Harness help please ....

[Sanke]

Hi all
I have a long lead for helping train Sheba with recall etc, However, as it is attached to her normal collar it often drapes on the floor between her legs & trips her over. So I was thinking of getting a harness to stop this but also to give her an indication that she has a different lead & therefore different activity (later I want to do tracking etc)
Just wondered if anyone could recommend a good harness & whether you thought that she might associate the different fixing points for different activities ??

Originally Posted by Sanke

Hi all
I have a long lead for helping train Sheba with recall etc, However, as it is attached to her normal collar it often drapes on the floor between her legs & trips her over. So I was thinking of getting a harness to stop this but also to give her an indication that she has a different lead & therefore different activity (later I want to do tracking etc)
Just wondered if anyone could recommend a good harness & whether you thought that she might associate the different fixing points for different activities ??

I wouldnt recommend using a harness until she is at least 6 months old
JMO
Linda

[Stuart]

Any harness that has a ring on the top really,,..as long as it is comfortable, it may still be difficult to keep the lead from their legs though, it usualy is with a long lead, you are not alone in this..... [many tracking dogs have the lead between their front legs]

[Sanke]

Originally Posted by LUTGARD

I wouldnt recommend using a harness until she is at least 6 months old
JMO
Linda

Hi Linda
Is there a particular reason why ?

Originally Posted by Sanke

Hi Linda
Is there a particular reason why ?

When I wanted to get one for Kaiser from pets at home they said it can put too much pressure on puppys bones/chest
So I left it.
You could always ask what they reccomend if you buy one.

Because pups' bones are still developing it can cause them to elbow out through pressure on the shoulder girdle area.

Some harnesses can make a dog pull more, depending on the style of them as the dog can get more purchase as force distribution is in just the right area for them - like X back harnesses.

When the dog's older, and for general walking, I'd go for a harness with the D ring at the chest. If the dog pulls you can correct it by steering it towards you, rather than you being behind it if the lead's attached to the ring on the back of the shoulders.

I use a fleece harness for running with my two. It's got rings at the front and on top. For running i clip to the top ring.

If you want to do tracking, I'd recommend a Fur Saver collar. You can clip 2 long lines to each side of the links in the collar to guide the dog left and right.

[Sanke]

Originally Posted by Anni

Because pups' bones are still developing it can cause them to elbow out through pressure on the shoulder girdle area.

Some harnesses can make a dog pull more, depending on the style of them as the dog can get more purchase as force distribution is in just the right area for them - like X back harnesses.

When the dog's older, and for general walking, I'd go for a harness with the D ring at the chest. If the dog pulls you can correct it by steering it towards you, rather than you being behind it if the lead's attached to the ring on the back of the shoulders.

I use a fleece harness for running with my two. It's got rings at the front and on top. For running i clip to the top ring.

If you want to do tracking, I'd recommend a Fur Saver collar. You can clip 2 long lines to each side of the links in the collar to guide the dog left and right.

Hi Anni
Thanks for the detailed response (I am learning so much from the kind members on here). I will probably leave the harness for a little while but will look into the fur saver collar straight away as she needs a new one. Could you recommend one ? Is it something like this[/COLOR] http://http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HERM-SPRENGER-CUROGAN-FUR-SAVER-COLLAR-CHOKE-CHAIN-4mm-/180644926920?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item2a0f46d5c8

Originally Posted by Sanke

Hi Anni
Thanks for the detailed response (I am learning so much from the kind members on here). I will probably leave the harness for a little while but will look into the fur saver collar straight away as she needs a new one. Could you recommend one ? Is it something like this[/COLOR] http://http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/HERM-SPRENGER-CUROGAN-FUR-SAVER-COLLAR-CHOKE-CHAIN-4mm-/180644926920?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&hash=item2a0f46d5c8

Yes I use herm sprenger fur savers. The curogan ones are smart but dear which is why I have stainless steel, having to buy 2! The thing is your girl's still a pup and is growing so if you bought a fur saver, you'd end up buying another in a few months as they're not adjustable but slide over the head.

Or buy one for her to grow into! For fitting you measure around the dog's neck like a normal collar and add 3 inches - then order that length.

Mine only wear them for walking and tracking. I find them versatile as you clip the lead to any of the links, no faffing trying to find the D ring. Hope this helps

[Sanke]

These are classed as choke chains so cannot be used at our training centre would a half check still have the same use ? Also doesn't the choke chain constrict too much at the end of a long line ?

[Sanke]

Please don't think I am questioning your advice Anni I just want to fully understand what I am doing