Harness trouble- need help finding a good one for Logan - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Genisys · 02-08-2014, 02:25 PM

Logan decided that he hates his harness. I'm not sure why. It was pretty expensive and seems comfortable- I think his issue is really with me putting the harness on and taking it off. He turns into a demon when I have to unbuckle it and slip it over his head to take it off (he actually bit me so hard he drew blood!) and this little pup is my best friend. He absolutely loves me- until its harness time haha

So I was wondering if you all could share with me what brands you use for "walkies" because this little guy is gonna take my thumb off one of these times if I don't get him something that I can get on and off a lot easier

capt_noonie · 02-08-2014, 02:35 PM

I absolutely LOVE Buddy Belts. Yes they are pricey, but if you never lose it, it will last a lifetime. I have three.

Maximo sells them and usually have a discount for YT members. She has great customer service too if you have any questions.

Maximo · 02-08-2014, 02:35 PM

Have you been using the slip over harness for awhile, or just a few times? You can try using treats to train and make the whole experience more positive for him. Max's first harness was a slip over the head style. I held a treat in front of the hole to encourage him to slide his head through. Then I would give a treat (a piece of kibble) to take it off.

Use keywords when working with the harness. I always talk to my boys telling them what I am doing. They also like when I make funny sounds: "Want to take off your harness? Weeee!" Then I end with praise.

We switched to the Buddy Belt because it is easier to put on and take off, among other benefits.

Genisys · 02-08-2014, 02:40 PM

He's only 14 weeks old so he hasn't has much outside time other than in the yard to get him ready for long walks once he "graduates" with all his vaccinations haha, but yeah its a slip over harness and he absolutely hates it no matter what I try. I give him treats for letting me put it on and take it off, but he stopped caring about the treats ha!

Is a buddy belt something I should wait on until he's older? or does it adjust to growth? I've seen a lot on here about them and it's definitely something I want to get.

lisaly · 02-08-2014, 03:35 PM

Both Buddy Belts and Kristin are wonderful. We have a few of them. They aren't cheap, but they are comfortable for our babies, look really nice, are easy to use, and they keep our babies safe. That's invaluable to me. You would need a different size for Logan once he gets older. They are very adjustable, but his puppy size will unlikely fit when he's older.

capt_noonie · 02-08-2014, 03:49 PM

I would wait to get the BB until he is almost full grown. Unless you are willing to sell the baby sized BB later on ebay. That was how I got my first one bc I couldn't bear the price of a brand new one. For now if it were me, I'd look for a step in harness for the meantime. I found some at my local pet supply store that are made from cotton and dyed with soy based inks, very soft and cheap, about $7. I don't like the nylon ones bc the burned edges can be sharp and break off hair.

BabyGirl Rosie · 02-08-2014, 04:12 PM

I like the choke free harness. I have about three or four for each of my girls. Lil Sis can help you here on YT.

Here is a picture.

539b97a94dc3c7575bbc4163b73f122a_zps31b5e2d3.jpg

Britster · 02-08-2014, 06:06 PM

He's just a baby! To be honest, I find putting step-ins on young or rambunctious dogs are more difficult. I DON'T find them easy at all, lol. Jackson luckily just naturally lifts up his paws and knows what to do but when I was dogsitting, step-ins were a pain in my @ss for wild-ish dogs, or even dogs that just... were no help at all and I had to lift their legs up into it, and then by the time I got one leg through a hole, the other has already slipped out LOL...

Anyway, first things first, you need to train the dog to enjoy their harness. Here are some tutorials.

How to train your dog to love his harness- dog...

Tip of the day- toy dogs and harnesses- clicker...

Teach your dog to step into a harness - 1 min dog...

Easiest on/off I've had is the Ezydog harness, but it's a bit high up on the chest for some peoples liking. I really love Puppia as well. And I do love Buddy Belts and ChokeFrees (leather) but def think you should wait until closer to full grown...

ShowGirlLola · 02-08-2014, 06:07 PM

I used a step in harness from petsmart until Lola was done growing, now she has a buddy belt.
The petsmart harness didn't put any pressure on her throat and she liked it. You might have to order it online though, the xsmalls are hard to find.

Genisys · 02-08-2014, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShowGirlLola

I used a step in harness from petsmart until Lola was done growing, now she has a buddy belt.
The petsmart harness didn't put any pressure on her throat and she liked it. You might have to order it online though, the xsmalls are hard to find.

Do you remember what brand it is? I might have to go the step-in route for a while. I'd like to keep my fingers....lol!

Genisys · 02-08-2014, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Britster

Easiest on/off I've had is the Ezydog harness, but it's a bit high up on the chest for some peoples liking. I really love Puppia as well. And I do love Buddy Belts and ChokeFrees (leather) but def think you should wait until closer to full grown...

Thanks for the videos and brand suggestions! I'm gonna check them out now too. I'm so new to the world of small dog parenthood, haha! I've raised and trained GSD's, rottys, and pittys. The practically walked me! now I have my little devil that just wants to take my fingers off when I go to unbuckle him..lol

ShowGirlLola · 02-08-2014, 08:35 PM

The petsmart harness was top paw brand, their harnesses go down to 8", most of the others only go to 10".
I bought the harness when Lola was about 14 weeks (I think about 2.5lbs) and it was a bit too big on the smallest setting, but that was ok because I didn't let her walk around in public anyway. She's about 5.5lbs now at 11 months. I'm not sure how big your pup is, measure him right behind his front legs.

This harness would work if you can find it in black (you can cut the rhinestone off)
Top Paw® X-Small Jeweled Comfort Wrap Dog Harness - Harnesses - Collars, Harnesses & Leashes - PetSmart

This is the right style but it only goes to 10"
Lil' Paw&reg Brown Plaid Leather Comfort Wrap Harness - Harnesses - Collars, Harnesses & Leashes - PetSmart

Hers is just nylon webbing with a pattern printed on it, a lot of their harnesses are double layered (nylon webbing with ribbon sewn on it) and IMO they're too stiff for a tiny pup.
Also make sure the seams aren't sharp.

Good luck!

Iluvalldogs · 02-15-2014, 07:16 AM

My top choice for a choke free harness is Susan Lanci's quick release step in harness design. We love them! They are super soft, durable, washable, customizable (tons of colors and crystal options) and made in the USA, which is important to me. They also come in half sizes and you can order different sizes to check fitment and return them for free. We LOVE them! Best wishes!!!

You can take a look below at the website where we order ours, though there are many places to order them from.

Step-In Dog Harness | Susan Lanci Designs

Saltypearl · 02-16-2014, 11:23 AM

Buddy Belt!!

YazminD · 02-16-2014, 03:18 PM

I'm a huge fan of the Buddy Belt!

Kristin, (Maximo) is wonderful to work with and carries a nice selection of colors with matching leashes also!

Buddy Belt Harness

02-08-2014, 02:25 PM	#1
Genisys Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philadelphia PA Posts: 105	Harness trouble- need help finding a good one for Logan Logan decided that he hates his harness. I'm not sure why. It was pretty expensive and seems comfortable- I think his issue is really with me putting the harness on and taking it off. He turns into a demon when I have to unbuckle it and slip it over his head to take it off (he actually bit me so hard he drew blood!) and this little pup is my best friend. He absolutely loves me- until its harness time haha So I was wondering if you all could share with me what brands you use for "walkies" because this little guy is gonna take my thumb off one of these times if I don't get him something that I can get on and off a lot easier __________________ Angie & Logan

02-08-2014, 02:35 PM	#2
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I absolutely LOVE Buddy Belts. Yes they are pricey, but if you never lose it, it will last a lifetime. I have three. Maximo sells them and usually have a discount for YT members. She has great customer service too if you have any questions. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

02-08-2014, 02:35 PM	#3
Maximo ♥ Maximo and Teddy Donating Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 25,044	Have you been using the slip over harness for awhile, or just a few times? You can try using treats to train and make the whole experience more positive for him. Max's first harness was a slip over the head style. I held a treat in front of the hole to encourage him to slide his head through. Then I would give a treat (a piece of kibble) to take it off. Use keywords when working with the harness. I always talk to my boys telling them what I am doing. They also like when I make funny sounds: "Want to take off your harness? Weeee!" Then I end with praise. We switched to the Buddy Belt because it is easier to put on and take off, among other benefits. __________________ Kristin, Max and Teddy

02-08-2014, 02:40 PM	#4
Genisys Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Philadelphia PA Posts: 105	He's only 14 weeks old so he hasn't has much outside time other than in the yard to get him ready for long walks once he "graduates" with all his vaccinations haha, but yeah its a slip over harness and he absolutely hates it no matter what I try. I give him treats for letting me put it on and take it off, but he stopped caring about the treats ha! Is a buddy belt something I should wait on until he's older? or does it adjust to growth? I've seen a lot on here about them and it's definitely something I want to get. __________________ Angie & Logan

02-08-2014, 03:49 PM	#6
capt_noonie www.yorkierescue.com Donating Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Las Vegas & Orange County Posts: 17,408	I would wait to get the BB until he is almost full grown. Unless you are willing to sell the baby sized BB later on ebay. That was how I got my first one bc I couldn't bear the price of a brand new one. For now if it were me, I'd look for a step in harness for the meantime. I found some at my local pet supply store that are made from cotton and dyed with soy based inks, very soft and cheap, about $7. I don't like the nylon ones bc the burned edges can be sharp and break off hair. __________________ The T.U.B. Pack! Toto, Uni, & Bindi RIP Lord Scrappington Montgomery McLimpybottom aka El Lenguo the Handicapped Ninja 10-12-12

02-08-2014, 03:35 PM	#5
lisaly Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 5,892	Both Buddy Belts and Kristin are wonderful. We have a few of them. They aren't cheap, but they are comfortable for our babies, look really nice, are easy to use, and they keep our babies safe. That's invaluable to me. You would need a different size for Logan once he gets older. They are very adjustable, but his puppy size will unlikely fit when he's older.

02-08-2014, 04:12 PM	#7
BabyGirl Rosie I ♥ my girls! Donating Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: With My Yorkies Posts: 18,980	I like the choke free harness. I have about three or four for each of my girls. Lil Sis can help you here on YT. Here is a picture. 539b97a94dc3c7575bbc4163b73f122a_zps31b5e2d3.jpg __________________ Momma to three sweet Yorkie girls Rosie Marie, Mikki Leigh , and Lily Mae Grace!

02-08-2014, 06:07 PM	#9
ShowGirlLola YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 1,354	I used a step in harness from petsmart until Lola was done growing, now she has a buddy belt. The petsmart harness didn't put any pressure on her throat and she liked it. You might have to order it online though, the xsmalls are hard to find.

02-08-2014, 08:35 PM	#12
ShowGirlLola YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: NJ Posts: 1,354	The petsmart harness was top paw brand, their harnesses go down to 8", most of the others only go to 10". I bought the harness when Lola was about 14 weeks (I think about 2.5lbs) and it was a bit too big on the smallest setting, but that was ok because I didn't let her walk around in public anyway. She's about 5.5lbs now at 11 months. I'm not sure how big your pup is, measure him right behind his front legs. This harness would work if you can find it in black (you can cut the rhinestone off) Top Paw® X-Small Jeweled Comfort Wrap Dog Harness - Harnesses - Collars, Harnesses & Leashes - PetSmart This is the right style but it only goes to 10" Lil' Paw&reg Brown Plaid Leather Comfort Wrap Harness - Harnesses - Collars, Harnesses & Leashes - PetSmart Hers is just nylon webbing with a pattern printed on it, a lot of their harnesses are double layered (nylon webbing with ribbon sewn on it) and IMO they're too stiff for a tiny pup. Also make sure the seams aren't sharp. Good luck!

02-15-2014, 07:16 AM	#13
Iluvalldogs Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: North Carolina Posts: 207	My top choice for a choke free harness is Susan Lanci's quick release step in harness design. We love them! They are super soft, durable, washable, customizable (tons of colors and crystal options) and made in the USA, which is important to me. They also come in half sizes and you can order different sizes to check fitment and return them for free. We LOVE them! Best wishes!!! You can take a look below at the website where we order ours, though there are many places to order them from. Step-In Dog Harness \| Susan Lanci Designs __________________ Oli Cocoa Graycie Pinky "...love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation." October Peanut Last edited by Iluvalldogs; 02-15-2014 at 07:18 AM.

02-16-2014, 11:23 AM	#14
Saltypearl Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Waterford, MI Posts: 81	Buddy Belt!!