Quote:
Originally Posted by xoCourtney
(Post 4209547)
I forgot to mention...this is not only my first yorkie, but my first dog therefore I wasn't sure exactly which one would be worse and I'm still not actually. I've been told that a collapsing trachea is genetic. Thinking about it, if collars and leads caused this problem, wouldn't there be a lot of show dogs with collapsing tracheas? I guess dogs feel more free in a harness which causes them to start pulling. I definitely understand how this could potentially cause knee and shoulder problems I just wanted to know if anyone has ever had any experience with this. |
Collapsed trachea is not just a genetic problem. It can be caused by trauma to the neck and throat, and even allergens or illness.
A dog and human can live without 4 limbs, but cannot live without an air passage. Plus, as I indicated above, CT puts stress on the heart and lungs.
Quote:
Originally Posted by xoCourtney
(Post 4209556)
I too think choking is way worse! But Miley is in the process of bring trained not to pull on a collar and leash so I'm afraid to put her in a harness now but I don't like the collar and leash either! :confused: |
Who is training her with a collar? I strongly disagree with trainers who insist on a collar.
If the theory is that a dog pulls only in a harness because it feels more free, then it would have to be acknowledged that the dog doesn't pull in a collar because the dog is being choked.
Whether a dog is in a collar or harness, training is still required. Neither one magically makes a dog heel and walk properly. Show Yorkies do not wear a traditional collar. A lead with a wide swatch of material is used and the placement is a little different -- plus the dogs are highly trained.
My Yorkies are larger -- 9 pounds -- but have the necks of a dog much tinier, less than 7 inches. No way am I going to put a collar & leash on a neck that delicate. I work hard to discourage pulling, but when the UPS truck goes by, and they snap at the ends of the leashes, I am thankful they are in harnesses. They also have pencil size legs and no signs of patella strain or damage after 4 and 5 years of harness use.
Harnesses are also helpful in emergency situations. I can swing my small dogs into my arms and not worry that their necks are going to be injured.
Patellas -- that has a lot to do with genetics, and activities like jumping from beds and couches and car seats. I am also not aware of many cases here on YT of front leg patella problems, which is where most of the pulling would be done.
Dogs should and must be trained to walk properly whether it is in a harness or a collar. There is equal potentially to train.