Welcome to the forum. Murphy sounds a great dog.
Howdy from Dandy!
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I know that many use harness, but note especially on young dogs they can really restrict their front movement, I don't recommend them as a breeder. They can hurt the development of their front assembly... legs/elbows/chest. Just my opinion as a breeder.
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Agree entirely with tanza. Beyond the issues with young dogs, harnesses don't give you the control of the head that you sometimes need. Not so big an issue with a small dog, but with big ones? I see too may people being walked by their dogs these days! If harnesses are supposed to help with pulling it isn't obvious in my neighbourhood!
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@tanza Oh, I've heard the opposite! In my time as a trainer, I always recommend Y-shaped harnesses for puppies and small breeds, as collars (even martingales) can apply too much pressure to their throats. Front-clip harnesses with the band across the chest, on the other hand, are awful for their movement and development. We've done lots of loose-leash walking work so he really doesn't utilize the harness to yank me - the leash is just tight for the sake of the picture
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@eeeefarm We've worked on recall on a 20' line and are steadily increasing the distance! It's tricky right now since we are still sticking to areas that haven't had too many dogs pass through (he has a couple more vaccines to get but the vet has OK'ed most outdoor activities), but he's done great with the distractions we've worked through. I rarely use clickers but I would definitely try it out with him, thank you for the suggestion!
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@dandydog - Again, as a breeder I don't recommend harness especially for young dog... of course I show my pups, so it is big deal as it hampers their movement, which is does. And honestly I do not wait till all shots are given, I would go to lure trials and dog shows, just careful where I walk them at shows... away from "poop".... but the best way to build immunities is to take them places so they can build their own immunities... of course within good thought. Lure trials are the best, IMO...
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@dandydog said in Howdy from Dandy!:
I always recommend Y-shaped harnesses for puppies and small breeds, as collars (even martingales) can apply too much pressure to their throats.
I like a wide martingale collar (about 3.5 inches on the throat) as I feel they are safe and effective. Back in the day, everyone used choke collars and I am not aware of any injuries despite such common use. I believe they are still standard in the obedience ring. And thin chain martingale collars are used in the breed ring a lot.
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My what big ears you have! He's gorgeous! Congrats and welcome to the forum.
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@dandydog said in Howdy from Dandy!:
Oh, I've heard the opposite! In my time as a trainer, I always recommend Y-shaped harnesses for puppies and small breeds, as collars (even martingales) can apply too much pressure to their throats.
I have to laugh at this ! I have been saying for years that 'trainers' do not understand and should not be employed around Basenjis ! But it does seem you will be listening and learning. Actually owning one of these delightful critturs will really open your eyes ! Good that you are working on recall. But throw away the harness and invest in the Gentle Leader !
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@elbrant Thank you so much!!
