Calling small dog owners-harnesses?

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NinjaPony

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So as I am going to see some Phalene (Papillon) puppies on Tuesday, the reality that I might end up with a puppy is sinking in! I plan to do some low level jogging (nothing too strenuous and not until the puppy is fully grown), walks, some agility and basic obedience. I was really wondering whether you use collars or leads for general walking? I'm concerned that a collar could put too much pressure on a small neck but I don't really want to encourage pulling and I know this can sometimes happen.
Are there any other things a newbie small dog owner should know? Thanks :D
 
I wouldn't so much say that they encourage pulling, as that they make it easier for a dog that wants to pull, to pull. I don't think there's any gadget a determined dog can't pull into if they really want to, headcollars included - it's just some make it easier than others.

They can learn to walk on a loose lead just as well on a harness as on a collar, but it is all dependent on how much training the owner puts in. Once you have the loose lead thing cracked, it doesn't matter much what the lead is attached to - the lead is your failsafe device rather than your vital lifeline. :)
 
Puppy should come already lead trained ( not getting it till 4 months) but yes I get your point. That's good to know, as I do think it could be more comfortable for the dog.
 
NinjaPony said:
So as I am going to see some Phalene (Papillon) puppies on Tuesday, the reality that I might end up with a puppy is sinking in! I plan to do some low level jogging (nothing too strenuous and not until the puppy is fully grown), walks, some agility and basic obedience. I was really wondering whether you use collars or leads for general walking? I'm concerned that a collar could put too much pressure on a small neck but I don't really want to encourage pulling and I know this can sometimes happen.
Are there any other things a newbie small dog owner should know? Thanks :D
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when I had my minpins, I used a harness for going out hiking and or jogging and an ordinary collar for just going for a stroll. They weren't pullers (trained not to) but I wanted the harness on for the hiking/jogging in case they accidently got pulled harder (ie they stopped and I kept going - or if they fell while hiking, I could more easily hoist them rather than by the neck).

But collars were fine for doing their ordinary walks. I would think for obedience you'd rather have a collar, but I could be wrong.
 
Yes that's my thinking too about the harnesses, I would rather the pressure was spread more evenly. We won't be competing seriously at obedience, just for fun and to give the smart pap brain something to do! I'm hoping in time to be able to have the dog heel off lead, especially for some low level agility but I think the harness is probably a good idea in terms of safety when we are out jogging or walking. Minpins are so cute, lovely little dogs.
 
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