Worried Collar Will Harm - YorkieTalk.com Forums

wendybee · 07-05-2005, 12:18 AM

hi all
my rosie hates her harness, iv been trying it for 3 weeks and she still gets very unhappy when i put it on refusses to go walkies and will now run away when i get it out, she is so sad and would rather not go out than wear it, when i used her collar she loved her walks i would go back to using one but i worry bout her throat any suggestions would be appreciated as i cant stand to see her so sad

wendy and rosie

Julie1 · 07-05-2005, 12:34 AM

What sort of harness are you using ? We found some fit Duncan better than others - one we had piched the skin under his "arms" we noticed he didn't want to walk in it and realised it was hurting him.

Gypsy Rose · 07-05-2005, 01:46 AM

Poor Rosie!! Our two girls aren't keen on having them put on either - it really looks as if I am about to hit them!! They cower and go to hide! Once on though they can't wait to get through the door and into the big wide world! I know what Gypsy Rose hates about hers.. it's the CLICK as I fasten it, she hates anything like that. Wondered if it was anything similar in Rosie's case? Ana xx

yorkiegal719 · 07-05-2005, 04:49 AM

Maybe it's the kind of harness. There are ones that they step through and they are a little easier to put on. Or try to put her collar and harness on at the same time and attach the leash to the harness, maybe she'll be fooled

...

red98vett · 07-05-2005, 05:01 AM

The DO have great step in HARNESSES (which I need desperately) and if you decide to get one - I bet they'll end up loving their 'walkies'

A real "Dog" collar is bad for their throat - yorkies have fragile necks so it's better to go with a harness - whether it's velcro ...buckles or step in...it has no throat strap and it's much better for small dogs.

Laura · 07-05-2005, 05:07 AM

I agree I would check the fit to make sure it does not hurt or rub, it is better to be a little big than to be snug. Maybe run it through the wash a couple of times to soften it. Otherwise, maybe you could let her run around it in a little bit before hooking up the leash. Then I would just sit outside with her and play to see if she will just run around in it.

I once had a border collie who would lay down when I hooked his leash on his collar. He wore the collar fine, but had never been on a leash. The breeder walked the pups outside in a group and they were very well behaved. I just needed the leash for cosmetics. It took about TWO WEEKS to get him walking on the leash. I felt so mean - he would go outside and stand right by me, but the second I hooked on his leash - you would have thought I beat him, he would cower down in a lying position. But he finally got over it.

yorkiemomiee · 07-05-2005, 05:16 AM

I once new a lady that refused to put a harness on her yorkie, it was quite a few years ago before most people understood how important it was to use a harness on yorkies because of their throats. She said she would never use it because her precious dog hated it and preffered the collar. Well for years the dog seemed fine and unaffected by using the collar. But as the dog got older I noticed that it spent alot of time coughing, hacking and weezing like it had asthma. It got to the point that even when it was just sitting on the stoop with noone bothering her she would bust out in a fit of struggled breathing/coughing and hacking.
Eventually the dog died of a collapsed tracea. She was only like 10 years old. Gigi was a good dog and I think she woulda lived longer if her owner my aunt would have done the right thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is the best bet is to try and find a harness that will work, after a few years of use they get used to it. My mom's westie was the same way now he goes nuts when he sees the harness because he knows it's time to go out and do his business.

Stitches29 · 07-05-2005, 07:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wendybee

hi all
my rosie hates her harness, iv been trying it for 3 weeks and she still gets very unhappy when i put it on refusses to go walkies and will now run away when i get it out, she is so sad and would rather not go out than wear it, when i used her collar she loved her walks i would go back to using one but i worry bout her throat any suggestions would be appreciated as i cant stand to see her so sad

wendy and rosie

I would think that if Rosie doesn't pull against her throat when on walks, then perhaps it would be okay.

yorkieagility · 07-05-2005, 07:21 AM

I use a collar on my yorkies all the time. Damage really doesn't happen just because they are wearing a collar. It happens when the owner constantly tugging or pulling to hard on the leash(and I have seen owner pull so hard that their dog's 4 feet left the ground). Just be aware of that when you are walking her.

LvMyYorki · 07-05-2005, 07:26 AM

Mine wear harnesses. Tino was diagnosed with a weak trachea, so my vet told me that he couldnt wear a collar. I agree that the step in harnesses are the best... they are soo easy!

Why don't you try putting her harness on her without holding the least and let her walk around in it while praising her and also give her treats the longer she stays in it and walks around on her own so that she associates wearing the harness with a positive experience.

yorkiemomiee · 07-05-2005, 08:26 AM

I don't think wearing a collar is harmful as long as it's not tight. But using one to walk your dog is more likely to do harm. From my experience anyway. (It may not do anything for some yorkies, I dunno, but I wouldn't take the chance) Even if a dog isn't a pulller while walking the movemet or jerking motion of changing directions suddenly or jerking them away from a dangerous situation may after years effect dogs with delicate necks. It doesn't do immediate harm more like gradually.
My aunt's dog walked by her side and wasn't a puller. I've grown around chihuahuas, yorkies, poodles, westies and even a half wolf german shepard who was as sweet as a kitten. Most people used to use collars years back because they were cheaper to buy, besides the fact the adults I grew up around didn't realize it wasn't a good choice considering how much safer a harness is. Almost all of the tiny dogs I knew walked on collars and had neck problems when they were in their golden years. Ofcourse I'm sure their are acceptions and not every dog will go through neck issues. I'm just saying I wouldn't take the chance. The suggestions everyone has given are good ones, especially that dogs initially scared of the harness eventually get used to it and are just fine wearing them as long as it's not too tight, too thick and rough or that the clasp isn't pinching their hair. Good luck with your decision!

typerk · 07-05-2005, 08:40 AM

I think if you aren't pulling and yanking on the collar and the leash has some give so the yorkie can explore she will be just fine.

Missy's Mommy · 07-05-2005, 09:09 AM

I would be consistant with the harness and not let them know there is a collar option

I would imagine if they want to go on their walkie bad enough they will deal with the harness. At 1st Missy and Max werent to thrilled with their harnesses but once they realized, put on the harness = go for a walkie they love them now. If they see their harnesses they go crazy and want to go for a walkie

chachi · 07-05-2005, 09:16 AM

I would try a step in harness also. They sell them at petco and petsmart. They are not as restricting on.

centralnewyorki · 07-05-2005, 09:37 AM

Olivia hated her harness at first, also. She just started to go outside because she just finished her shots last weekend, so the harness is still pretty new to her. She still growls when I put it on, but over the weekend she has grown used to wearing it. She got to run and play in my mom's yard on Saturday, and in my aunt's yard yesterday. She also used to just sit down and refuse to walk when I first put it on her. Right now, the harness probably just seems restricting to your puppy. Make Rosie put it on and walk around the house. I also gave Olivia treats when she would walk indoors with me while on her harness. Olivia still ran from me yesterday when I went to put it on her, but she was better, and I think she remembered what a good time she had being able to run around like a big girl. You just need to get a few walks under your belt with Rosie wearing the harness and things should improve. If she refuses to walk on it, carry her until you get outside and then set her down so that she can sniff. I think there will be so much to see and smell that she'll forget that she's even wearing the harness.

07-05-2005, 12:18 AM	#1
wendybee BANNED! Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 966	Worried Collar Will Harm hi all my rosie hates her harness, iv been trying it for 3 weeks and she still gets very unhappy when i put it on refusses to go walkies and will now run away when i get it out, she is so sad and would rather not go out than wear it, when i used her collar she loved her walks i would go back to using one but i worry bout her throat any suggestions would be appreciated as i cant stand to see her so sad wendy and rosie

07-05-2005, 04:49 AM	#4
yorkiegal719 YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 603	Maybe it's the kind of harness. There are ones that they step through and they are a little easier to put on. Or try to put her collar and harness on at the same time and attach the leash to the harness, maybe she'll be fooled ... __________________ Theresa & The Boys +1 The reason a dog has so many friends is that he wags his tail instead of his tongue

07-05-2005, 05:01 AM	#5
red98vett Yorkie Kisses are the Best! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston TX Posts: 33,590 Blog Entries: 1	The DO have great step in HARNESSES (which I need desperately) and if you decide to get one - I bet they'll end up loving their 'walkies' A real "Dog" collar is bad for their throat - yorkies have fragile necks so it's better to go with a harness - whether it's velcro ...buckles or step in...it has no throat strap and it's much better for small dogs. __________________ Villette, Chanel & Cheri www.DesignsByVillette.net Custom Address Labels and Note Cards using YOUR Photos! Just Click HERE!

07-05-2005, 05:07 AM	#6
Laura Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Wylie TX Posts: 1,577	I agree I would check the fit to make sure it does not hurt or rub, it is better to be a little big than to be snug. Maybe run it through the wash a couple of times to soften it. Otherwise, maybe you could let her run around it in a little bit before hooking up the leash. Then I would just sit outside with her and play to see if she will just run around in it. I once had a border collie who would lay down when I hooked his leash on his collar. He wore the collar fine, but had never been on a leash. The breeder walked the pups outside in a group and they were very well behaved. I just needed the leash for cosmetics. It took about TWO WEEKS to get him walking on the leash. I felt so mean - he would go outside and stand right by me, but the second I hooked on his leash - you would have thought I beat him, he would cower down in a lying position. But he finally got over it. __________________ Laura--loving mom of Robyn, Dexter, Sandy, Mattie, Sammy, Jake & Mollie http://www.yorkietalk.com/gallery/sh...00&ppuser=1851

07-05-2005, 05:16 AM	#7
yorkiemomiee Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 109	I once new a lady that refused to put a harness on her yorkie, it was quite a few years ago before most people understood how important it was to use a harness on yorkies because of their throats. She said she would never use it because her precious dog hated it and preffered the collar. Well for years the dog seemed fine and unaffected by using the collar. But as the dog got older I noticed that it spent alot of time coughing, hacking and weezing like it had asthma. It got to the point that even when it was just sitting on the stoop with noone bothering her she would bust out in a fit of struggled breathing/coughing and hacking. Eventually the dog died of a collapsed tracea. She was only like 10 years old. Gigi was a good dog and I think she woulda lived longer if her owner my aunt would have done the right thing. I guess what I'm trying to say is the best bet is to try and find a harness that will work, after a few years of use they get used to it. My mom's westie was the same way now he goes nuts when he sees the harness because he knows it's time to go out and do his business. __________________ ~Kiko my little ray of sunshine~ ...........................Denise Kiko.............................

07-05-2005, 12:34 AM	#2
Julie1 YT Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Surrey Posts: 333	What sort of harness are you using ? We found some fit Duncan better than others - one we had piched the skin under his "arms" we noticed he didn't want to walk in it and realised it was hurting him.

07-05-2005, 01:46 AM	#3
Gypsy Rose Owned by Gyps and Gizz Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Wales Posts: 629	Poor Rosie!! Our two girls aren't keen on having them put on either - it really looks as if I am about to hit them!! They cower and go to hide! Once on though they can't wait to get through the door and into the big wide world! I know what Gypsy Rose hates about hers.. it's the CLICK as I fasten it, she hates anything like that. Wondered if it was anything similar in Rosie's case? Ana xx

07-05-2005, 07:21 AM	#9
yorkieagility YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: House Of York Posts: 1,079	I use a collar on my yorkies all the time. Damage really doesn't happen just because they are wearing a collar. It happens when the owner constantly tugging or pulling to hard on the leash(and I have seen owner pull so hard that their dog's 4 feet left the ground). Just be aware of that when you are walking her.

07-05-2005, 07:26 AM	#10
LvMyYorki Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 1,181	Mine wear harnesses. Tino was diagnosed with a weak trachea, so my vet told me that he couldnt wear a collar. I agree that the step in harnesses are the best... they are soo easy! Why don't you try putting her harness on her without holding the least and let her walk around in it while praising her and also give her treats the longer she stays in it and walks around on her own so that she associates wearing the harness with a positive experience. __________________ Tara, Tino & Diva Bunny Diva Bunny: http://www.dogster.com/?141104 Rudolph Valentino: http://www.dogster.com/?76963

07-05-2005, 08:26 AM	#11
yorkiemomiee Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 109	I don't think wearing a collar is harmful as long as it's not tight. But using one to walk your dog is more likely to do harm. From my experience anyway. (It may not do anything for some yorkies, I dunno, but I wouldn't take the chance) Even if a dog isn't a pulller while walking the movemet or jerking motion of changing directions suddenly or jerking them away from a dangerous situation may after years effect dogs with delicate necks. It doesn't do immediate harm more like gradually. My aunt's dog walked by her side and wasn't a puller. I've grown around chihuahuas, yorkies, poodles, westies and even a half wolf german shepard who was as sweet as a kitten. Most people used to use collars years back because they were cheaper to buy, besides the fact the adults I grew up around didn't realize it wasn't a good choice considering how much safer a harness is. Almost all of the tiny dogs I knew walked on collars and had neck problems when they were in their golden years. Ofcourse I'm sure their are acceptions and not every dog will go through neck issues. I'm just saying I wouldn't take the chance. The suggestions everyone has given are good ones, especially that dogs initially scared of the harness eventually get used to it and are just fine wearing them as long as it's not too tight, too thick and rough or that the clasp isn't pinching their hair. Good luck with your decision! __________________ ~Kiko my little ray of sunshine~ ...........................Denise Kiko.............................

07-05-2005, 08:40 AM	#12
typerk YT Addict Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Irving, TX Posts: 252	I think if you aren't pulling and yanking on the collar and the leash has some give so the yorkie can explore she will be just fine. __________________ http://www.dogster.com/?156534.

07-05-2005, 09:09 AM	#13
Missy's Mommy Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bay Area, California Posts: 1,042	I would be consistant with the harness and not let them know there is a collar option I would imagine if they want to go on their walkie bad enough they will deal with the harness. At 1st Missy and Max werent to thrilled with their harnesses but once they realized, put on the harness = go for a walkie they love them now. If they see their harnesses they go crazy and want to go for a walkie __________________ Jennette Missy & Max

07-05-2005, 09:16 AM	#14
chachi I Love My Yorkies Donating Member Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Indianapolis, Indiana Posts: 37,147	I would try a step in harness also. They sell them at petco and petsmart. They are not as restricting on. __________________ Chachi's & Jewels Mom Jewels http://www.dogster.com/?132431 Chachi http://www.dogster.com/?132427

07-05-2005, 09:37 AM	#15
centralnewyorki YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Central NY state Posts: 1,741	Olivia hated her harness at first, also. She just started to go outside because she just finished her shots last weekend, so the harness is still pretty new to her. She still growls when I put it on, but over the weekend she has grown used to wearing it. She got to run and play in my mom's yard on Saturday, and in my aunt's yard yesterday. She also used to just sit down and refuse to walk when I first put it on her. Right now, the harness probably just seems restricting to your puppy. Make Rosie put it on and walk around the house. I also gave Olivia treats when she would walk indoors with me while on her harness. Olivia still ran from me yesterday when I went to put it on her, but she was better, and I think she remembered what a good time she had being able to run around like a big girl. You just need to get a few walks under your belt with Rosie wearing the harness and things should improve. If she refuses to walk on it, carry her until you get outside and then set her down so that she can sniff. I think there will be so much to see and smell that she'll forget that she's even wearing the harness. __________________ Susan & Olivia Visit Olivia's Dogster Page!