Harness??

daisy'smom · 05-20-2009, 11:18 AM

Georgie seems to have a problem with her collar. I have been training her to walk and she is doing really well but when she was injured by the Pit Bull attack she had a serious neck puncher. When she pulls at all she makes this funny breathing sound like she has an obstruction or something. She seems to be sensitive in her neck area also. I am wondering if it is scar tissue from her wound. Anyway I think I need to go to a harness for her walks so there is no pressure on her neck. Any suggestions on what type of harness. Is it OK to train using a harness? I am kind of scared to even use a martingale on her.

whitedaisy · 05-20-2009, 11:26 AM

I prefer not to use a harness as sometimes dogs will pull more with them on. I think what you describe about her choking is normal for pullers so don't be worried. Plus a well puppy vet check will help to reassure you. To teach my dogs not to pull I would hold a treat at my thigh so that they could smell or lick at it. When they were walking nice they got the treat, when they were pulling or nibbling they did not get it. It didn't take them long to figure it out. I also say "ah-ah" when they pulled if I didn't have a treat with me, they learn quick enough!! good luck.

KeeperBoy · 05-20-2009, 12:37 PM

I suggest the methods above. Though if you have your heart set on not using a collar you could use a sporn, easy walk harness or a halti, depending on her face. Though I would still teach the dog not to pull, as these devices don't teach the dog anything, just make it uncomfortable to pull.

purplelori · 05-20-2009, 01:05 PM

We got a Gentle Leader Harness for Wally. (It was recommended by the trainer we went to.) The difference between it and a regular harness (as far as I can see) is that the loop to hook the leash to is on his chest, so if he pulls it pulls him to the side----and if he REALLY pulls, he falls down (and looks very confused!) It didn't take him long to figure out it had something to do with him trying to race ahead of everyone. He seems to be doing much better--we will see starting tonite when we go to the intermediate obedience class!

Lori & Wally

daisy'smom · 05-20-2009, 02:00 PM

She really is not a bad puller. I am just worried about her neck. Even when she pulls just a little. That is why I was wondering about a halter. The sound she makes not only happens when she walks and it is not like choking, it sounds like raspy breathing. I guess I need to get her checked out by the Vet and be sure she does not have any long term damage from her injuries.

purplelori · 05-21-2009, 12:49 PM

Our 14 yr old lab mix (Wally's big 'sister') does that--she started a year or so ago. I took her to the vet and the general feeling is that she probably has a partial paralysis of her larynex. The vet said it's something that just seems to happen, and there's really no treatment for partial paralysis other than trying to keep her calm---yeah, like that happens with Wally around! Apparently it does sometimes go into full paralysis and then it's an expensive surgery that's rather complicated. Next time you take her to the Vet, ask them about it. Since Carli is a senior girl, I'm more about making her comfortable and giving her lots of love and as little pain and/or discomfort as possible. For a young dog, especially since it could be related to her attack, it might be something you could be more pro-active about.

Good Luck!

Lori & Wally---and Carli

JOHNPETER · 05-27-2009, 08:11 PM

hi guys She seems to be sensitive in her neck area also. I am wondering if it is scar tissue from her wound. Anyway I think I need to go to a harness for her walks so there is no pressure on her neck..thanks