My dog is absolutely crazy when it comes to going on walks. My dog Kitson is a 20 lb. cavalier and bichon cross breed. She almost chokes herself because she pulls so hard to get ahead on the leash; instead of just walking like a civilized animal. How can I control this? I've tried just keeping her close and pulling back, but she's still so eager. Anyway, I think i might need a harness. But, which size? I have no idea how to measure. could you give me an estimate of a size so I can look on ebay? Thanks!
2006-07-04 15:47:57 · 23 answers · asked by kellz8706 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
You can get the 'gentle leader' on ebay. I would think the small size.
Take a look at the gentle leader, and you will see that you have complete control over the dog, and it never causes any pain. Instructions are in the package.
A 3 year old can handle a Great Dane with this harness.
2006-07-04 15:58:02 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should go with her into a pet store and look for a Sensation or Premier Easy Walk Harness. This goes around the chest and shoulders and the leash clips from the front of the chest. She needs to be measured and fitted properly by someone who knows how to do it. This should help a lot w/ the pulling. When she pulls, don't pull back - this will trigger an innate response for her to pull, so it is a cycle. Instead, when she pulls, you simply stand still, like a tree. When she has stopped pulling, then you walk. She pulls, you stop. It will take a few days and then it should sink in. You must be very consistent though, and not walk when she pulls. Don't yell, pull back, jerk the leash - it will only create more problems.
2006-07-04 23:18:54 · answer #2 · answered by sim24 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A harness would be much better for the dog because it would not choke him. Just take a measuring tape and you can measure your dog and then go onto any site that sells dog clothing, and find out where your dog fits in. Then you can go and check out that size on ebay. Cavaliers and Bichons are probably going to be smaller sizes. I have a pug that wears a medium and a beagle that wears a large. But your best bet would be to measure the dog.
2006-07-04 23:23:19 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
harnesses are far better than regular collars as the collar can actually colapse the trachea if the dog pulls to much . The only down side is the dog is given more leverage , but with a small breed you do not have to be concerned with the dog dragging you.
Just take her to a local pet store and tell them you want a harness for her. They will be able to look at her and find the right size , they will also put it on her and adjust it there in the store.
You may want to check out Caesar something or other known as "the dog whisperer" for ideas on how to teach your dog to go for walks and realize you are in charge. I think he is on the Discovery channel and WalMart carries his DVDs
2006-07-04 22:55:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may not sound nice to you but have you tried giving a short hard jerk on the leash to get you dogs attention. You should with a little training be able to stop a dog from pulling at the leash. A harness just make it easier for the dog to continue pulling.
2006-07-04 22:52:19 · answer #5 · answered by Kenneth H 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A harness is really cheap to buy and you would probably be better taking your girl to the pet store. If you're really hung up on e-bay then measure her around the neck. It would probably be a 14in. or 16in. Have you ever though of a Halti , Kindness or gentle leader halter? They go over the head and look like a muzzle. They are considered to be much kinder and based on the theory that you can lead a dog more than trying to fight them. Even a regular harness is still difficult. I have used the halti on a poodle and boxer with great results.
2006-07-04 22:50:09 · answer #6 · answered by dogloverdi 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
forget ebay and forget the harness just get rid of the dog.lol just kidding. Seriously though just measure the dogs snout and go to the pet store and get a head collar called a halti or a head leader best invention ever made I have a 75 pound yellow lab who just about killed me dragging me down the road after his fellow puch tried everything including a harness nothing worked til the halti probably a size 1 or 0
2006-07-04 22:54:04 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO harnes...your dog needs to be taught manners and simple commands...as in HEEL! You do this with a choker collar. You need to either get a video or book on dog training before you do anything else. You are doing your dog NO favors by not training him/her. There will come a time that a life threatening event could happen, and if you dog does not obey hand and voice commands, it could cost its life! There is absolutely NO reason a dog acts like this except it has not been properly trained. Do not put this off. Dogs learn very fast what is expected of them, and a choker collar is the best tool for training...and is the best tool for walking a dog. You do NOT hurt a dog with a choker collar, but you do get their attention very quickly with it.
2006-07-04 22:54:34 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
An equally good answer would be to take her to obedience class so you learn how to get her to walk without pulling. Harnesses wil cause her hair to mat or wear of and will actually allow her to pull harder, she can put her whole body into it and will no longer have the problem with choking.
Vets can usually recommend a good obedience class you just need a few so you know the correct way to get her to do what you want.
Good Luck!
2006-07-04 22:53:27 · answer #9 · answered by lorenwood25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need a 'Halti', it's like a head collar that works amazingly.
I have a German Shepherd x Rottweiller, so you can guess how much she pulled on walks.
I got a Halti and it worked perfectly on our first walk with it.
A Halti is a headcollar like contraption for dogs. You clip the lead on the ring under the chin piece, when the dog pulls it gently closes their mouth. Dog's hate having their mouth closed so they don't pull.
If your dog, for some reason, doesn't mind having its mouth closed and keeps pulling, the Halti pulls their head around to face you.
It's really good.
All the vets I know recommend it.
You can get them from most vets and most good pet shops.
Happy walking,
Alison
PS. DO NOT HIT YOUR DOG
PSS. DO NOT USE CHOKE CHAINS(THEY CAUSE THROAT AND NECK PROBLEMS)
2006-07-04 23:46:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋