I’m Torn Regarding Collars... To Wear or Not to Wear? - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

chattiesmom · 05-21-2008, 12:48 PM

I make break-a-way collars and talked to the manufacturer about the amount of pressure needed to make the collar "break". According to them it takes aproximately 4 lbs.... but when I put a collar on my arm and tug and twist, it seems to take a LOT of pressure to get it to release.

I truly believe that each of us has to make a decision that is right for our individual needs. Even though I make and sell them, I am afraid of collars other than for decorative purposes and worn under constant sueprvision.

Erin · 05-21-2008, 12:51 PM

Mine wear their collars. They are fit properly so they can't chew on them. They have always worn them so they are used to them and leave them alone. Mine potty outside so they are outside 10+ times a day and no way would I want them out there without ID. They don't like having their harnesses on except for walks so tags on harnesses are not an option...

Breakaway collars are always an option for any of you who worry about collar issues. There are many different kinds. I would never want them to be without ID. They are microchipped but if a neighbor found them they would never know it.

bchgirl · 05-21-2008, 12:54 PM

If you think a break away collar would be too difficult...you can purchase cat collars. Those have elastic at the buckle and will easily stretch to allow puppies head through if they got caught.

morningsting · 05-21-2008, 12:59 PM

I have always used a collar with my Chi & I have never had any problems with it. She's been wearing one for three years now. I'm also using a collar on my Yorkie. To me it's better safe than sorry. The only time I take them off is when I leave the house. After reading that horror story a few days ago, there's no way I could let that happen to my bbys.

-Amy

Wylie's Mom · 05-21-2008, 01:20 PM

I have collars on both my guys 24/7 AND they are both microchipped. I think IDs are very important. Also, Marcel is small - and he needs to have a bell. My only caveat is that when "tinies" are puppies - I recommend taking the collar off whenever they are alone. So, when Marcel was a puppy - he was never allowed his collar when alone. When he turned about 10 mths, we were comfortable with him having it on all the time.

Potter · 05-21-2008, 02:14 PM

Oh, I forgot to add I use harness on Pao when we are out and I have other ID tags on the harness but not as detailed as the one he wears with his breakaway collar. He doesn't play with his collar and he pretty much ignores it. I think it is pretty much about lifestyle. Right now, I live with 5 other family members and the door is not always closed properly and it is not done on purpose. It is just the way the door is. We are working on being extra careful checking each time after we closed it but I am just paranoid of the what ifs one day someone missed and he slipped out. When we do move to our own house, I have the option of taking it off when we go out but I think I will stick to having it on.

stedmansmommy · 05-21-2008, 02:17 PM

I personally don't do collars - I've never put them on my babies and never will. Those are just my personal thoughts and opinions though. If they wear anything at all (other than clothes of course

) - it is a harness and is only worn for taking them on walks (obviously).

Is your baby microchipped? That may help ease some of your worry when you are not home - and then, a collar wouldn't even be needed

Mybabe4me · 05-21-2008, 03:04 PM

I guess I have to put my two cents in here.. I have had lengthie chats with my vet and Babybear surgeon.. They both say under no condition should a small dog, yorkie,chuahua,pom,maltese, etc. wear a collar.. A harness yes but no collar.. Collars can cause a lot of problems colapsed trachea for one,they could get caught on something and choke to death and so on..
I only put a harness on Babybear..And that is all I had ever used except when I first got him. Then when he got bigger I put the harness on him and he has it on twenty-four /seven.. Even though he can't walk. I want him to have all tags on him in case of fire or anything.. He also has a micro chip and all his medical info is placed with them, but I would rather be safe then sorry..
Okay I will get off my soap box now..

Wylie's Mom · 05-21-2008, 04:27 PM

I forgot to add - the collars are for ID *ONLY*. For walks, we use harnesses. Also, you need to size collars differently for yorkies. For larger dogs - you'll often hear the "2 finger rule" or whatever. NOT for yorkies. For a proper, safe fit - you only want to be able to *just* fit a female finger in there. Accidents happen with collars usually bc they have been too loose and get caught on something.

paulapoo · 05-21-2008, 04:38 PM

Well, in my PRE yorkietalk days, my dogs wore collars. Since yorkietalk, they do not, or only if we go somewhere, just for identification. I use harnesses for their leash.
I am babysitting my bosses little 4 pound dog. She has a breakaway collar on. When I left for work today i took it off cause she like to try to scale the baby gates sometimes. So, I'm a NO COLLAR kind of girl.

perfectdogbows · 05-21-2008, 04:41 PM

My girls only wear a collar when I take them for a walk. They like it better that way anyway I think. They know when mommy gets the harness and leash out it is time for play!

brittahnee · 05-21-2008, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaraAlexine00

I have read one tragic and a couple of scary stories on here regarding collar accidents, most recently from YT member brittahnee.

I'm torn! I have a collar for Mia with an ID tag. After reading these stories, I can’t decide whether or not to have her wear it at all, or if she does, when should she wear it? Seems to me, the best time for her to wear it would be when I’m not home, but that seems to be when accidents occur.

What if she gets out of the house while I’m away.... is it worth that risk?

I’m just a big fat worry-wart when it comes to her..................... I don’t know what I’d do if I lost her! What is your opinion?

i'm sorry that you read that, but then again i'm glad i could inform you.
trust me it is a SCARY thing to witness.
stick to the harness.

SaraAlexine00 · 05-21-2008, 07:10 PM

Ok, so I think im convinced. Now, where to find a comfortable harness she can wear for the majority of the day.

Oh, and I think I remember someone saying they attach the tags to the front of the harness. How do you do that without a d-ring?

brittahnee · 05-22-2008, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaraAlexine00

Ok, so I think im convinced. Now, where to find a comfortable harness she can wear for the majority of the day.

Oh, and I think I remember someone saying they attach the tags to the front of the harness. How do you do that without a d-ring?

my harnesses have D rings on the back, so i really can't help you there

ebay has a wide selection of harnesses

ranant12 · 05-22-2008, 07:35 AM

I only use harness when I am walking my girls. They do not even own collars. Not only are they potentially dangerous for small dogs, but they also tend to cause the hair around the neck area to get knots. I also own 2 cats that live indoors that never wear collars. My sister's cat got her collar caught on the edge of the couch and suffered quite a bit of nerve damage to her neck before she found her. That was the last time any small animal I owned ever wore a collar. Both girls have their id tags on their harnesses (purchased from our local pet store) and they are NEVER unsupervised if their are in their harnesses.

Thankfully we live in the country and have a large yard, so that when they go out to use the bathroom, they do not have to be on a leash. But they are always in eyesight when they are out. They are trained to come on command. This was accomplished with their favorite treat.

05-21-2008, 12:48 PM	#16
chattiesmom Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Alabama Posts: 17,674	I make break-a-way collars and talked to the manufacturer about the amount of pressure needed to make the collar "break". According to them it takes aproximately 4 lbs.... but when I put a collar on my arm and tug and twist, it seems to take a LOT of pressure to get it to release. I truly believe that each of us has to make a decision that is right for our individual needs. Even though I make and sell them, I am afraid of collars other than for decorative purposes and worn under constant sueprvision. __________________ Silk Step-In Harnesses www.foxypups.etsy.com

05-21-2008, 12:51 PM	#17
Erin Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Chicago Suburbs Posts: 3,306	Mine wear their collars. They are fit properly so they can't chew on them. They have always worn them so they are used to them and leave them alone. Mine potty outside so they are outside 10+ times a day and no way would I want them out there without ID. They don't like having their harnesses on except for walks so tags on harnesses are not an option... Breakaway collars are always an option for any of you who worry about collar issues. There are many different kinds. I would never want them to be without ID. They are microchipped but if a neighbor found them they would never know it. __________________ Erin, Sammy & Loki Sewing patterns and tutorials @ www.dogundermydesk.com

05-21-2008, 12:54 PM	#18
bchgirl Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: at da beach Posts: 15,444 Blog Entries: 2	If you think a break away collar would be too difficult...you can purchase cat collars. Those have elastic at the buckle and will easily stretch to allow puppies head through if they got caught. __________________ Deb, Reese, Reggie, Frazier, Libby, Sidney, & Bodie Trace & Ramsey who watch over us www.biewersbythebay.com

05-21-2008, 12:59 PM	#19
morningsting YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Hawaii Posts: 663	I have always used a collar with my Chi & I have never had any problems with it. She's been wearing one for three years now. I'm also using a collar on my Yorkie. To me it's better safe than sorry. The only time I take them off is when I leave the house. After reading that horror story a few days ago, there's no way I could let that happen to my bbys. -Amy __________________ dogster.com/dogs/781890 - Bear's Dogster dogster.com/dogs/369570 - Daisy's Dogster

05-21-2008, 01:20 PM	#20
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	I have collars on both my guys 24/7 AND they are both microchipped. I think IDs are very important. Also, Marcel is small - and he needs to have a bell. My only caveat is that when "tinies" are puppies - I recommend taking the collar off whenever they are alone. So, when Marcel was a puppy - he was never allowed his collar when alone. When he turned about 10 mths, we were comfortable with him having it on all the time. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

05-21-2008, 02:14 PM	#21
Potter YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 2,583	Oh, I forgot to add I use harness on Pao when we are out and I have other ID tags on the harness but not as detailed as the one he wears with his breakaway collar. He doesn't play with his collar and he pretty much ignores it. I think it is pretty much about lifestyle. Right now, I live with 5 other family members and the door is not always closed properly and it is not done on purpose. It is just the way the door is. We are working on being extra careful checking each time after we closed it but I am just paranoid of the what ifs one day someone missed and he slipped out. When we do move to our own house, I have the option of taking it off when we go out but I think I will stick to having it on. __________________ http://www.dogster.com/pet_page.php?j=t&i=410379 "No matter how little money and how few possesions you own, having a dog makes you rich."

05-21-2008, 02:17 PM	#22
stedmansmommy I Love My Lil' Punkin's Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Stedman and Tatum's World :) Posts: 15,331 Blog Entries: 5	I personally don't do collars - I've never put them on my babies and never will. Those are just my personal thoughts and opinions though. If they wear anything at all (other than clothes of course ) - it is a harness and is only worn for taking them on walks (obviously). Is your baby microchipped? That may help ease some of your worry when you are not home - and then, a collar wouldn't even be needed __________________ Mommy Loves Stedman and Tatum! They have us wrapped around their little paws!

05-21-2008, 03:04 PM	#23
Mybabe4me YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 713	I guess I have to put my two cents in here.. I have had lengthie chats with my vet and Babybear surgeon.. They both say under no condition should a small dog, yorkie,chuahua,pom,maltese, etc. wear a collar.. A harness yes but no collar.. Collars can cause a lot of problems colapsed trachea for one,they could get caught on something and choke to death and so on.. I only put a harness on Babybear..And that is all I had ever used except when I first got him. Then when he got bigger I put the harness on him and he has it on twenty-four /seven.. Even though he can't walk. I want him to have all tags on him in case of fire or anything.. He also has a micro chip and all his medical info is placed with them, but I would rather be safe then sorry.. Okay I will get off my soap box now.. __________________ Val and Babybear http://www.dogster.com/dogs/136060[/url]

05-21-2008, 04:27 PM	#24
Wylie's Mom Furbutts = LOVE Donating Member Moderator Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Phoenix, AZ Posts: 35,889 Blog Entries: 2	I forgot to add - the collars are for ID ONLY. For walks, we use harnesses. Also, you need to size collars differently for yorkies. For larger dogs - you'll often hear the "2 finger rule" or whatever. NOT for yorkies. For a proper, safe fit - you only want to be able to just fit a female finger in there. Accidents happen with collars usually bc they have been too loose and get caught on something. __________________ ~ A friend told me I was delusional. I nearly fell off my unicorn. ~ °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨° Ann \| Pfeiffer \| Marcel Verdel Purcell \| Wylie \| Artie °¨¨¨°ºOº°¨¨¨°

05-21-2008, 04:38 PM	#25
paulapoo Blessed by Otis & Ollie Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Plainfield, Indiana Posts: 2,884	Well, in my PRE yorkietalk days, my dogs wore collars. Since yorkietalk, they do not, or only if we go somewhere, just for identification. I use harnesses for their leash. I am babysitting my bosses little 4 pound dog. She has a breakaway collar on. When I left for work today i took it off cause she like to try to scale the baby gates sometimes. So, I'm a NO COLLAR kind of girl. __________________ ~Paula~ proud mommy of ~Otis (yorkie) & Oliver (shih-poo)

05-21-2008, 04:41 PM	#26
perfectdogbows Yorkie Yakker Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 43	My girls only wear a collar when I take them for a walk. They like it better that way anyway I think. They know when mommy gets the harness and leash out it is time for play!

05-21-2008, 07:10 PM	#28
SaraAlexine00 Love my lil' Stinker <3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Central Coast, CA Posts: 647	Ok, so I think im convinced. Now, where to find a comfortable harness she can wear for the majority of the day. Oh, and I think I remember someone saying they attach the tags to the front of the harness. How do you do that without a d-ring? __________________ Owned by Miss Mia

05-22-2008, 07:35 AM	#30
ranant12 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: May 2008 Location: South Mississippi Posts: 225	I only use harness when I am walking my girls. They do not even own collars. Not only are they potentially dangerous for small dogs, but they also tend to cause the hair around the neck area to get knots. I also own 2 cats that live indoors that never wear collars. My sister's cat got her collar caught on the edge of the couch and suffered quite a bit of nerve damage to her neck before she found her. That was the last time any small animal I owned ever wore a collar. Both girls have their id tags on their harnesses (purchased from our local pet store) and they are NEVER unsupervised if their are in their harnesses. Thankfully we live in the country and have a large yard, so that when they go out to use the bathroom, they do not have to be on a leash. But they are always in eyesight when they are out. They are trained to come on command. This was accomplished with their favorite treat.