Why is a harness better? I've only had a collar for Willie, but would be game to switch if it's better for him. Please elaborate.
My vet was very insistent that a harness would alleviate much of the stress a collar puts on a dachsies back. It distributes the pulling they do better this way. She said since dachshunds are so prone to back problems and based on research studies and case histories she's been involved with, she always recommends this technique and has had great success with it.
Heather
One of the things we tell our obedience students is to NEVER EVER leave a choke collar on their dog. That it is a training tool not hte collar they should live in. Now many people will tell you that they have had dogs for years that have always worn chokers and they never had a problem. That is when we tell them about the dobe pup who got one the rings caught and twisted between the slats of a deck fell off the side in his struggles and hung himself. Then there is my personal experience ( and I know better!!!) of comming in from training I left Tuckers collar on for just a minute while I answered the phone. Tucker and Oskar got to playing and Oskar got a tonail caught in Tucks collar and pulled it completely off his toe OUCH!!!!!! Be careful even with the nylon chokes accidents can happen any time.
Keep em safe
Lucinda
Jeannie asks:
The concern I have when thinking that their collars should be left off in the car is that if one were to steal the car and dogs got out, at least they would have their tags on. How do you feel about that? So many concerns re our little ones, it seems.
I would recomend micro chip and tattoo (inside back leg). If I felt I had to leave collar on would use a break-a-way type. I rarely leave dogs in the car unattended, am careful to park car where I can see it all of the time. Always have either Orchid or Wiz in the car with a doxie. Few people would be crazy enough to break into a car with a 80-100 pound Bouvier that is possessive of their car and dachshunds.
Gretchen