Harness help

[PupC]

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Hi there
Can anyone suggest a suitable harness for cocker spaniel puppy almost 17 weeks.
Thanks

 

[JoanneF]

A Y shaped harness like this -
Perfect Fit Harness
rather than a H shaped harness like this -
Original K9® Powerharness
because the H strap across the chest restricts shoulder movement and can cause orthopaedic problems later in life.

However, the Y shaped one I linked is quite expensive, so for a puppy, you will likely want something a lot cheaper as he will have outgrown it between the time you fit it in the shop and have driven home!

 

[PupC]

A Y shaped harness like this -
Perfect Fit Harness
rather than a H shaped harness like this -
Original K9® Powerharness
because the H strap across the chest restricts shoulder movement and can cause orthopaedic problems later in life.

However, the Y shaped one I linked is quite expensive, do for a puppy, you will likely want something a lot cheaper as he will have outgrown it between the time you fit it in the shop and have driven home!

Thanks will look into this

 

[Inka]

Hi there
Can anyone suggest a suitable harness for cocker spaniel puppy almost 17 weeks.
Thanks

Ask the trainer as it depends on what type of 'in front' work you are training, such as begining tracking/nose work training...as you would not be starting any 'pulling' training with a 17 wk old.

You are aware that harnesses were invented to encourage a dog to feel comfortable and build up the correct muscles when pulling, some are used professionally however with a front ring and along with a collar as a two point contact ...generally for a pet and lead walking you would use a collar/lead or only if the pup has neck/trachea injuries or is a breed that is likely to develope these, (a cocker is not)

 

[JoanneF]

Sorry @Inka, but I believe harnesses are much less harmful for dogs. All dogs have broadly similar neck structures so their relative weight and size can cause damage to the larynx or trachea if they pull - and, until loose lead walking is trained, that is likely. Even a well trained dog could spook, or see a cat, and suddenly jerk the lead with the potential to cause himself damage. Loose lead walking can be taught with a harness just as much as it can with a collar, but with the risk of injury reduced.

And, when using a flexible lead or long line, as many people do while working on recall, these should only be used with a harness - a dog running out will build speed and get a really sharp tug if he reaches the end.

This was written by Emily Larlham, aka Kikopup, and backs it up.

Is it harmful to attach a leash to your dog’s neck? | Dogmantics Dog Training

 

[PupC]

Sorry @Inka, but I believe harnesses are much less harmful for dogs. All dogs have broadly similar neck structures so their relative weight and size can cause damage to the larynx or trachea if they pull - and, until loose lead walking is trained, that is likely. Even a well trained dog could spook, or see a cat, and suddenly jerk the lead with the potential to cause himself damage. Loose lead walking can be taught with a harness just as much as it can with a collar, but with the risk of injury reduced.

And, when using a flexible lead or long line, as many people do while working on recall, these should only be used with a harness - a dog running out will build speed and get a really sharp tug if he reaches the end.

This was written by Emily Larlham, aka Kikopup, and backs it up.

Is it harmful to attach a leash to your dog’s neck? | Dogmantics Dog Training

Thank you - there are so many dos and don’ts and my pup does like to dash and has hit the jerk stop so think it might support this as well as the training sessions.

 

[PupC]

Well - I’ve now got a harness - willing to try it. The small is too small and the small ever so slightly loose. We trialled a run around on local field to let her get used to the feel and movement around her. - not too bad and the. Once on lead again the harness feels ok but can’t help worrying that it’s a touch loose.
Thoughts?

 

[JoanneF]

Can you post photos?

 

[Robins mum]

A Y shaped harness like this -
Perfect Fit Harness
rather than a H shaped harness like this -
Original K9® Powerharness
because the H strap across the chest restricts shoulder movement and can cause orthopaedic problems later in life.

However, the Y shaped one I linked is quite expensive, so for a puppy, you will likely want something a lot cheaper as he will have outgrown it between the time you fit it in the shop and have driven home!

I have just bought the Perfect fit one for Robin at Hemlocks suggestion and am delighted but the are not cheap this is true but the best thing about them is that you can mix and match the three sections and they are really helpful in the sales department too!

 

[PupC]

Can you post photos?

Hi Joanne
The trainer this morning said it looked ok. Just needs a bit of getting used to. It’s a ‘y’ shaped as suggested - thanks guys

 

[Robins mum]

Good luck

 

[PupC]

Good luck

Thanks