dog harnesses vs dog collars

[boxer]

I don't have a pulling problem when using a standard collar - but I still like the harnesses concept Where I feel they have an advantage over either collars or headhalters is that, in the event your dog lunges at something (cat, squirrel, fox etc that leaps out of nowhere) or you need to suddenly pull your dog back (you're crossing the road and some idiot appears out of nowhere doing 100mph) - and these things do happen occassionally - then the dog isn't being yanked around by the neck. It doesn't really matter in physical terms who's doing the pulling, you or the dog, or whether the cause is a good one, the effect is the same. LOL - think I'd better go out and get a harness

 

[tls1028]

(It also makes a great handle when there is no leash )

I agree...it almost is like you can carry them like a suitcase!

two paws up for the harness...YOu will have more control and your dog will give his neck a rest. Dutch used to choke him self silly trying to go...but he barely pulls at all with the harness.

 

[WYearta]

I like a harness, also, but was still thinking of getting a gentle-leader, and so I went on the website listed above (Jefferspet.com) and there is a boxer as their pet of the day! Maybe it's a sign....

 

[crashsmom]

"Tank always pulled like crazy with just a collar on walks. I got him a harness and its like he's a completly different dog, doesnt pull much at all now. I would recommend it."

Crash was the exact same way. We got him a nice padded harness and it's made a huge difference. It's like walking a different dog.

 

[Poohsmom]

Harness fan here,too! Dozer is a pulling machine,we've tried the gentle leader,he went spastic trying to get it off.Switched to a harness and he's like a totaly different dog

Sue and the kids,
Pooh,Bownser,Dozer & Cissy

 

[pluto1415]

Harness

I used to have a bassett that pulled really bad. We went out and got a standard harness for that exact reason and it didn't help! He figured out he could pull twice as much and not choke himself. He pulled more and harder with the harness than with the collar. We started doing the "you pull, I stop" thing (this was before I knew about BW where everyone suggests this!) and it worked some. He would still occasionally pull, but for the most part he eventually stopped.

 

[tweetytwad]

Ok you talked me into it. I've been putting it off because of the cost. I just went to walmart and they had Yuppie Puppy brand which I have seen other places for 20+. It was 10 at WM, it has nice Sherpa lining. I tried it at the house to get the fit right. She seems to like it. We are going to Petco later (the ultimate test) I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[chipchip]

I have tried them all, harness for my first boxer worked, I use a martingale collar for my boxer mix and I am using the gentle leader on my newly adopted 16 month old boxer. I would recommend any one of these. I refuse to use choke, prong or shock on any of my dogs.

 

[fordraceing_]

collar

so does the dog still wear a collar while wearing the harness or does he wear the harness all the time?

 

[beausmommy]

Well, my prediction sort of came true. Beau somehow got his harness off and chewed it up. Glad it was only $9!! Fordraceing...I keep (kept) Beau's collar on while he had his harness on because his id and rabies tags were on the collar itself. I don't think it really makes any difference, though. I'll be off to try to find a metal harness (hehehe)!!!