harness?

F

frankienme

Forums Regular
Hi all,

I am wondering if anyone has ever tried a harness for your Sheltie? I use a martingale collar now and my Sheltie has managed to slip out of it twice when he shoots out the front door and goes after a raccoon - usually at night. He might also be trying to chase something and choke himself while I am trying to stop him from pulling forward in the collar. That breaks my heart when he does that. :no:

So I was considering trying a harness for walking him to avoid this. I don't know what type to try or if this would even be appropriate for a Sheltie. Any feedback would be appreciated! Thanks! :smile2:
 
we have some threads on harnesses from past discussions- use the Search in the blue bar at the top and type in harness.
I have harnesses for all three of my dogs- they also get seatbelted with their harnesses in the car. :yes:
 
I suspect your martingale is too loose. It should be two fingers tight, not much more.

Years of rescue have taught us some things, no harnesses being one of them. Maybe the technology has gotten better, but dogs are amazing at sliding out of them.
 
I use a harness for Fergus. He has a very small head and will slip a regular collar in seconds. I have an adjustable harness that I bought at a local pet store. So far he hasn't gotten out of it.
 
Our dogs have done fine in harnesseses, although I need to use an anti-pull muzzle due to back problems if they pull too hard. But, at least with a harness they don't choke themselves and they are still controllable. It all depends on how well the dog behaves. One of ours could be trusted with just the harness, but with two of them I needed the muzzle.
 
I use martingales with my boys. If they are slipping out of them, then you have them too loose.

I don't like Shelties in harnesses. Or at least my boys. I need to keep collars on them 24 x 7 because they become maniacs when someone comes to the door. I need something to grab onto. But I have very fine collars that I can leave on without matting their fur.

But for walking purposes, I've never seen the need for a harness. Sure, the boys can pull sometimes if they sniff something special, but a gentle tug away is enough.

A properly fitted martingale is all we need.
 
I've used both a harness and a martingale. I haven't had a problem with either of them. I prefer the martingale because it is easier to put on and take off.
 
ClantyreSheltie said:
I suspect your martingale is too loose. It should be two fingers tight, not much more.

Years of rescue have taught us some things, no harnesses being one of them. Maybe the technology has gotten better, but dogs are amazing at sliding out of them.
Click to expand...

That's what I was thinking. I first adjust it so its on the big side, then I pull the chain tight and adjust it at the point where its not choking but my sheltie's head can't slip out.

I have martingale's on both of my pups and wouldn't use anything else. They're great when they've been adjusted properly.
 
I often use harnesses. Deska is a master at slipping his martingale - he has the backing/twisting manouvre down pat and if I am not watching and holding the martingale tight and forward he gets out (he is a car chaser so it can be scary). I use the harnesses when I need more control of them, when we are on long walks and when using a flexible lead. On hot days they dont seem to like the harness and I am guessing its because it holds the fur down. I have a heavy weight harness I use in the car and a lightweight harness for walking.

Go with the harness if you dont feel safe with the martingale. I wouldnt be without one. Only difficulty I ever have is needing to remember to brush the little knot that forms at the top of the back where the harness sits.
 
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