Harness ?

[katieb]

Hi there

We are due to pick up our MS puppy next week (Gracie) when she will be 8 weeks old & I would appreciate any advice re using a harness for walks? She wont be going for walks until about 12 weeks I know & will still be small - should we start with a harness so that she gets used to it & we don't hurt her if she pulls on the lead? Can you get harnesses that small?

Many thanks

Kathy

[Dawnspell]

Yes I would use a harness. I bought one for Jasper to wear before he could go on the ground for fastening him in his carry pouch and in the car. They grow so quick I think Jasper had 3 different sizes before his final one so dont spend a fortune. Most pet shops will allow you to take puppy in and help with the fitting. Introduce it to her slowly over a few days. Just reward her for going near it to start with, then start touching it to her body and rewarding before actauly putting it on. I'm sure Kikopup on youtube has a video about introducing a harness. I prefer one with a neck clip and body clip. Step in ones are a real faff with a wriggly puppy and a lot of dogs dont like the other type going over their heads.

She could hurt her neck on a collar by pulling far easier than on a harness. Yes you can get them for Chihuahuas so no problem for a mini

[katieb]

Thanks Dawn - I'll have a look on Amazon & pop into Pets at Home

[zeta1454]

I would highly recommend Perfect Fit harnesses - we have used these for many years now for all our pups and dogs. As they come in separate sections you can upgrade pieces if need be without having to buy a whole new harness. The company are very helpful if you contact them about specific sizing but there is a link here to their website:

https://www.dog-games-shop.co.uk/perfec ... rness.html

You do need to be careful when buying harnesses that they do not go straight across the chest or impede the shoulder movement as these can have a detrimental effect on puppies’ growth and cause orthopaedic problems later in life. We have been advised of this by the canine chiropractor we visit with our elderly affenpinscher. You need a Y shape front piece for the chest

[katieb]

Great thanks Zeta - I'll have a look & any advice very much appreciated. Regards Kathy

[zeta1454]

Some more info on this link

https://www.welfare4animals.org/blog/do ... ss-part-44

[katieb]

Thanks again Zeta - really helpful sites. Regards Kathy