Yorkie won't move
 

Hello everyone, I've been on this board for a while but never posted as it has taken from 2005 to 2011 to actually get a yorkie.

I got Turtle for my birthday this year. She was born 2/24/11 so she's about 4 months old now.

My question is around harnesses. At first I had a collar on her, but was concerned if I ever did try to walk her that it might hurt her little neck, so we went and picked up one of those Lil Pals harness.

http://img2.prosperent.com/images/25...ard/506610.jpg

The problem is when I put it on her, she completely shuts down. She won't walk around at all. I've tried using her favorite treats to lead her around which works a little. But generally she just lays there. After I take it off, within a few minutes she walks again.

I've tried making sure it's not too tight or too loose. She is so set on not moving that she won't get up to potty. I've watched her inch over to the peepee pad and piddle a boat load, letting me know she's not been potty in a while. So she's actually holding her urine so she don't have to walk in it. Hubby says I should just leave it on her and eventually she'll get tired of not moving.

I've had boxers and I have chihuahuas and they don't act like this.

Suggestions?

Thanks
Renee

Hi!

Another member was having the exact same problem and received lots of tips from other members. Here is the link. Maybe you will find something that you can use to help you!
http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...h-harness.html

I wasn't a fan of the Lil' Pals harness simply because it still put pressure on the neck and I know Gizmo wasn't comfy walking in it. Did you think about maybe using a harness vest, or step in harness??

Here are some links for them:
Harnesses, Puppia, Doggie Design

Step In Dog Harness, No Choke Dog Harness, Harnesses for Small Dogs , Puppy, Pet, Or Cat

Once I got Gizmo a step-in harness, walking became alot easier. Another trick that worked for him, is when we were training him, we walked him with my mom's dog, or took him to a dog park to have him observe and mimic.

Good luck!

If you haven't already, try taking her outside with the harness on and put her on the ground. Often these little ones will forget about the harness once they are outside. If she loves outside, only put the harness on when she goes outside and then she will associate it with something good.

I also agree that you should try a different harness that would be more comfortable. My boys wear the Buddy Belt. It is an investment, but it will last a lifetime.

Thanks I'll check it out!

I tried to be sure it's loose on her and doesn't bind at all but I can see where it might be the issue. She used to would wear a collar but now she won't even move in that. She's started to bounce around a little to play with the Chihuahuas but it's like as soon as she sees me looking at her she drops to the ground. I feel like I'm in a big contest of wills with a 1 1/2 lb dog. LOL

Thanks for the harness suggestions I really like the step in kind. Maybe we'll try that one.

TY
Renee

We let her go outside only every now and then, she still just sits. She's had the harness on for a good 24 hours now and it sorta trying to move. Maybe I just need a little patience. :P

You might try another harness. If she is feeling pressure or discomfort from this one that may be preventing her from moving. I have step in harnesses for my girls and they never slowed down with them on.
Good luck!

Turtle Update!
 

Well, she's started moving around. Namely when hubby has a treat or when the pups come out to play with her. If she sees me looking she drops to the ground!

It's really quite funny to watch. She's a little brat!

I've ordered a new harness to see how it goes. Hopefully she'll like this one better. I did take her outside and she bounced around quite a bit even with the harness on. At least I know it's not because it is hurting her... it's just because she's being a brat!

Did a new harness work? My Kizzie hates that style of harness and will either yelp at me when I take it out, or just shut down with it on.. but I have a vest harness I made myself (very very easy to make if you have basic sewing skills and a sewing machine, it takes me about an hour to make a new one) With the vest harness on Kizzie runs around like it's no big deal, however she is still iffy when slipping anything around her neck.. It may be that things around her neck cause her to panic, just because it doesn't hurt doesn't mean it's comfortable for her.

Hi everyone, just an update on Turtle's failure to move. Welp, she's finally over it. I got a new harness from ebay. The seller didn't answer my emails on the item but it was reasonably priced and fit her well.

XXS Pink Leather Pet Dog Step-in Harness Belt 10-12" | eBay

That's the link to the item. It was about 12.00 total with shipping.

She still isn't happy about a leash at all but we're starting with baby steps. She will get up and walk around and play now with this new harness.

Hope that helps! And thanks for all the suggestions!

Renee

Update on Turtle
 

Hi Everyone, the new harness worked great. It's a lot more form fitting than the others. At first it was the same, but gradually she is more comfortable with it and is now up and walking around with out any issues at all.

I found the harness on eBay. It was priced well but the seller didn't answer any of my questions or respond to any emails. It arrived timely and it fits her well.

XXS Pink Leather Pet Dog Step-in Harness Belt 10-12" | eBay

That's the link to the one I purchased.

Hope that helps

Renee