Harness / collar - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Pattylou · 08-09-2009, 07:17 AM

We have 2 yorkies both born 4/6/09 they are as different as night and day LOL. Love them both dearly, the smaller one has taken to both the harness and or collar with little difficulty. The larger one (8 pounds) seems to think we are out to kill him, he whines and does everything to get either of them off, he will drag his head along the floor hoping to force the collar off. We have not been able to travel as normal because we cannot go anywhere without them on a leash. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.

They are both loving wonderful fun dogs and we adore them, both have done great with potty training and are well behaved, we feel horrible making him wear the collar (the harness nearly drove him nuts), but have no choice. The vet said they would just have to get used to it, we have left the collar on for about 48 hours now.

Thanks for the help. Pat

chachi · 08-09-2009, 07:38 AM

I would use a harness instead of a collar. Just put the harness on and leave it on for 5 minutes then take it off. Keep doing that and keep increasing the time that you have it on untill eventually your dog is used to it. You could even give a treat to your dog after you put the harness on so it associates something good with the harness

uhxohxcece · 08-09-2009, 07:55 AM

here's what i did with louis (6 months and weights 6.8lbs).

i used collars at the beginning but he hated them. HE WOULDNT WALK, PERIOD. i got very frustrated and looked online..i found out that if u get a harness (which is easier for small dogs) and let him play with it first, put it on him for a few mins prior to going out, they'll start to like them. so i did this and now louis loves his harness, as soon as i grab it HE KNOWSS HES GOING OUTSIDE

so he starts jumping up and down. collars in my opinion just tend to choke the poor puppy, i rather use the harness.

Britster · 08-09-2009, 08:34 AM

I would just re-introduce him to the leash/harness gently and slowly. First, place the leash
and the harness on the ground with a treat on top of it so he can use his sense of smell and
associate the leash with a good thing... the treat. Leave it on the ground for a few days maybe
so he gets used to it being there all the time. Then, get a yummy treat and guide your dogs
over to you. Make THEM come to the leash. Don't go towards them with it, that can be intimidating
to them. As your attempting to put on the harness, give him the treat at the same time. Then simply
take the harness back off. Then he will think "Oh! I put this thing on, get a treat, and then it gets taken
back off!" Let them walk around the house with the harness on and the leash dragging so they just get used
to it. They will probably put up a fight but they're just going to have to deal. But you want to make it a
positive experience! They should eventually see "oh, this isn't so bad!" Just take it slowly and remember
to be calm, patient and don't lose your temper! Jackson walks right into his harness because he knows
it means he will be going outside!

zekie's mom · 08-09-2009, 01:01 PM

You should never use a collar on a Yorkie. My Yorkie still hates his harness and it took forever for him to get used to it. He has been very resistant to any change. It may just be the way some Yorkies are. Advice given above is good to follow.

Pattylou · 08-09-2009, 04:43 PM

Thank you for the help and advise we are going back to the harness and work it slowly. LOL they are such a wonderful addition to our family we just want the best for them.

08-09-2009, 07:17 AM	#1
Pattylou YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2	Harness / collar We have 2 yorkies both born 4/6/09 they are as different as night and day LOL. Love them both dearly, the smaller one has taken to both the harness and or collar with little difficulty. The larger one (8 pounds) seems to think we are out to kill him, he whines and does everything to get either of them off, he will drag his head along the floor hoping to force the collar off. We have not been able to travel as normal because we cannot go anywhere without them on a leash. Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. They are both loving wonderful fun dogs and we adore them, both have done great with potty training and are well behaved, we feel horrible making him wear the collar (the harness nearly drove him nuts), but have no choice. The vet said they would just have to get used to it, we have left the collar on for about 48 hours now. Thanks for the help. Pat

08-09-2009, 07:38 AM	#2
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I would use a harness instead of a collar. Just put the harness on and leave it on for 5 minutes then take it off. Keep doing that and keep increasing the time that you have it on untill eventually your dog is used to it. You could even give a treat to your dog after you put the harness on so it associates something good with the harness __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

08-09-2009, 07:55 AM	#3
uhxohxcece Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: miami Posts: 121	hope i can i help:) here's what i did with louis (6 months and weights 6.8lbs). i used collars at the beginning but he hated them. HE WOULDNT WALK, PERIOD. i got very frustrated and looked online..i found out that if u get a harness (which is easier for small dogs) and let him play with it first, put it on him for a few mins prior to going out, they'll start to like them. so i did this and now louis loves his harness, as soon as i grab it HE KNOWSS HES GOING OUTSIDE so he starts jumping up and down. collars in my opinion just tend to choke the poor puppy, i rather use the harness. __________________ -Claudia

08-09-2009, 08:34 AM	#4
Britster Action Jackson ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 17,815	I would just re-introduce him to the leash/harness gently and slowly. First, place the leash and the harness on the ground with a treat on top of it so he can use his sense of smell and associate the leash with a good thing... the treat. Leave it on the ground for a few days maybe so he gets used to it being there all the time. Then, get a yummy treat and guide your dogs over to you. Make THEM come to the leash. Don't go towards them with it, that can be intimidating to them. As your attempting to put on the harness, give him the treat at the same time. Then simply take the harness back off. Then he will think "Oh! I put this thing on, get a treat, and then it gets taken back off!" Let them walk around the house with the harness on and the leash dragging so they just get used to it. They will probably put up a fight but they're just going to have to deal. But you want to make it a positive experience! They should eventually see "oh, this isn't so bad!" Just take it slowly and remember to be calm, patient and don't lose your temper! Jackson walks right into his harness because he knows it means he will be going outside! __________________ ~ Brit & Lights! Camera! Jackson! CGC ETD TKP ~ Follow Jackson on Instagram: https://instagram.com/jacksontheterrier Last edited by Britster; 08-09-2009 at 08:35 AM.

08-09-2009, 01:01 PM	#5
zekie's mom YT Addict Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: PA & FL Posts: 403	Harness You should never use a collar on a Yorkie. My Yorkie still hates his harness and it took forever for him to get used to it. He has been very resistant to any change. It may just be the way some Yorkies are. Advice given above is good to follow.

08-09-2009, 04:43 PM	#6
Pattylou YorkieTalk Newbie! Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Cleveland Posts: 2	thanks Thank you for the help and advise we are going back to the harness and work it slowly. LOL they are such a wonderful addition to our family we just want the best for them.