collar vs harness - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

matese · 02-17-2015, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Magnus

Saw this article which is bit old but brings good points for harness vs collar.

collar vs. harness | blog for outdoor dogs

I put ID tags on both the collar and harness for my own peace of mind. But I only use the harness for any time I take him outdoors. I put both harness and the collar b/c the collar also has the rabies tag and licence tag which is required by law when we go to a more crowded places like outdoor mall. But I never put the leash on the collar.

Also, with Matese's statement about needing to pick up your dog quickly in cases of dangers, this happened to me few times and was glad I had them in a harness. Especially with Zoey who's only 5.5 lbs. So I think this is something you really should consider.

I speak from experience, one time was a giant Husky another was a Belgium Shepard.

LisaMcG · 02-17-2015, 01:38 PM

I was told by a worker in the pet shop that harnesses shouldn't be used on puppys. Aparently their bones are softer and it can affect their growth!

Regardless I use both a harness and collar. I use the collar when Poppy is wearing her coat because I dont like to put the harness on over the coat.

I dont yank her about the place though

matese · 02-17-2015, 02:08 PM

I always had summer and winter harness's, winter harness were bigger to go over sweater or coats. When my last girl passed away I swore no more dogs, and donated everything dog related to my local no kill shelter. Then I got Cody, he was unplanned, a gift to me from my vet. So now off to Pet Supplies, PetCo, Pet Smart for toys, coats, sweater harness's, leashes, collars, everything. I saw they now sold coats with loops for leashes. Depending on where we are going I will use one of these coats, walks he wears a sweater with a bigger harness that he fits over his sweater. Even tho Cody does not pull I still use a harness, if he sees a critter he will pull on leash to run after it, I take no chances, I had one little girl with CT, I never want to hear another baby cough as she did. Better to be safe then sorry, harness for my babies only, collar for tags only.

Jkpal · 02-17-2015, 05:21 PM

Piper can walk me all she wants; and pull a bit; and do her stubborn I will-stop-and-lay-down-right-here-and-now (cutesy little routine); I simply want her safe, comfortable, healthy and happy on our sojourns so it's harnesses only!
Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash? ~Robert Brault

BabyGirl Rosie · 02-17-2015, 06:00 PM

I have both the Chokefree harness and the Buddy Belt. Both very nice harnesses. Kristin (Maximo) was very helpful in getting us the right size Buddy belt.

matese · 02-17-2015, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaMcG

I was told by a worker in the pet shop that harnesses shouldn't be used on puppys. Aparently their bones are softer and it can affect their growth!

Regardless I use both a harness and collar. I use the collar when Poppy is wearing her coat because I dont like to put the harness on over the coat.

I dont yank her about the place though

I was told by a worker in Pet Supplies it is not necessary to slowly transition dog foods, example:::if your dog is eating one brand and it's beef, you want to change to another brand and feed chicken you don't need to change the food gradually. Lesson I learned....Don't listen to workers in pet stores... You can use harness on puppy as long as it's not TIGHT, as long as you can put 2 fingers between harness and dog it's not tight, same goes for collars, 2 fingers between collar and dog. After my one girl got CT from constantly pulling on her collar I had 3 puppies all used harness, no growth affect on them. Harness is used just for walking, they don't wear harness 24/7.

JadeD · 03-01-2015, 06:43 PM

I walk my Yorkie on a harness, but if we are going somewhere that he will be in my arms the entire time I sometimes just use his collar because I know I will be holding him.

Is there a collar that doesn't tangle their hair though that can be left on all the time? I tend to take Teek's collar off when we are in the house because it tangles his hair so badly. I have not found one that doesn't tangle it. I have a dog ID tag on his collar and another on his harness because I use both so much. I hate that I don't have ID on him all the time, but it just ruins his beautiful hair.

Any suggestions for dealing with this? We are very careful that he doesn't slip out the door unexpectedly, but accidents could happen. I would like a collar I can leave on all the time with his ID on it in case he slips out but that won't mess with his hair so much as the ones I have.

Thanks

Jade and Teek

Doodlebug · 03-01-2015, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JadeD

I walk my Yorkie on a harness, but if we are going somewhere that he will be in my arms the entire time I sometimes just use his collar because I know I will be holding him.

Is there a collar that doesn't tangle their hair though that can be left on all the time? I tend to take Teek's collar off when we are in the house because it tangles his hair so badly. I have not found one that doesn't tangle it. I have a dog ID tag on his collar and another on his harness because I use both so much. I hate that I don't have ID on him all the time, but it just ruins his beautiful hair.

Any suggestions for dealing with this? We are very careful that he doesn't slip out the door unexpectedly, but accidents could happen. I would like a collar I can leave on all the time with his ID on it in case he slips out but that won't mess with his hair so much as the ones I have.

Thanks

Jade and Teek

When Daisy was a puppy, her breeder told us that these rolled leather collars were the best collars for preventing matting. We got one but never used it so I don't know if it is true.

Pet Supplies, Pet Food, and Pet Products from petco.com

Doodlebug · 03-01-2015, 07:25 PM

The reviews on this particular collar weren't that good. Apparently they are painted and the paint comes off. But I'm sure you could find a nicer one.

JadeD · 03-03-2015, 06:07 AM

I found a silk collar. I think I will give that a try and see how it does. I know they recommend silk pillow cases for not tangling a person's hair so maybe a silk collar on a dog will not tangle their hair?

I will give it a try. I got it cheap enough (with a matching leash) on ebay.

I can use that leash for when I am going somewhere that I will be holding him the entire time or he will be staying in the car with me while we wait to pick up kids or something. I typically have a harness in my coat pocket in case he needs to be walked, but usually I walk him before we go.

Brianna · 03-03-2015, 07:04 AM

I have the ID tags on Louie's collar. I use the collar when I take him out to go potty, since it's just a quick in and out. If we're going on an actual walk, I put his harness on and clip the leash to it, but I also keep his ID'd collar on as well. We use a cheap step-in harness, and it works just fine! I also totally agree that it's great to quickly pick up your pup in case something happens. We have a couple of big dogs in the neighborhood we have to watch out for, so it's important.

DBlain · 03-03-2015, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by damiengentle

I only prefer collars. By wearing collars my pet feel very safe. It does not irritate my pet. I can choose any color that I want. There are other benefits of collars which a normal person that does not know like by wearing this you will be assure that your pet is near to you, it is very easy to find out your pet if he/she goes missing.

I don't see how a collar will keep your dog any closer than a harness. I keep a collar on my Lola for her identification tags but I only use a harness for taking her out to potty or for a walk. She has a little jacket type harness that velcros over her back then a large snap in buckle goes over that. It's secure and comfortable on her and much safer if I suddenly have to restrain her from charging after some wildlife or larger dog. At times I have had to react fast and lift her off the ground, I can not imagine yanking her up in the air by her neck. It bothers me when I see dogs tugging on their leash and the owner is trying to restrain them by pulling on their neck. I would not want to be pulled around by my neck and I would venture to say my neck is probably stronger than most small or mid sized dogs.

Doodlebug · 03-03-2015, 09:08 AM

We were walking our pups in Branson when Daisy suddenly jumped up on this little wall and toppled right into the lake where it was deep. The lighting was so dim that we couldn't even see her. Thank God she had a harness on because we were able to lift her out to safety. I would not have wanted to have to haul her out by a collar and she probably would have slipped out of it. You just never know what might pop up.

DBlain · 03-03-2015, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doodlebug

We were walking our pups in Branson when Daisy suddenly jumped up on this little wall and toppled right into the lake where it was deep. The lighting was so dim that we couldn't even see her. Thank God she had a harness on because we were able to lift her out to safety. I would not have wanted to have to haul her out by a collar and she probably would have slipped out of it. You just never know what might pop up.

OMG

how scary that must have been, I am so glad it turned out well. Having to suddenly lift them up is one of the best reasons for a harness. However I would hate to use those thin strappy ones the pet stores sell. There are some pet stores that only sell those types and they are so hard to figure out how to put on that it think it might turn new pet owners off harnesses because they think that is the only kind available.

ColesMommy01 · 03-03-2015, 09:48 AM

After purchasing my husband's bulldog we've used nothing but harnesses. Not only because it doesn't put so much pressure on their necks but with yorkies it's easier to pull them up without harming them if a dog(or person) charges at them to steal or attack them. I do use collars for id purposes only.

02-17-2015, 02:08 PM	#18
matese Donating YT 3000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: E.Stroudsburg, Pa. Posts: 69,269	I always had summer and winter harness's, winter harness were bigger to go over sweater or coats. When my last girl passed away I swore no more dogs, and donated everything dog related to my local no kill shelter. Then I got Cody, he was unplanned, a gift to me from my vet. So now off to Pet Supplies, PetCo, Pet Smart for toys, coats, sweater harness's, leashes, collars, everything. I saw they now sold coats with loops for leashes. Depending on where we are going I will use one of these coats, walks he wears a sweater with a bigger harness that he fits over his sweater. Even tho Cody does not pull I still use a harness, if he sees a critter he will pull on leash to run after it, I take no chances, I had one little girl with CT, I never want to hear another baby cough as she did. Better to be safe then sorry, harness for my babies only, collar for tags only. __________________ Joan, mom to Cody RIP Matese Schnae Kajon Kia forever in my A House Is Not A Home Without A Dog

02-17-2015, 06:00 PM	#20
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	I have both the Chokefree harness and the Buddy Belt. Both very nice harnesses. Kristin (Maximo) was very helpful in getting us the right size Buddy belt. __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

03-01-2015, 06:43 PM	#22
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	I walk my Yorkie on a harness, but if we are going somewhere that he will be in my arms the entire time I sometimes just use his collar because I know I will be holding him. Is there a collar that doesn't tangle their hair though that can be left on all the time? I tend to take Teek's collar off when we are in the house because it tangles his hair so badly. I have not found one that doesn't tangle it. I have a dog ID tag on his collar and another on his harness because I use both so much. I hate that I don't have ID on him all the time, but it just ruins his beautiful hair. Any suggestions for dealing with this? We are very careful that he doesn't slip out the door unexpectedly, but accidents could happen. I would like a collar I can leave on all the time with his ID on it in case he slips out but that won't mess with his hair so much as the ones I have. Thanks Jade and Teek __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

03-01-2015, 07:25 PM	#24
Doodlebug ♥Love My Puppies!♥ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: US Posts: 5,786	The reviews on this particular collar weren't that good. Apparently they are painted and the paint comes off. But I'm sure you could find a nicer one. __________________ RIP My Sweet Darling Angel Daisy 08/09/03 - 10/02/15, RIP My Sweet Baby Boy Teddy Bear 02/01/04 - 02/11/16 Photos HERE

03-03-2015, 06:07 AM	#25
JadeD YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: NC Posts: 1,201 Blog Entries: 1	I found a silk collar. I think I will give that a try and see how it does. I know they recommend silk pillow cases for not tangling a person's hair so maybe a silk collar on a dog will not tangle their hair? I will give it a try. I got it cheap enough (with a matching leash) on ebay. I can use that leash for when I am going somewhere that I will be holding him the entire time or he will be staying in the car with me while we wait to pick up kids or something. I typically have a harness in my coat pocket in case he needs to be walked, but usually I walk him before we go. __________________ It's raining Yorkies here! LOL Teek ,Rowan , Raksha (Grand Puppy) , Raelyn

02-17-2015, 01:38 PM	#17
LisaMcG Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 74	I was told by a worker in the pet shop that harnesses shouldn't be used on puppys. Aparently their bones are softer and it can affect their growth! Regardless I use both a harness and collar. I use the collar when Poppy is wearing her coat because I dont like to put the harness on over the coat. I dont yank her about the place though

02-17-2015, 05:21 PM	#19
Jkpal YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Lake Geneva, WI Posts: 2,777	Piper can walk me all she wants; and pull a bit; and do her stubborn I will-stop-and-lay-down-right-here-and-now (cutesy little routine); I simply want her safe, comfortable, healthy and happy on our sojourns so it's harnesses only! Ever wonder where you'd end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash? ~Robert Brault

03-03-2015, 07:04 AM	#26
Brianna Yorkie Yakker Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Niceville, FL Posts: 56	I have the ID tags on Louie's collar. I use the collar when I take him out to go potty, since it's just a quick in and out. If we're going on an actual walk, I put his harness on and clip the leash to it, but I also keep his ID'd collar on as well. We use a cheap step-in harness, and it works just fine! I also totally agree that it's great to quickly pick up your pup in case something happens. We have a couple of big dogs in the neighborhood we have to watch out for, so it's important.

03-03-2015, 09:08 AM	#28
Doodlebug ♥Love My Puppies!♥ Donating Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: US Posts: 5,786	We were walking our pups in Branson when Daisy suddenly jumped up on this little wall and toppled right into the lake where it was deep. The lighting was so dim that we couldn't even see her. Thank God she had a harness on because we were able to lift her out to safety. I would not have wanted to have to haul her out by a collar and she probably would have slipped out of it. You just never know what might pop up. __________________ RIP My Sweet Darling Angel Daisy 08/09/03 - 10/02/15, RIP My Sweet Baby Boy Teddy Bear 02/01/04 - 02/11/16 Photos HERE

03-03-2015, 09:48 AM	#30
ColesMommy01 YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: where there's no good sushi Posts: 1,423 Blog Entries: 1	After purchasing my husband's bulldog we've used nothing but harnesses. Not only because it doesn't put so much pressure on their necks but with yorkies it's easier to pull them up without harming them if a dog(or person) charges at them to steal or attack them. I do use collars for id purposes only.