Kinda OT - harness for dog

[adventure_woman]

We have a 6 month old pug and I need to get a new harness for her. We take it on/off every time she goes outside. Is there one you would recommend? I thought about just going to the pet store, but I thought I would check here first.

 

[mjkacmom]

Personally, I'm not a fan. I think it's embarrassing for the dog. If you were a good pet owner, you would teach your dog to heel, and walk along beside you. My dog (a bit immature, I have to admit) would laugh at your dog wearing a harness. Until your dog learns not to run in the street, or across lawns, your dog shouldn't be allowed out of your house. JMHO.

 

[pumpkinmomma]

We just got one at Petsmart. I can't remember the brand. Most of the harnesses seemed to be pretty much the same as far as how you take them on and off and how you buckle them, etc.

We just got the adjustable nylon kind.

 

[cherylp3]

I'd recommend a gentle leader, harnesses can do more damage than good sometimes

Cheryl

 

[eduk8r26]

Why not just a collar and leash?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Personally, I'm not a fan. I think it's embarrassing for the dog. If you were a good pet owner, you would teach your dog to heel, and walk along beside you. My dog (a bit immature, I have to admit) would laugh at your dog wearing a harness. Until your dog learns not to run in the street, or across lawns, your dog shouldn't be allowed out of your house. JMHO.

You are being rather judgemental. I guess you aren't aware there are dogs who should not wear collars for medical reasons and some dogs do better with harnesses for a variety of reasons. The OP asked for advice, not a lecture.

OP, harnesses are all pretty similar. I suggest you bring your puppy to the pet store to make sure you get a good fit.

 

[mjkacmom]

You are being rather judgemental. I guess you aren't aware there are dogs who should not wear collars for medical reasons and some dogs do better with harnesses for a variety of reasons. The OP asked for advice, not a lecture.

OP, harnesses are all pretty similar. I suggest you bring your puppy to the pet store to make sure you get a good fit.

I'm guessing you haven't read any of the hundreds of threads regarding children in harnesses....

 

[Jockaroo]

Given that you have a breed with a rather wide neck, I fully understand using a harness. Also, just as info to some of the other posters (I'm sure you already understand--being a pug owner ), many toy breeds can suffer severe trachea damage from collars. At 6 months old, can't expect her to not to react to the occassional squirrel.

If you can, take her to a pet-friendly pet store and try on various harnesses and see what fits her and what appears comfortable. I like the harnesses that are mesh with a snap buckle closure. Like this:

http://4pawspetsitting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Dog-Harness-for-Small-Dog.jpg

I am not a fan of the nylon strap style of harness as these tend to rub under the armpits and seem uncomfortable for the dog and with mine, cause massive matting of hair. Since I have strong dogs for their size, I also do not like the velcro closure style of harness--I want a buckle.

I take my Scotties out in the car frequently. I use a harness. For me it is a safety reason. I use a leash seat belt in the car and there is no way I would attach this to my dogs' necks via a collar. Good luck!

 

[LJSquishy]

I have two Maltese and toy breeds need to wear harnesses rather than collars because of delicate tracheas that can collapse if a collar chokes them.

I prefer the step-in harness styles. They allow the dog to just step right into them and then they buckle on top. They are easily adjustable. You attach the leash through the two D-rings by the buckle. Easy on, easy off. And, they are much safer than any of the velcro vest harnesses.

 

[CoP Luv]

We have one that has fleece that goes under the legs. We had a different one before that didn't have this feature, but it started to rub and cut her where her legs met her body.

When I talked to the vet about it, she recommended one that had fleece and we haven't had any problems since!

 

[lady_hlh]

I have two Maltese and toy breeds need to wear harnesses rather than collars because of delicate tracheas that can collapse if a collar chokes them.

I prefer the step-in harness styles. They allow the dog to just step right into them and then they buckle on top. They are easily adjustable. You attach the leash through the two D-rings by the buckle. Easy on, easy off. And, they are much safer than any of the velcro vest harnesses.

I got this exact style for our maltipoo because I didn't like the ones with all the straps at Petsmart. He is a rescue and didn't care for us touching certain areas of his body too much so the straps didn't seem like a good idea. I found the step-in harness style at Wal-Mart for I think around $10 and it has worked out great.

 

[kat3668]

We have 2 shihtzus and always buy these...http://www.amazon.com/Puppia-Soft-Dog-Harness-Small/dp/B0013N183G They are the most comfy and they even can sleep in them if you need them to.
Good luck!

 

[adventure_woman]

Thank you guys for your advice! Yes, I have done tons of research and that is the reason why she wears a harness vs. a collar.

 

[jsmith]

LMAO-want a good laugh? We are Bernese Mountain Dog people-Berners are draft dogs-and pull carts-in a harness. When i read the title i got all excited you were asking about draft harnesses-when i started reading the thread i developed a mental pic of OPs pug pulling a draft cart-and blew iced tea out my nose You may all now at my expense.

 

[RoxyJ]

I really like the buddy belt. It's a little pricey, but they last a very long time.
http://buddy-belts.com/

 

[2goofycampers]

We like this one,

http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3046157

 

[Happiest mommy]

I bought the step in one's at Walmart they are pretty good and soft and the price was nice with the matching leash