Harness or collar

[dshayes1]

What is better for walking a "Westie" a collar or harness?

[hyuenjr]

Hello! since all terriers are very strong dogs I would recommend to use a collar. If you place it at the top of the neck it would work great because it is the weakest part of the neck and he´ll obey easily and will not pull. See Welcome to Cesar Millan's Official Web Site | Cesar Millan for this and other tips, I am a big fan of Cesar. My 2 years old miniature schnauzer Luka is very strong and with this technique it is a delight to walk him.

[MaryAnn]

How many pounds does your little Westie weigh?

[ckcs]

What is better for walking a "Westie" a collar or harness?

all
I do not like a cchoke collar to walk my dogs. I use the 'The Easy Walk Harness' by Premier. It has an unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog's chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area.

[alishiamay]

I put my dog in a harness, as if you pull too hard on a collar, they choke, but with a harness, they cant choke, and can enjoy theyre walk better. I hope this helps.

[MaryAnn]

Harnesses are better and recommended for smaller breeds and toy dogs. That is why I asked you how much your westie weighs.

Also... You should never ever walk your dog with an expandable flexi type leash, as the leash is always tight. You have no control over the dog. You never want the dog in front of you walking - You are the pack leader.

[Bandmom]

I used a collar for my Westie until 2 months ago. I switched to a harness and I am much happier. She would choke herself to the point of gasping with the collar. I was terrified she would collapse her windpipe! Now, with the harness, I have much better control of her, she never gags or gasps for air and I would never go back to a collar for a Westie!

[Molly M]

I have started a puppy in a harness while keeping them in proper heel position. Once they understand not to pull on the leash, I will use a collar. Older puppies and dogs I too use Cesar's method We do obedience and rally with our Westies, so a harness is not an option. Molly

[Henricq]

all
I do not like a cchoke collar to walk my dogs. I use the 'The Easy Walk Harness' by Premier. It has an unique front-chest leash attachment stops pulling by tightening slightly across your dog's chest and shoulder blades. The gentle pressure steers your dog to the side and redirecting his attention back towards you. The Easy Walk Harness never causes coughing, gagging, or choking because the chest strap rests low across the breastbone, not on the delicate tracheal area.

I agree with the 'easy walk' harness. I was using a collar with my mini schnauzer and it just choked him as he pulled. The easy walk is the best as stated above by ckcs. It provides full control of the dog when walking.

[skippy]

I have 2 Yorkies and was told by the breeder and others only to use a harness as they are known for fragile tracheas and you can do damage using a collar to walk them. They can wear a collar for their tags, but never use a leash on it.