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collar vs harness

5K views 16 replies 12 participants last post by  JustRoxy 
#1 ·
I notice a lot of you use a harness.
I have always used a buckle collar and lead sometimes a slip rope lead. They do walk on a loose lead but is a harness better?
 
#2 · (Edited)
I think a lot of us use harnesses instead because of:

1. Their unique skin situation. There's so much of it that many of us find our Bassets slip out of collars quite easily, especially when they decide they'd rather not move forward anymore! Flat Basset+Collar=Freedom!

2. Because they're so thick/low-set/long, collars tend to be more stressful on their spines. Again, when they Flat Basset and we want or need them to keep going, if the collar does fit snugly it'll put a lot of strain on their backs. They're too stubborn to move for the sake of less pain, of course. ;)

It's a lose-lose situation, I guess. Olive is certainly much more cooperative with a harness on instead. We were using a collar at first, but at the same time we found out about her bum leg, the vet told us her neck was stiff and the discs were jamming together from the stress of her collar when walking her. The harness let her relax her neck and now the problem is gone!
 
#3 ·
I prefer a slip collar and lead, mainly because they're easy to put on and take off, since my guys don't wear collars at home. Mine don't pull on the lead.
 
#4 ·
It depends on the purpose.

for simple walk a slip lead, when at field trials and the are tied out side a harness is more secure than a collar and you don't want to use anything like a slip collar where they could hang themselves. Each Has their advantages and disadvantage make one more appropriate for a given situation. Walking for instance with a puller a typical harness with a strap across the sturum cause the dog to pull even harder than a collar would. so not a good choice. Add in the No- Pull halters/and harness and head halter flat buckle collar vs martingale limited slip there are a lot of choices.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Thanks guys.:)
We always use a slip lead when we're in the wilderness off lead. I am so paranoid about getting collars stuck on something so I'd rather they are naked. I'm worried about Lula - she's almost 14 yo and the last year she has started leaning out pulling (if that makes sense?) I worry about the strain on her neck and spine and maybe a harness would be better?
They aren't straight in front pullers or draggers from behind. it's just Lula's funny side step lean out...
 
#7 ·
the last year she has started leaning out pulling (if that makes sense?) I worry about the strain on her neck and spine and maybe a harness would be better
macey is quite capable of pulling out of a tradition harnes that is properly adjusted none are 100% secure. Especial if you are not paying attention to what the dog is doing
 
#8 ·
She doesn't slip out of her collar she leans outward - like a sideways pull. And she is very good at loose lead walking usually but lately I'll give her slack on the lead and she just takes it up pulling outward - to the side still in somewhat of a heel - if that makes sense...
 
#10 ·
I vote for harness for sure, works better for me, and I think they look cute in them.

Maybe buy one and try it-our biggest pet store here will take anything back if it's not working, that includes opened bags of food
 
#11 ·
Buddah is so good on the collar. He knows when we click the leash on him its time to go where we go! That said we thought we would try the harness, as you know walking a Basset can be a slow trip. Sniff Sniff everything, and yes if they decide to go backwards, wooosh they are out of the collar. Also dont like tugging on his neck when he stops suddenly after a jog after a local squirrel or cat! So got him a harness> WOW he doesnt seem to like that at all, he loves to try and eat the lead now! Hes not sure what is going on when walking him now. So not using it alot. Will try and get him more used to it. I think like everything with Bassets things take time and they need to decide its OK! So I think its atoss up whatever works for your pooch! By the way its Buddah's 2 YR Birthday today!!!!
 
#14 ·
Happy Birthday Buddah!!!!!

Did your peeps give you a big bash with lost of treats and gifts?:D
 
#16 ·
Harnesses were intended for pulling. (Think of a dog sled team they're attached to harnesses.) At the obedience school I'm taking my puppy to we start out with flat collars. Once the dog learns to walk on a leash properly you can switch to a harness. You shouldn't use a harness while training. The dog will just learn to pull with it on.

Funny enough my basset can escape just as easily with either a harness or a collar. These hounds are the Hoodini of the dog world.
 
#17 ·
I use a slip lead for regular walks but if we are going somewhere special, a pet store or anywhere I know there will be a lot of people and my boys will be excited I use the sporn no pull harness.
 
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