First post/harness ? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Bobbiowens · 11-29-2011, 04:36 AM

Ugh....bought this harness for my wee one....she is 10weeks old and 2.2 lbs. She loves to go out with her much larger sisters and we figured a harness would be better for her then a collar. She hates it and so do I...it has to be adjusted every time we put it on her. Its always a struggle and no matter how hard I try it seems to catch her fur! I want to try a different harness, those walk in kind, the one that everyone seems to like here, but my question is, should I wait til she is a bit older....I mean, I could end up getting one size now and end up needing another size because she has grown? It seems we both get stressed putting on this other harness, that doesnt really fit quite right and I worry that she may hurt herself when I am at work and she is home alone by trying to tugg it off. Thoughta? Suggestions? Advice? Thanks....i feel like such a bumbling idiot when it comes to this pup. She is the smallest dog I have ever had. i have raised five other dogs and feel like I terrible Mommy...she hates change..collar...harness...ugh.

Bobbi

kamax60 · 11-29-2011, 04:51 AM

Hi! Welcome to YorkieTalk!!!

I would buy a step in that fits your little one now. You'll end up having to buy more than one, but in the end you'll both be much happier. I took the harness off when I wasn't around to keep an eye on mine (well, after he chewed through one

- lol). Hope that helps!

My lil friend · 11-29-2011, 05:28 AM

The smallest harnesses that I have seen are for ferrets. I dont know if they make them in a step in style. You definately should use a harness,a collar could crush your baby's traecha.
Try GWlittle for a tiny no/choke harness,maybe a car harness to start with.

AmyD102 · 11-29-2011, 05:38 AM

We managed to find a very small step in harness at a local pet store when we brought Lola home. She was tiny, only 1.6 lbs! And it was still big on her, so we would just put a shirt/dress on her to make it fit better, and she grew into it in a few weeks. We also take her harness off when we come inside, so every time the harness comes out she gets excited because she knows shes going outside or on a little adventure

I would suggest bringing her with you and trying out a few different harnesses (at different pet stores if need be) before you buy to find one that you both can enjoy...good luck!

Deuce · 11-29-2011, 05:40 AM

Since she is only 10 weeks old, I wouldn't take her on walks just yet, she isn't old enough to have finished her shots and it's possible she could easily pick something up.
But, I would wait to buy the buddy belt based solely on how much it costs and since your puppy will most likely grow out of it. There are a ton of options out there, unfortunately because yorkies are so tiny it's really difficult to find a good harness small enough. About how big around is she right now?

This one looks just like the buddy belt, but it's not much cheaper than it and its smallest size appears to be 9inches, that may be a bit big for your pup but it's worth it to measure her chest so you can make sure you're getting the right fit for her.
Choke Free Step-In Harness for Small Dogs
Here is a puppia harness, but it may be too large for how small she is...

Amazon.com: Puppia Soft Dog Harness, Red, Small:...
You could also look into cat/kitten harnesses for now, I believe the sell them at petsmart, but I could be wrong.

southernbelle04 · 11-29-2011, 06:03 AM

Welcome to YT! We had to purchase Katie Scarlett a step in cat harness at Petco when she first came home. It was the only one that fit. She was 2.8 pounds at the time. She has grown into a more proper step in one now though. We've only had her 2 months and have already purchased 2, so I figure as she grows and the others wear out, buying more is inevitable. So I would purchase one that fits her the best now and get her used to the harness. I've heard lots of good things about that Puppia harness here, but the one we have is a padded one from Petco. Katie Scarlett loves it. Even the XS was big on her at first though. Good luck!

Lovetodream88 · 11-29-2011, 07:59 AM

I would try to find a better harness that is easier for you to use but I would not get an expensive one until she is fully grown. I also would not leave a harness on all day that seems so darn uncomfortable. I have a collar on Callie at all times with her name tag and rabies tag on it but never hook a leash to it and when she is going to have the leash hooked to her I put her buddybelt harness on her.

deonk1 · 11-29-2011, 08:03 AM

I got a great step in harness for $20, Harley is afraid of the ones that go over their heads, I bought the smallest size they make and it has plenty of room to let out. If you shop around you may be able to find one that fits your baby good on the smallest size, and have room to grow, then when your baby is full grown you can get a buddy belt or whichever one you're looking at.

Bobbiowens · 11-29-2011, 04:24 PM

Thanks to all of you! Yep...the collar went back on and we will step away from the harness for now. We always look where ever we go when we are out and about for puppy things..it gets frustrating because she is so darn tiny that nothing fits. So we will wait and just keep looking. Thanks again. This site is a wealth of information!!

Bobbi

Lovetodream88 · 11-29-2011, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobbiowens

Thanks to all of you! Yep...the collar went back on and we will step away from the harness for now. We always look where ever we go when we are out and about for puppy things..it gets frustrating because she is so darn tiny that nothing fits. So we will wait and just keep looking. Thanks again. This site is a wealth of information!!

Bobbi

Don't use the leash with the collar or your puppy could get collapsing trachea.

butchpoodle · 11-29-2011, 11:02 PM

Brookie is super sensitive and I went through several harnesses with her - luckily I had some, but I also bought some. When I was ready to give up, I came across this harness, made the risk and sunk some $$ in, and it worked. I mean, she wasn't suddenly enthusiastic or anything, but it was a good and great thing, still is. I found one on eBay for $20ish.

Designer Dog Harness - Cute Fancy Trendy Harnesses For Pets, Puppy, Cats, Kitten, Small, Large, Teac

or try Designer Dog Harness - Cute Fancy Trendy Harnesses For Pets, Puppy, Cats, Kitten, Small, Large, Teac

Your mileage may vary of course ...

KizzieKins · 11-30-2011, 02:16 AM

I made my own harness for my puppy when she was tiny as nothing fit her, there are lots of directions online but here's a link to my favorite instructions, took me about an hour to make the first time. Little Dog Harness Tutorial | Dog Under My Desk
Kizzie's only 3.2lbs now at 7mos, I have a tiny step in one made for cats but it's still a little too big, we have to put it on over a sweater to make it fit ok.. I think though the home made ones were a LOT easier to put on and take off since it was just velcro

kjc · 11-30-2011, 02:59 AM

Hi and Welcome to YT!

YT Member Chattiesmom makes adjustable stepin harnesses... at least one would last a bit longer through a few growth stages anyway. And I wouldn't leave it on her all day long, just for when you take her out.

Bobbiowens · 11-30-2011, 04:37 AM

Thank you....i will look her up!

Bobbi

Smokey2011 · 11-30-2011, 06:00 AM

at 6.6 lbs, it seems that everything I buy on line for Smokey is either too big or too small. The smallest harness I found seems to fit well; available in Petco but probably still too big for yours. I also got him alight weight break away cat collar and leash. The collar has a little bell, which is handy for locating him when he is off on an explore and for holding the itty-bitty ID tag I got him at PetSmart

11-29-2011, 04:36 AM	#1
Bobbiowens Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kingland, GA, U.S. Posts: 159	First post/harness ? Ugh....bought this harness for my wee one....she is 10weeks old and 2.2 lbs. She loves to go out with her much larger sisters and we figured a harness would be better for her then a collar. She hates it and so do I...it has to be adjusted every time we put it on her. Its always a struggle and no matter how hard I try it seems to catch her fur! I want to try a different harness, those walk in kind, the one that everyone seems to like here, but my question is, should I wait til she is a bit older....I mean, I could end up getting one size now and end up needing another size because she has grown? It seems we both get stressed putting on this other harness, that doesnt really fit quite right and I worry that she may hurt herself when I am at work and she is home alone by trying to tugg it off. Thoughta? Suggestions? Advice? Thanks....i feel like such a bumbling idiot when it comes to this pup. She is the smallest dog I have ever had. i have raised five other dogs and feel like I terrible Mommy...she hates change..collar...harness...ugh. Bobbi

11-29-2011, 05:38 AM	#4
AmyD102 Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Norwood, MA Posts: 162	We managed to find a very small step in harness at a local pet store when we brought Lola home. She was tiny, only 1.6 lbs! And it was still big on her, so we would just put a shirt/dress on her to make it fit better, and she grew into it in a few weeks. We also take her harness off when we come inside, so every time the harness comes out she gets excited because she knows shes going outside or on a little adventure I would suggest bringing her with you and trying out a few different harnesses (at different pet stores if need be) before you buy to find one that you both can enjoy...good luck! __________________ Milo (11/1/11) Kiwi (RIP 7/28/10-9/21/11) & Lola (RIP 7/12/11 - 9/8/13)

11-29-2011, 05:40 AM	#5
Deuce No Longer a Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,717 Blog Entries: 1	Since she is only 10 weeks old, I wouldn't take her on walks just yet, she isn't old enough to have finished her shots and it's possible she could easily pick something up. But, I would wait to buy the buddy belt based solely on how much it costs and since your puppy will most likely grow out of it. There are a ton of options out there, unfortunately because yorkies are so tiny it's really difficult to find a good harness small enough. About how big around is she right now? This one looks just like the buddy belt, but it's not much cheaper than it and its smallest size appears to be 9inches, that may be a bit big for your pup but it's worth it to measure her chest so you can make sure you're getting the right fit for her. Choke Free Step-In Harness for Small Dogs Here is a puppia harness, but it may be too large for how small she is...Amazon.com: Puppia Soft Dog Harness, Red, Small:... You could also look into cat/kitten harnesses for now, I believe the sell them at petsmart, but I could be wrong.

11-29-2011, 06:03 AM	#6
southernbelle04 Katie Scarlett's Mommy Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Sweet Home Alabama Posts: 7,554 Blog Entries: 1	Welcome to YT! We had to purchase Katie Scarlett a step in cat harness at Petco when she first came home. It was the only one that fit. She was 2.8 pounds at the time. She has grown into a more proper step in one now though. We've only had her 2 months and have already purchased 2, so I figure as she grows and the others wear out, buying more is inevitable. So I would purchase one that fits her the best now and get her used to the harness. I've heard lots of good things about that Puppia harness here, but the one we have is a padded one from Petco. Katie Scarlett loves it. Even the XS was big on her at first though. Good luck! __________________ Aymee & Katie Scarlett

11-29-2011, 07:59 AM	#7
Lovetodream88 Yorkie mom of 4 Donating YT Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: LaPlata, Md Posts: 23,247	I would try to find a better harness that is easier for you to use but I would not get an expensive one until she is fully grown. I also would not leave a harness on all day that seems so darn uncomfortable. I have a collar on Callie at all times with her name tag and rabies tag on it but never hook a leash to it and when she is going to have the leash hooked to her I put her buddybelt harness on her. __________________ Taylor My babies Joey, Penny ,Ollie & Dixie Callie Mae, you will forever be in my heart!

11-29-2011, 04:51 AM	#2
kamax60 Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Arkansas Posts: 543	Hi! Welcome to YorkieTalk!!! I would buy a step in that fits your little one now. You'll end up having to buy more than one, but in the end you'll both be much happier. I took the harness off when I wasn't around to keep an eye on mine (well, after he chewed through one - lol). Hope that helps!

11-29-2011, 05:28 AM	#3
My lil friend Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: FtWorth,TX,USA Posts: 3,269	The smallest harnesses that I have seen are for ferrets. I dont know if they make them in a step in style. You definately should use a harness,a collar could crush your baby's traecha. Try GWlittle for a tiny no/choke harness,maybe a car harness to start with.

11-29-2011, 08:03 AM	#8
deonk1 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Winnipeg, MB, Canada Posts: 1,795	I got a great step in harness for $20, Harley is afraid of the ones that go over their heads, I bought the smallest size they make and it has plenty of room to let out. If you shop around you may be able to find one that fits your baby good on the smallest size, and have room to grow, then when your baby is full grown you can get a buddy belt or whichever one you're looking at. __________________ Kendra Harley, you were the light in my life, rest peacefully my love!

11-29-2011, 04:24 PM	#9
Bobbiowens Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kingland, GA, U.S. Posts: 159	Thanks to all of you! Yep...the collar went back on and we will step away from the harness for now. We always look where ever we go when we are out and about for puppy things..it gets frustrating because she is so darn tiny that nothing fits. So we will wait and just keep looking. Thanks again. This site is a wealth of information!! Bobbi

11-29-2011, 11:02 PM	#11
butchpoodle Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Berkeley, CA Posts: 55	Brookie is super sensitive and I went through several harnesses with her - luckily I had some, but I also bought some. When I was ready to give up, I came across this harness, made the risk and sunk some $$ in, and it worked. I mean, she wasn't suddenly enthusiastic or anything, but it was a good and great thing, still is. I found one on eBay for $20ish. Designer Dog Harness - Cute Fancy Trendy Harnesses For Pets, Puppy, Cats, Kitten, Small, Large, Teac or try Designer Dog Harness - Cute Fancy Trendy Harnesses For Pets, Puppy, Cats, Kitten, Small, Large, Teac Your mileage may vary of course ... __________________ Judith & Brooke Lynn (& poodles:Tazah & Minkee) I'm surrounded by poodles here!! RIP my angels: Bella, Butchie, Cassidy, Coaco, and Kirby ~ xxo

11-30-2011, 02:16 AM	#12
KizzieKins Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sacramento CA Posts: 76	I made my own harness for my puppy when she was tiny as nothing fit her, there are lots of directions online but here's a link to my favorite instructions, took me about an hour to make the first time. Little Dog Harness Tutorial \| Dog Under My Desk Kizzie's only 3.2lbs now at 7mos, I have a tiny step in one made for cats but it's still a little too big, we have to put it on over a sweater to make it fit ok.. I think though the home made ones were a LOT easier to put on and take off since it was just velcro

11-30-2011, 02:59 AM	#13
kjc I♥PeekTinkySaph&Finny Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 18,866	Hi and Welcome to YT! YT Member Chattiesmom makes adjustable stepin harnesses... at least one would last a bit longer through a few growth stages anyway. And I wouldn't leave it on her all day long, just for when you take her out. __________________ Kat Chloe Lizzy PeekABooTinkerbell SapphireInfinity

11-30-2011, 04:37 AM	#14
Bobbiowens Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Kingland, GA, U.S. Posts: 159	Thank you....i will look her up! Bobbi

11-30-2011, 06:00 AM	#15
Smokey2011 Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Vermont Posts: 90	and welcome from a 'terrible' daddy at 6.6 lbs, it seems that everything I buy on line for Smokey is either too big or too small. The smallest harness I found seems to fit well; available in Petco but probably still too big for yours. I also got him alight weight break away cat collar and leash. The collar has a little bell, which is handy for locating him when he is off on an explore and for holding the itty-bitty ID tag I got him at PetSmart __________________ Smokey's personal assistant, Jeff