Does anyone have any recommendations for a nice inescapable harness for a leash reactive little chihuahua mix? My chihuahua mix is part pekingese and has short stubby little legs. She's shaped a lot like a fluffy daschund. I cannot use a collar with her because I realized it was hurting her trachea. She barks and lunges at passing dogs when on leash. (She also constantly pulls.) I've tried several harnesses with the front attachment with her and she's managed to get them twisted somehow so she's able to get both legs where one leg should be. Last weekend, I took her on a walk with this harness with the leash attached to the ring at the back and she managed to get completely out of it (horrifying). I would love some suggestions for what works with a short dog, thanks.
@taliine Anything advertised as a "safety harness" should do the trick. They'll have a third, smaller loop for the back of the ribcage so that the dog can't back out of the harness.
I've heard good things about the RuffWear Webmaster, or something custom made could be good if your dog has an odd shape. Lots of choices on Etsy.
@taliine Mine slipped her harness once. She has also hit the end of the lead with enough force the clips broke.
Now I walk with two leashes. One clips to the harness. One clips to her collar or a head halter. I probably look ridiculous, but if one piece of equipment fails, I am still in control via the other piece.
@nomerhunks Wow! Yeah having a backup is a good idea. I also have a high energy australian shepherd (not reactive, but also pulls on leash) who broke through one of his no pull harnesses trying to chase a cat when one of my friends was walking him for us while pet sitting (our poor pet sitter, huh?) I don't think our reactive dog is strong enough to bust through hers because she's pretty small (12 lbs). Maybe with some more wear and tear, but typically I replace them before they're showing any damage. I have a head collar, I've just never used it.
@taliine The harness was only a month old. So not from wear. She is from 2 breeds known to pull like mad. GSD/ACD.
The head collar is temporary while we work on the pulling so she doesn't hurt me or pull me over. Hoping to eliminate the head halter in a month or two.
I will probably continue two leashes or use a carabiner to connect the harness and collar.
@taliinethis, attached to a martingale collar will be really difficult to escape. Even if they pull the nose loop off, the part that goes around the neck stays on like a slip lead. Plus of course the martingale backup.
@imagebeastmarkbeast A lot of people will disagree but I totally agree. When we first got my dog's headcollar he'd pull off the nose loop occasionally but the headpiece stays on.
