-->What is WRONG with Our Harness? .. I need some help and pics of yours - YorkieTalk.com Forums

annamalyssa · 01-14-2009, 11:33 PM

We use a Harness instead of a collar because I do not want to risk a collapsed trachea that could be prevented, HOWEVER, Gucci still hacks with the harness on when he pulls to hard

is it too close to his trachea or is this normal ? It seems to me like it goes across his chest just under the collarbone area but he still hacks when he runs and pulls...

I am a little concerned as I do not want to "defeat" the purpose of using the harness.

Here is a pic of the harness it is not the usual type.. I am not sure what you call it but you put each foot into it and then secure it by Latching it at the back and there are 2 D-rings there for the Leash.

Can someone tell me if this is normal or am I using the wrong kind of harness? is it too big maybe?

You can barely see it but I wrote on the photo where the top part of the harness goes across and then the bottom goes just behind the underarms & then latches on the back.
In the Second photo you can get an idea of where the straps lead from the sideview. Sorry about the pics, he usually isn't still when he is in the harness he runs around alot and doesn't photograph easily like that.

Please Excuse his onesie nighty gone bad lol

QuickSilver · 01-14-2009, 11:39 PM

I can't completely tell, but it sounds like a sensation harness? That should be okay. Is he possibly just honking because he's he's frustrated / emotional? Are you working to train him not to pull?

rayray08 · 01-14-2009, 11:56 PM

Seems like you're using a step-in harness. Which is great!
Can't tell too much with the pictures, is the harness loose? Does it move around easily? How many finger can you fit under the harness, both back and front. If it's loose it might be going to his throat area... have you watched where it goes when he's walking.

Also, he could be excited like the above poster said... hopefully someone will have a better idea.
You should also train now to not pull when you walk while he's young. They learn quick!

annamalyssa · 01-15-2009, 12:15 AM

Thanks for the replies so late!

He actually gets VERY WORKED UP and runs like a madman not really pulling just dashing all over the house (he isn't allowed to roam without being attached to me just yet so he runs around with his harness & leash)
We are working on leash training he just gets super excited and runs in circles and then back and forth since he has barely finished his shots and is just getting to "explore" if you will.

So it is possible he is getting worked up causing him to hack?
I wasn't sure that is why I was asking because I didn't know. I think it may be a Step in Harness.. and I can fit 1 finger underneath it when it is on.

Should it be tighter than that? If it is riding to his throat area should I purchase a Smaller one? this one is a Toy Harness

yorkiepuppie · 01-15-2009, 03:38 AM

lol! i totally can not tell what kind of harness he is wearing!

can you take a picture of just the harness and post it?

sugarbritches · 01-15-2009, 03:55 AM

I have the same harness for spike, just a different color (i bought the black one with the tan stars on it) he doesnt have any trouble. I dont know how much Gucci weighs, spike is about 4-5 pounds now and i have the smallest size, yours looks like it may be the size larger. Maybe the poster who mentioned it being loose might be right.

I havent really worked with spike alot on a lead yet (i know he's going to need it soon), but i know my shepherd really isnt allowed to pull me when hes collared. It looks like aggression to other dogs, so that when you are walking out it really works up strange dogs and increases likelihood of a confrontation or even an attack. I can see that hes just an adorable baby right now

I think its great that youre already working with him

when i walk my shepherd alone, alot of the time, i make him heel and then at every mail box i stop and he knows to sit at my left leg and then he has to sit until i tell him to go. I need to read up on how to train yorkies, you cant teach them by pulling on the lead.

Lolapup · 01-15-2009, 03:57 AM

It may be that he's just getting too worked up. I really like the puppia harnesses.

Puppia Dog Harness Soft Mesh

Brookef18 · 01-15-2009, 05:50 AM

Sadie and Chewy both honk when they get excited... I was told this is reversed sneezing. If I cover my hand over their nose it stops...(I guess they breath through their mouth and it helps?

) For what ever reason the covering their nose works for us. As soon as it stops i take my hand away. I have to do this a few times during an attack because they always start back up again. After a few min they calm down and we can continue walking. (Chewy always does this when he meets other dogs)

Try not to get him excited about going out, this may keep him calmer.

I also have the kind of harness you are talking about. Try turning it around, it could be you have it backwards... It shouldn't be too high up on his neck. I can't see in the pics...

annamalyssa · 01-15-2009, 08:16 AM

Yorkiepuppie - lol I will do that in a just a few! haha I know it's hard to tell. It was late and I just got whatever pics I had with him with the harness on .. haha turned out they were bad pics to choose

Sugarbritches - Gucci is 4.6 lbs and 5 mos old, I think it may be that it is a bit too big. It is actually the Toy Size that is the smallest size they had, but perhaps it is too big

he has a really mini one that is very skinny in black and it fits him good but it seems a little tight because Gucci has a TON OF FUR

so it feels to me like it would be uncomfy for him.
Thanks for the compliment on working with him early, I own bullys as well so we are aware a trained dog is a GREAT DOG! best to start them early or they end up a mess!!

Lolapup - I was thinking about getting a Puppia harness they look pretty well made.

Brookef18 - It's not really a Honk but just a Hack that he does real fast like trying to get a hairball out and it's not over and over just once but every 5 minutes or so. I think it might be a slight combination of it riding to high and being too big .. I am looking into getting another harness since this one seems like it may not be the best fit for his size.

rayray08 · 01-15-2009, 09:29 AM

If he's running around with just the harness and no leash attached then he's most likely getting worked up and coughing/hacking.

Mahina used to do that until maybe 4-5 months old. I havn't noticed her do it in a while and she'll run around like crazy.

I'm sure he LOVES to explore, all kinds of new smells!

ETA: If you can fit a finger underneath then maybe it's not too loose.

Mitzis Mom · 01-15-2009, 09:36 AM

I also think it's a step-in-harness and I had the same problems with Maggie and Maximus. That's why I developed a brand new kind of harness. My friend calls it the 'Bostie Brazier' b/c it looks a bit like a bra and she loves it so much for her Boston Terriers. Nothing is even touching the throat and no hacking anymore from Maggie and Maximus...

If you like I can make you one for testing just let me know the measurement around your babies chest...

Please excuse Maggie's messy coat but she is wearing PJs in the house and I just took them off for a minute for the pictures....

Mitzis Mom · 01-15-2009, 09:36 AM

one more pic...

annamalyssa · 01-15-2009, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mitzis Mom

one more pic...

See that is the type of harness I need!! Ours isn't like that it is more like the one attached.. is that bad? where can I get one like the one you have, I looked at Petsmart, Target and Wal-mart as well as Petco and I didn't see anything like that one.

annamalyssa · 01-15-2009, 03:51 PM

Are Gooby Harnesses any good? and if so Which is better Puppia or Gooby?

Keely_momma · 01-15-2009, 03:55 PM

I think your best bet would be to lead train him.. Its really not hard at all. Watch cesar millan a few times and you should be able to do it no prob

lol.. When he tries to pass you, stick your foot out to block him from passingIt will be frustrating for both of you at first, but it is sooo worth it! Also, never leave a leesh losse at ful length. Have it long enough (Wrap it around your hand) So that when he tries to go ahead of you (He should be at your side at all times) he cant really go anywhere without there being tension on the leash. Just leave it loose enough when hes walking next to you like a nice boy, so there isnt any tension!

01-14-2009, 11:33 PM	#1
annamalyssa BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 1,318	-->What is WRONG with Our Harness? .. I need some help and pics of yours We use a Harness instead of a collar because I do not want to risk a collapsed trachea that could be prevented, HOWEVER, Gucci still hacks with the harness on when he pulls to hard is it too close to his trachea or is this normal ? It seems to me like it goes across his chest just under the collarbone area but he still hacks when he runs and pulls... I am a little concerned as I do not want to "defeat" the purpose of using the harness. Here is a pic of the harness it is not the usual type.. I am not sure what you call it but you put each foot into it and then secure it by Latching it at the back and there are 2 D-rings there for the Leash. Can someone tell me if this is normal or am I using the wrong kind of harness? is it too big maybe? You can barely see it but I wrote on the photo where the top part of the harness goes across and then the bottom goes just behind the underarms & then latches on the back. In the Second photo you can get an idea of where the straps lead from the sideview. Sorry about the pics, he usually isn't still when he is in the harness he runs around alot and doesn't photograph easily like that. Please Excuse his onesie nighty gone bad lol Attached Thumbnails Last edited by annamalyssa; 01-14-2009 at 11:34 PM.

01-14-2009, 11:56 PM	#3
rayray08 YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 464	Seems like you're using a step-in harness. Which is great! Can't tell too much with the pictures, is the harness loose? Does it move around easily? How many finger can you fit under the harness, both back and front. If it's loose it might be going to his throat area... have you watched where it goes when he's walking. Also, he could be excited like the above poster said... hopefully someone will have a better idea. You should also train now to not pull when you walk while he's young. They learn quick! __________________ Rachel and Mahina

01-15-2009, 03:38 AM	#5
yorkiepuppie Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Jose, CA, USA Posts: 2,883	lol! i totally can not tell what kind of harness he is wearing! can you take a picture of just the harness and post it? __________________ www.yenspiration.com i love milu

01-15-2009, 03:55 AM	#6
sugarbritches Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: erie Posts: 47	I have the same harness for spike, just a different color (i bought the black one with the tan stars on it) he doesnt have any trouble. I dont know how much Gucci weighs, spike is about 4-5 pounds now and i have the smallest size, yours looks like it may be the size larger. Maybe the poster who mentioned it being loose might be right. I havent really worked with spike alot on a lead yet (i know he's going to need it soon), but i know my shepherd really isnt allowed to pull me when hes collared. It looks like aggression to other dogs, so that when you are walking out it really works up strange dogs and increases likelihood of a confrontation or even an attack. I can see that hes just an adorable baby right now I think its great that youre already working with him when i walk my shepherd alone, alot of the time, i make him heel and then at every mail box i stop and he knows to sit at my left leg and then he has to sit until i tell him to go. I need to read up on how to train yorkies, you cant teach them by pulling on the lead. __________________ § Lisa ~ Spike's Mom § Last edited by sugarbritches; 01-15-2009 at 03:57 AM. Reason: add

01-15-2009, 05:50 AM	#8
Brookef18 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Cape Cod Ma Posts: 1,855	Sadie and Chewy both honk when they get excited... I was told this is reversed sneezing. If I cover my hand over their nose it stops...(I guess they breath through their mouth and it helps?) For what ever reason the covering their nose works for us. As soon as it stops i take my hand away. I have to do this a few times during an attack because they always start back up again. After a few min they calm down and we can continue walking. (Chewy always does this when he meets other dogs) Try not to get him excited about going out, this may keep him calmer. I also have the kind of harness you are talking about. Try turning it around, it could be you have it backwards... It shouldn't be too high up on his neck. I can't see in the pics... __________________ Brooke (Chewy's and Sadie's Mom) visit us on dogster dogster.com/dogs/700047

01-14-2009, 11:39 PM	#2
QuickSilver Thor's Human Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 5,929 Blog Entries: 31	I can't completely tell, but it sounds like a sensation harness? That should be okay. Is he possibly just honking because he's he's frustrated / emotional? Are you working to train him not to pull?

01-15-2009, 12:15 AM	#4
annamalyssa BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 1,318	Thanks for the replies so late! He actually gets VERY WORKED UP and runs like a madman not really pulling just dashing all over the house (he isn't allowed to roam without being attached to me just yet so he runs around with his harness & leash) We are working on leash training he just gets super excited and runs in circles and then back and forth since he has barely finished his shots and is just getting to "explore" if you will. So it is possible he is getting worked up causing him to hack? I wasn't sure that is why I was asking because I didn't know. I think it may be a Step in Harness.. and I can fit 1 finger underneath it when it is on. Should it be tighter than that? If it is riding to his throat area should I purchase a Smaller one? this one is a Toy Harness

01-15-2009, 03:57 AM	#7
Lolapup No Longer a Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Littleton, NH Posts: 463	It may be that he's just getting too worked up. I really like the puppia harnesses. Puppia Dog Harness Soft Mesh

01-15-2009, 08:16 AM	#9
annamalyssa BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 1,318	Yorkiepuppie - lol I will do that in a just a few! haha I know it's hard to tell. It was late and I just got whatever pics I had with him with the harness on .. haha turned out they were bad pics to choose Sugarbritches - Gucci is 4.6 lbs and 5 mos old, I think it may be that it is a bit too big. It is actually the Toy Size that is the smallest size they had, but perhaps it is too big he has a really mini one that is very skinny in black and it fits him good but it seems a little tight because Gucci has a TON OF FUR so it feels to me like it would be uncomfy for him. Thanks for the compliment on working with him early, I own bullys as well so we are aware a trained dog is a GREAT DOG! best to start them early or they end up a mess!! Lolapup - I was thinking about getting a Puppia harness they look pretty well made. Brookef18 - It's not really a Honk but just a Hack that he does real fast like trying to get a hairball out and it's not over and over just once but every 5 minutes or so. I think it might be a slight combination of it riding to high and being too big .. I am looking into getting another harness since this one seems like it may not be the best fit for his size.

01-15-2009, 09:29 AM	#10
rayray08 YT Addict Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 464	If he's running around with just the harness and no leash attached then he's most likely getting worked up and coughing/hacking. Mahina used to do that until maybe 4-5 months old. I havn't noticed her do it in a while and she'll run around like crazy. I'm sure he LOVES to explore, all kinds of new smells! ETA: If you can fit a finger underneath then maybe it's not too loose. __________________ Rachel and Mahina Last edited by rayray08; 01-15-2009 at 09:33 AM.

01-15-2009, 09:36 AM	#11
Mitzis Mom No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,837	I also think it's a step-in-harness and I had the same problems with Maggie and Maximus. That's why I developed a brand new kind of harness. My friend calls it the 'Bostie Brazier' b/c it looks a bit like a bra and she loves it so much for her Boston Terriers. Nothing is even touching the throat and no hacking anymore from Maggie and Maximus... If you like I can make you one for testing just let me know the measurement around your babies chest... Please excuse Maggie's messy coat but she is wearing PJs in the house and I just took them off for a minute for the pictures.... Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Mitzis Mom; 01-15-2009 at 09:37 AM.

01-15-2009, 09:36 AM	#12
Mitzis Mom No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 2,837	one more pic... Attached Thumbnails Last edited by Mitzis Mom; 01-15-2009 at 09:38 AM.

01-15-2009, 03:51 PM	#14
annamalyssa BANNED! Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ca Posts: 1,318	Are Gooby Harnesses any good? and if so Which is better Puppia or Gooby?

01-15-2009, 03:55 PM	#15
Keely_momma No Longer a Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Newfoundland Canada Posts: 392	I think your best bet would be to lead train him.. Its really not hard at all. Watch cesar millan a few times and you should be able to do it no prob lol.. When he tries to pass you, stick your foot out to block him from passingIt will be frustrating for both of you at first, but it is sooo worth it! Also, never leave a leesh losse at ful length. Have it long enough (Wrap it around your hand) So that when he tries to go ahead of you (He should be at your side at all times) he cant really go anywhere without there being tension on the leash. Just leave it loose enough when hes walking next to you like a nice boy, so there isnt any tension!