Never, EVER put a collar on a small Yorkie and lead it...

[Lexi Rae]

im at work right now and i dont have a picture of the stepin harness, but
all you have to do is put their 2 front paws in the harness and it snaps
at the neck.on top. real easy

[Ida]

OK - so I'm a failure again - Baxter has a harness that I've never used - I do put him on a leash for potty purposes -but he does pull so I guess I'll be switching to the harness today.

[Doodlebug]

Originally Posted by autumn star

What do you use then when you take them to training classes. All of the training classes that I have been to in the past us a choker (training collar) what should I use because I know they are not going to let me us a harness. (which is what she is walked w/right now)

Our trainer let everyone with small dogs use harnesses. She wouldn't let anyone (even big dogs) use a choker collar. She had the big dogs use "gentle leaders".

[Elisandra]

Originally Posted by Jan & the M&M's

Elisandra, you are making me feel most unwelcome. I honestly saw three different posts about people talking about people having their dogs in a collar and a leash. Hey, everybody has to be new sometime.

ohhh my i in no way wanted to make you feel unwelcom i am sorry if my post came through that way. I was just saying that there are so many threads on here with suggestions to other yorkie owners as well what they reccomend and what they dont like that's all. I do apologize for making you feel that way. We are a big here and anyone with suggestions, commments or anything to say is more than welcome to do so.


Sorry if my post sounded a different way i didnt mean for it to sound or make you feel unwelcome

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by autumn star

What do you use then when you take them to training classes. All of the training classes that I have been to in the past us a choker (training collar) what should I use because I know they are not going to let me us a harness. (which is what she is walked w/right now)

Yes, my trainer made us use a collar and leash and I strongly disagreed with her BUT she said it was for training purposes only. Luckily Tatum caught on to the walking very fast and never pulled on the collar/leash.

I find myself always telling people I see with small dogs on a collar and leash about the dangers of a collapsed trachea. I'm surprised that their vets don't tell them about it also.

[lolabella]

Our dogs use step-in harnesses as well. Especially our yorkie is terrible about walking on a leash. She constantly pulls in all directions, and we had problems with other types of harnesses. The step-in solved our problem. We're still working on walking like a proper lady instead of a crazed maniac part.

We once interviewed a trainer who suggested a pinch collar since we refused the choke collar. We call that facility the medieval torture chamber. We go to PetSmart now, and we are very, very happy with positive training. It's a bit of a drive, but considering the alternative, I would rather drive an hour further for positive training, than to punish my dog for being a dog.

[PEACHES917]

The trainer I spoke with sold me a harness BUT it goes around her neck and then clips under her belly will this type harm her Some one help me with this new owner.

[TatumsMom]

Originally Posted by TatumsMom

Yes, my trainer made us use a collar and leash and I strongly disagreed with her BUT she said it was for training purposes only. Luckily Tatum caught on to the walking very fast and never pulled on the collar/leash.

I find myself always telling people I see with small dogs on a collar and leash about the dangers of a collapsed trachea. I'm surprised that their vets don't tell them about it also.

I don't know if that came across right..... the trainer made us use a training lead during class but we only use the step-in harness now.

[chattiesmom]

Originally Posted by autumn star

What do you use then when you take them to training classes. All of the training classes that I have been to in the past us a choker (training collar) what should I use because I know they are not going to let me us a harness. (which is what she is walked w/right now)

Before taking Chizzie to obedience classes I explained to the trainer (she is a high level obedience/agility trainer) about my fear of collars. She told me that I was welcome to use my step-in harness with Chizzie, but our results might not be as good or at least be slower than those using traditional training type collars. Chizzie did well -- however we were not able to finish the course 'cause I got sick. She did tell me that we could resume the classes at a later date -- she guarantees her classes for the life of the dog -- you can repeat a class of the same obedience level as many times as you wish. Chizziewink, hon, look out 'cause this summer we're headed back to class!

[judyeve]

What's the best training collar? Max is such a hooligan that I need him to wear one all of the time.

He is so funny when I put his house harness on. He bypasses fainting and just collapses to the floor with his head on the ground, and the saddest puppy dog eyes ever. He then (somehow) manages to get himself comfortable in the same position on the couch where he proceeds to mope and sulk. When he thinks I'm not looking, he throws me the dirtiest looks.

[yorkiegirl83]

This may be an unpopular opinion.. but if I'm just running out for a second.. I'll walk Emma w/her collar. She always stays right by my side when it's just the two of us walking, and never pulls.

I don't see the harm of walking w/a collar if you know the furbaby won't pull. No tension= no harm imo.

I don't make it a habit, like I said.. but occasionally I do just use the collar.

[iloveemmy]

I ordered a harness similar as the one in link 1 and it was way to tiny for emmy (she is 5 pounds). That is the kind I want, but I can't afford $50.00 for a harness. I liked that type because it seemed easy to get on and off. Emmy is a firecracker and won't hold still. I need something to get on fast, before she has an accident! Can someone give me a site to order from???? Thanks!

Originally Posted by missPenny

Here are a few links to pictures of step-in harnesses. They vary, of course, in design a bit but the basic idea is the same. The dog "steps" into it with the result being straps around the shoulder blades, under the armpits and a strap across the chest.

Link 1

Link 2

Link 3

Penny's is actually like this one (with two straps through the chest meeting with the connecting strap. Only her connecting strap is lower so it doesn't come near her neck, just across her chest.

Hope some of these pics have helped!