Patellas vs. Tracheas

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by xoCourtney

Yes. My breeder is not against harnesses at all. In fact she know's how I feel about collars and harnesses. She told me if she knew how to properly train not to pull on a harness she would indeed do it for me but she's always used a collar and leash on her dogs so that's obviously how she trains. Her yorkies do not have collapsing tracheas. None of her puppies have ever had collapsing tracheas (except for one recently that was picked up by the neck by a siberian husky poor dog!!). She told me to try both and see which one works best for our family.

The leas training videos I have seen its the same way with a leash as a harness. I worry that using a collar when they are puppies and frowning could effect the trachea more then on an adult dog. I didn't know about ct when I got Callie so for the first couple months I had her she we hooked the leash to the collar and now she has mild ct and I can't help but feel I caused it by using the collar instead of the harness.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by xoCourtney

I wish boutiques around me sold them so that I could see them in person! I almost want to buy one for Miley as a puppy but I know she will grow out of it and it'll end up being a waste but I am so tempted

You might be able to see them at a local boutique, but the big box stores don't carry them yet. Put your zip code on this page for local places. Buddy Belts Retailers If you decide on it, check with Maximo, she offers a great price!

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

The leas training videos I have seen its the same way with a leash as a harness. I worry that using a collar when they are puppies and frowning could effect the trachea more then on an adult dog. I didn't know about ct when I got Callie so for the first couple months I had her she we hooked the leash to the collar and now she has mild ct and I can't help but feel I caused it by using the collar instead of the harness.

My breeder's dogs are show dogs so thats probably why she's more comfortable with a collar. Miley will not be used for show though. I understand your concern and I am sorry for what happened for your Callie. Please don't feel like it's your fault. It could've been a lot of things but at least now you all use a harness to prevent any further damage I will be asking my breeder to use a harness with Miley. Her main reason for using a collar is to prevent pulling (she trains show dogs) but honestly, I'm okay with Miley exploring and pulling a little. she's a tiny little thing so it's not like she'll be pulling me down the street haha

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

You might be able to see them at a local boutique, but the big box stores don't carry them yet. Put your zip code on this page for local places. Buddy Belts Retailers If you decide on it, check with Maximo, she offers a great price!

Awesome! Thank you!!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by xoCourtney

My breeder's dogs are show dogs so thats probably why she's more comfortable with a collar. Miley will not be used for show though. I understand your concern and I am sorry for what happened for your Callie. Please don't feel like it's your fault. It could've been a lot of things but at least now you all use a harness to prevent any further damage I will be asking my breeder to use a harness with Miley. Her main reason for using a collar is to prevent pulling (she trains show dogs) but honestly, I'm okay with Miley exploring and pulling a little. she's a tiny little thing so it's not like she'll be pulling me down the street haha

I really love the name Miley Callie also came from a puppy mill but I didn't know it at the time so I know genetics aren't on her side.

[Nancy1999]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I really love the name Miley Callie also came from a puppy mill but I didn't know it at the time so I know genetics aren't on her side.

Sometimes puppy mills are more careful with genetics than backyard breeders. A puppy mill is less likely to breed brothers and sisters and other close relatives, just because they have more options. That type of inbreeding can produce many health problems.

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

I really love the name Miley Callie also came from a puppy mill but I didn't know it at the time so I know genetics aren't on her side.

Thank you!! I've been debating changing her name simply because people always respond "like Miley Cyrus?!" hahaha but the breeder calls her Miley and she is learning her name so I don't want to.

I spoke to my breeder about the harness vs. collar issue again and her response was this:

"Courtney, I am so glad you are doing a lot of research on everything and making your own decisions. I support anything you choose to do since you are approaching things carefully. Please don't ever think I am trying to tell you what to do.
I simply make suggestions. I don't get my feelings hurt in the least and trust me, I never get offended. Glad you are taking a strong stance. I feel like she will be in great hands with you.
We had a little debate and you did your homework. You found many reasons for your decision and I like that. Can't wait to meet you and your mother. Tell her I said HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. "

I LOVE MY BREEDER!

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by xoCourtney

Thank you!! I've been debating changing her name simply because people always respond "like Miley Cyrus?!" hahaha but the breeder calls her Miley and she is learning her name so I don't want to.

I spoke to my breeder about the harness vs. collar issue again and her response was this:

"Courtney, I am so glad you are doing a lot of research on everything and making your own decisions. I support anything you choose to do since you are approaching things carefully. Please don't ever think I am trying to tell you what to do.
I simply make suggestions. I don't get my feelings hurt in the least and trust me, I never get offended. Glad you are taking a strong stance. I feel like she will be in great hands with you.
We had a little debate and you did your homework. You found many reasons for your decision and I like that. Can't wait to meet you and your mother. Tell her I said HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. "

I LOVE MY BREEDER!

Before Miley Cyrus I loved the name lol its cute and a little different with out being crazy

[spiritwings1202]

I use a harness and I believe on smaller dogs you should:
When Daisy was a puppy....she was my first small breed dog...I had a collar on her I was at a pet store and some woman freaked out on me bc Daisy was in a collar so I asked her what her problem was and she told me that I could kill my dog with a collar and that she should be in a harness. I was uneducated and glad that she told me about it but what really troubled me is my vet never said anything to me that Daisy should be in a harness and not a collar

I am so glad for that outspoken woman!! lol

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by spiritwings1202

I use a harness and I believe on smaller dogs you should:
When Daisy was a puppy....she was my first small breed dog...I had a collar on her I was at a pet store and some woman freaked out on me bc Daisy was in a collar so I asked her what her problem was and she told me that I could kill my dog with a collar and that she should be in a harness. I was uneducated and glad that she told me about it but what really troubled me is my vet never said anything to me that Daisy should be in a harness and not a collar

I am so glad for that outspoken woman!! lol

Most definitely! So glad you ran into that lady!! I'm purchasing Miley her buddy belt soon since she can wear the size 1 up until she has a 10" girth. How quickly do Yorkies grow? Do you all think I should just wait to purchase one?

[intilis]

Just wanted to put in a plug for the Choke free harness. We LOVE ours & it's about 1/2 the price of the buddybelt. We got ours from Shinja (lil sis), and we recommend her highly!

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by intilis

Just wanted to put in a plug for the Choke free harness. We LOVE ours & it's about 1/2 the price of the buddybelt. We got ours from Shinja (lil sis), and we recommend her highly!

What was the deciding factor for you when choosing choke free over buddy belt? Do you have any pictures of your choke free off of your dog that you wouldn't mind sharing?

[Lovetodream88]

Originally Posted by intilis

Just wanted to put in a plug for the Choke free harness. We LOVE ours & it's about 1/2 the price of the buddybelt. We got ours from Shinja (lil sis), and we recommend her highly!

But it's not adjustable

[gemy]

Originally Posted by Nancy1999

I'm glad you are considering a harness after all, I did a check and couldn't find anything that said harnesses were bad. I do know that trainers don't like them, but that's another issue, some trainers want to use a choke chain on a yorkie. I personally love the Buddy Belt, I've had to be able to swoop Joey up in my arms at a moment’s notice and you can do this with the buddy belt. Lots of big dogs in the neighborhood and in the park behind us and although we have a leash law, some people believe laws don't apply to them and their dog will charge up to us before I can bend down. Being able to swoop him up in one motion, I believe, has helped save him from injury.

Something is twigging here Nancy. I believe it was in a workshop for the Canine Athlete.

There is a problem with a harness that fits incorrectly But I believe it affected the shoulder joint and quite possible the elbows. In otherwords the front of the body..

I'll see if I can dig up my notes.

And yes OP use a collar on walks and a halter with the leash attached to the halter.

[xoCourtney]

Originally Posted by Lovetodream88

But it's not adjustable

Yeah that's the deal breaker for me. I also like how the buddy belt has round leg holes instead of square.