Need help buying a harness....1 yr old teddy bear dog

gjnellis · 01-29-2007, 02:13 PM

I have a one year old teddy bear (shih tzu/bichon cross) with a very sensitve trachea so the vet suggested a harness. Can someone who has a dog similar to this (she's about 11-12 lbs) please help me locate a good harness for her?

At petsmart I bought one but am now thinking the straps might be too thick (it goes over her head and then around her chest behind her legs). Is this right?

I've also seen ones that have a strap right down the middle of their chest? Which is better and why?? Might you have a recommendation on where to purchase an appropriate one?

Please help!!!

Curbside Prophet · 01-29-2007, 02:17 PM

What brand is the first harness you bought? As for the other harness you're describing, do you clip the leash at a point on the chest, or on top? Usually, harnesses like the "gentle leader" have a point to clip the leash on the front of the chest. This helps to prevent pulling.

gjnellis · 01-29-2007, 02:54 PM

Here is a picture - not sure there is a brand name - it clips on the top - it's a little over 1/2 inch wide nylon and is adjustable. The loop over her head is adjustable in that is can move in and out based on the tightness of the strap behind her legs (if that makes sense). How tight should it be? Is this the right type for her? Here's a picture of her too!

Thanks so much for responding - I just want to be sure to get the right type - so she is comfortable. I do like the idea of not pulling when on a walk, however, I don't want to cause her to be in pain while walking....with a regular collar she pulls and had all sorts of trouble breathing /coughing due to the pressure on her trachea.

Thanks in advance for your help!