side. Both attached to their BB's. It works out great . __________________ Sarah Sophia & Brody

06-22-2012, 10:41 AM	#12
BiewerYorkie Zachary's Mom Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Houston, TX, USA Posts: 879 Blog Entries: 1	Of my six, only the three oldest/biggest go out. They keep their collars on. The three that use peepee pads, including my Biewer Yorkie generally only wear them when they go to the vet, for a drive, etc. I bought Zachary a Buddy Belt but he found a way to get his little teeth on it and chewed it up pretty good. It is still wearable though and after reading this thread, I will be putting it back on him. Sometimes we put his collar on to facilitate housebreaking. Louise

06-22-2012, 11:35 AM	#14
mscat YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hanford, CA Posts: 4,895	I have never used collars on my dogs, I just do not think they are safe enough, and worry they may try to take them off and choke themselves, even a break away one. I've seen Suzi my yorkie wigle out of her harness when my son tried to walk her, she only likes me to walk her, but I don't see any reason for a collar while inside. A harness is safer on these little ones, that is my opinion. I do not thin it is good for their necks, trachea, or anything that has the potentiel to hurt them. Both of mine are microchipped, and do wear all their tags with their harness and leash on for walks .Those tags always jingle , and if take themout for a walk at night when it is cooler I always bring a flashllight too. __________________ "No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."