Dog harness or collar?

Dog harness or collar?

Dog harness or collar?

In most cases, a dog harness is the safest choice if you are walking your pet on a leash, trying to control behavior in public, and riding in the car. But a collar can still be appropriate under certain circumstances.

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Collars to avoid

Most experts strongly discourage choke collars, prong collars, and shock collars.   A plain nylon or leather collar is the safest and most humane choice for your furry soulmate.  Remember that the bigger your dog is, the wider their collar should be.

Introducing your furry soulmate to a new harness

  1. Test out the harness first.  Try on the new harness before heading outdoors to ensure a proper, comfortable fit.
  2. Use treats or play. During training time, put treats or toys on or near the harness to help your furry soulmate make positive connections with the new harness.
  3. Feed treats through the harness.  Hold up the dog harness with a treat on the other side of the neck hole.  This will allow your dog to lean through the neck hole in order to eat the treat. 
  4. Reward touch connections. If your dog is sensitive to touch, gently touch the areas of their body where the harness will touch.  Reward them with treats or play.
  5. Put the harness on during play and feeding times. Once your dog is comfortable with the harness, use it during dinner and playtime. This will teach your dog that wearing the harness leads to positive things, and it mentally prepares your dog to use the harness during walks and car rides.  Always reward your dog with praise, treats, or play.

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