Hello,
Just wondering if a harness would be a good idea for the pup? maybe not right away but definitely in the future.
Harness is a good idea if you don't want to lead your dog around by the neck. It's a matter of preference. (I use a collar.) I've seen puppies in harness and they seem to do fine. Can't think of any negatives.
My mom has her cat in a harness and leads her around on a leash. The cat doesn't seem to mind it.
I have both collars and harnesses for my pack of 4, only our little schnauzer/yorkie mix uses a harness, the other ones won't move, like they are in straight jackets or something..I thought it would help in her not pulling so bad, but I really think she is supposed to be on a dog pulling team, because the harness didn't work one bit, but it feels secure on her and I like that.
For Otis I use a martingale collar, so he won't/can't back out of it, should he get scared or see something he really wants to get..they work great.
I don't like using a harness because 90% of them restrict the movement of the shoulder and front assemby of a dog.. especially a puppy… of course that comes from the show background. And there are some really nice ones out there that do not constrict that movement, as they say, you get what you pay for
Mine has to have a harness because it's escape proof. With a collar she backs up, plants her feet, ducks her head, gives one little wiggle and she's off to the races! The thing about basenjis is that when they do get loose they get totally stupid and chase cars…..
tried all kinds of collars and harnesses, and because my B is a puller, and wants to get out of everything, I found that the Easy Walk harness, which attaches in front of the chest, is the best kind to keep my girls in line - I worried about my little one's neck with a martingale type collar, or any collar, because she would pull until she was choking, and then continue pulling. The harnesses that attach at the back were no challenge for her, she'd back up, squeeze her legs and head together, and out she came. You can get the Easy walk at most pet stores, or you can order them in the best size for basenjis, which is S/M, at their website. Of course, if your puppy walks well and has no pulling problem, you can use any harness out there. And enter your dog in the miracle sections of Believe it or Not!!!:D
Hey Shaye's Mom,
I have a sm/m easy walk for Nigel and it works wonders. With his martingale he pulls like the dogs of hell are at his heals. I have yet to get the thing sized properly, but it is still better than anything else I've tried. I've noticed little lumps that I assume are from chaffing in his front "arm" pits. There is a large one on the left (I usually walk him on my right side so this makes sense…) and a very small one on his right. I get the thing to where it looks to be appropriately sized, but when we walk, he is CONSTANTLY sniffing and dips his head down. This makes lots of slack on the chest strap and brings the belly strap and top strap really far forward. I think that is what is causing the the chaffing. Any advice? Thanks a lot.
Greg
@Nigel:
Hey Shaye's Mom,
I have a sm/m easy walk for Nigel and it works wonders. With his martingale he pulls like the dogs of hell are at his heals. I have yet to get the thing sized properly, but it is still better than anything else I've tried. I've noticed little lumps that I assume are from chaffing in his front "arm" pits. There is a large one on the left (I usually walk him on my right side so this makes sense…) and a very small one on his right. I get the thing to where it looks to be appropriately sized, but when we walk, he is CONSTANTLY sniffing and dips his head down. This makes lots of slack on the chest strap and brings the belly strap and top strap really far forward. I think that is what is causing the the chaffing. Any advice? Thanks a lot.
Greg
Greg: I have the same problem with the front part slipping on Gemma's harness - I have decided to get the sewing machine out and tack them in the correct position so they can't slide - I'm hoping that works. Shaye's harness stays pretty much, but will tack hers as well - so far they don't have any chafing from the slide - but it seems to me it will work better if they can't move at all.:rolleyes:
Susan
Thanks Susan,
I'll try that as well. Nige already chewed through a bit of his. When we walk passed this darned male Shepard mix that is always left outside, unattended, off leash, in the yard that backs up to open space trail, Nigel spins around and catches his leash or his easy walk in his mouth. It takes a second for me to calm him down and have him sit and shake for a treat or to just keep walking while I stare the dog down and tell him to go home.Hopefully that makes a better fit.
Take care,
Greg
