Small dog owners, harness recommendations?

roseannadana · 06-25-2012, 05:44 PM

Bella pulls and we are working on it, but I am looking for a harness to make her more comfy on long walks. I have a step in harness but it's difficult to get on her.

I've seen a mesh one that looks good but I don't know how easy it is to get on. Recommendations?

macluan · 06-25-2012, 06:16 PM

We use buddy belts and love them.

https://buddy-belts.com/

mrspoppers · 06-25-2012, 06:53 PM

We use the Wonder Walker.

cmb4314 · 06-25-2012, 07:02 PM

We have something that looks pretty much like this.

We like it because it doesn't go on by putting it over his head - just stick a leg in each hole, and buckle it around his body. He used to fight the one that went over his head, he didn't like smashing his head through the little hole.

ETA: I just noticed you said you have a step in harness. That'll teach me to pay attention

roseannadana · 06-25-2012, 07:13 PM

She may get better with the step in. Right now it's like putting a harness on an alligator!

mrspoppers · 06-25-2012, 07:22 PM

I should say we use the Wonder Walker because Zoe wriggled out of her step-in harness twice within two weeks of us bringing her home. The first time, she crossed several streets when she ran away and I thought I lost her for good. They can't wriggle out of the Wonder Walker. If that's not available near you, the Gentle Leader Easy Walk harness is very similar. The difference is that the WW has rings on the top and the chest, so it's more versatile.

Nessy · 06-25-2012, 07:32 PM

We have a buddy belt too. It's easy to put on - you can just pick him/her up and put it on. It doesn't discourage pulling at all - our dog pulls like crazy. I just bought an easy walker harness (supposed to discourage pulling). Will be trying that. But the buddy belt is definitely easy to put on.

cyndi · 06-25-2012, 11:06 PM

I only buy Puppia harnesses. They are so soft on the inside. I order them from The New York Dog Shop.

Starmie · 06-26-2012, 11:21 AM

We use the easy walk harness. They use them at our local RSPCA shelter to teach the dogs how to walk without pulling, works pretty well though we still have our moments.

mrspoppers · 06-26-2012, 01:50 PM

The Easy Walk does discourage pulling. That's the one I use with Sheba, our bigger dog. They can still pull if they want to, but it's not as bad.

luvmylocs · 06-26-2012, 02:50 PM

are basic collars bad?

roseannadana · 06-26-2012, 04:27 PM

Basic collars are fine but with my dog pulling, I am worried she'll hurt her trachea.

crimsonshedemon · 06-27-2012, 02:57 AM

What about teaching her to walk on a leash nicely? It's not difficult.... just need to be shown how. Also teaching your dog to walk nicely is teaching him self control and expends mental energy because the dog is having to look to you for instruction.
I use a slip collar so there's no chance of the dog slipping out of the collar. When used properly, the dog is not hurt, choked, etc.

This is how I train leash walking
Training A Puppy To Walk On A Leash - Loose Leash Walking For Young Puppies

Leash Training for Dogs - Train Your Dog to Walk on Leash

roseannadana · 06-27-2012, 07:31 AM

We walk in a high traffic area and she's easily distracted by cars, people, motorcycles, etc. I prefer a harness for her comfort and safety. She walks okay until something spooks her or until she sees someone that she'd like to meet.

*Marah* · 06-27-2012, 08:27 AM

Looks like some great recommendations: I like the Four Paws Night Brite Reflective Harness for night walking. Works great for my Yorkie.

*Marah* · 06-27-2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luvmylocs

are basic collars bad?

I have a Yorkie and everything I've read and my vet said not to walk him using his collar. Only use a harness because a Yorkie's neck could snap easily with one bad jerk because they are small dogs with small necks that aren't as strong as most think. So we've never used a collar to walk him... ALWAYS a harness and I find the harness in general gives the owner better control especially if their dog is a yanker.

luvmylocs · 06-27-2012, 09:45 AM

thanks!! i'm walking my dogs a lot more lately so i'll get both of them harnesses. they are cairn terriers. one is 14 lbs and big boy is 22 lbs.

luvmylocs · 06-27-2012, 10:12 AM

i have two dogs and use a spliter and one leash. is that an issue? should i be using two separate leashes?

kjean2 · 06-27-2012, 11:59 AM

I don't have a small dog, but for my extra large Newfie mix, this has been the best harness ever:

*All Weather Extra Strong Nylon Harness - H6 [H6 - Nylon multi-purpose dog harness for tracking] - $29.90 : Dog harness , Dog collar , Dog leash , Dog muzzle - Dog training equipment from Trusted Direct Source - Home, Dog Supplies

It's super light weight, slips over the dog's head, and was really durable. They have sizes for small dogs too.

roseannadana · 06-27-2012, 06:47 PM

Ok, shhhhh. Don't tell Bella, but ever since I posted about the harness, she has started doing much better! Do you think she reads here?

I did purchase another step in harness for her but I went up one size larger. Duh! She seems more relaxed in it now! Plus it's pink.

She still fights a bit when I put it on her but she's better. Pulling is less too.