Harness or Collar

[Christi]

Likewise, I only use a harness. Some harnesses will have a loop where you can attach the tags.

[yorkipower]

OK, as a dog trainer, I've got to chime in here. If you train your dog to walk with you properly, instead of pulling, an ordinary buckle collar should not be a problem for the oridinary toy dog. BUT it is extremly difficult to train a dog to heel if you are using a harness! If you are dead set against a collar, I'd use a Halti or Gental Leader instead. Harnesses can teach bad habits!

Here's what I wrote in regard to another post on the same topic:

Unless I want a pulling action, I do not walk a dog in a harness. If I'm concerned about a trachea issue, which is a just concern with small dogs, I'd rather opt for a halti or gentle leader than a harness. These work by directing the dog’s head rather than pulling on the neck. I use harnesses for tracking or jogging or when I want the dog to pull against me. With a harness, you have very little control, its like driving without power steering. Many dogs learn some awful lead habits when they are put into a harness at an early age. A lot of people compound this problem by using those Flexi leashes to which they can not grab on in a pinch without getting a nasty burn. A simple six inch lead (leather or cotton are my first choice since they are comfortable to hold and do not cause rope burn) and a halti or gentle leader for a dog who had trachea issues.


http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1069

Just a thought . . .toy dog people get away with things larger dog people can't. You can walk a Yorkie whose pulling her little heart out at the other end of the leash .. . try that with a German Shepherd. But having control of the leash and your dog attached to it could save her life - think of all the possiblities - walking along a curb and car swerves out of control, a large dog or cat bounds in front of your path, a kid skids out on his bike . . . a dog who is attentive and knows how to heel is a pleasure and a lifesaver. It's worth the time to teach your dog to walk without pulling. Without the pulling = you can reduce the wear and tear on your dog's throat in the process too!

[mybirdys2003]

I also use the harness to walk my dog. I have the collar on with just a identification tag with her name and my phone number on it. I have the rabies tag and the vet tag on her harness. I am afraid I don't keep the collar on all the time, but when summer comes and she is in the yard more, she will have it on in case she gets out. I told you how she slipped past my husband when he went to get the mail, and we never knew she was gone-----no collar on----and someone came to my door and asked if we had a puppy and to describe it. Sure enough, it was Snoodles! It was below zero and she was three blocks from out house in the middle of the street shivering! That was sa really close call. I swore I would have the collar on her at all times after that. But, I have been remiss, mostly because of the hair brushing.

[r4sons]

Thank you yorkipower for your post. We definately need to know what would be best for our babies. I don't really take mine for walks, and understand what you mean about the collar vs the harness for walking. Thanks a bunches for easing our minds to those of us who use collars. God bless!

[yorkipower]

Welcome.