My boy Tusker will be having he's first walk in the next few weeks.. Advise on a collar, halti, or a harness? Opinions please ?
I wouldn't use a halti, prong, choke, martingale or anything in that nature for a pup. Besides, I doubt they even make them that small. A harness should do nicely, one that's nice and cushioned in the front for maximum comfort. You can also use a collar if you please, but careful when pulling or putting pressure on your pup's neck.
How old is Tusker? We started by using the harness on Rigby (Puppia makes a pretty nice one, available on Amazon) and then progressed to the collar when he was a little older. On long walks we use the harness in case he sees something and wants to give chase or in the event you need to tether him to something. Here's Rigby at 4 months with his harness, as you can see from the amount he tangles himself a harness is a much better bet for a pup! I also feel that you get more use out of a harness, or at least we have with Rigby. Initially the only collar that would fit on him was the smallest size the store had and he outgrew it within 2 weeks. He still fits in the harness and we will probably get around 2.5 months use out of it. I would acclimate Tusker to wearing a collar still, but don't buy anything too nice as they don't last very long! Once he gets large enough, I would have a 'waterproof' collar on hand if you are planning on taking him for romps in the water or field. I bought one for Teller a little while ago and it's been a blessing! Mud, dirt, nastiness, and water are no concern and (most importantly) there's no smell. Here's T looking dapper in his bright orange waterproof collar from Over/Under Co.
My two were in Puppia harnesses when they were small, after having a terrifying incident where Shadow slipped his collar - before I knew about how you should use a harness to protect their necks. For my next puppy, I want to try this harness, apparently available again in the smaller sizes from 10th December: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01CTNPSDY/ref=twister_B01G38J6XY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I think it looks better than the Puppia, as it attaches to the lead farther along the back but still has the big padded chest plate. I've not seen it in real life to make a final judgement, so don't take this as a proper recommendation.
Puppia didn't make anything small enough the last time I had puppies, but I'd totally try those now. My local store has them in the "Bavarian" version with blue/white checks, pretzels and bows. It is SO killing me not to have a puppy to buy that for. But...maybe I'll just go down there and buy one to add to the puppy box. Just in case, ya know?
Not a Rudolph one? Oh, my, it seems they have expanded their collection since I last looked! Maybe Luna would look good in peonies? Or maybe something in tartan because of her Scottish heritage?
Thank you! How cute are you doggies!! Thank you the red tartan one is my fav think il be ordering that..
Here's the one we got Libby: https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Harness-...=1481130944&sr=8-210&keywords=dog+harness+red It's super easy to put on and is easy to clip the leash to. She knows when the harness comes out, it's time for a walk!
@Jodie+Tusker - Thank you! Actually the red harness I bought for Teller because I failed to read that it was a PUPPY harness, so I bought an XL and yeah... not even his head would have fit inside. It got passed onto his little bro so all is well and good! I think the hardest part is not going out and buying them adorable collars and such because like human babies they'll outgrow it in a heartbeat. That's why I was so excited to get T when he was older because it meant I could get him a matching Vineyard Vines collar/leash combo. Not sure if VV is over across the pond but they make your quintessential New England 'yachting' clothes lol. Teller's patriotic whale collar (I have a shirt with a matching American flag whale on the back, lol). I would be careful with harnesses of those types (side adjusting or whatever). I'm not sure what they are called but I found it very tricky to get a fit on Teller in another brand with a similar design. You might have better luck with a pup. I had to size up to an XL because T has a large rib circumference but it was way too big in the chest. I bought it because it was a front hook harness so I'd (theoretically) have greater control when hiking with my dog but the front hook part is useless since it's too big. I measured him before buying and everything, but maybe my dog is just oddly-shaped? Here's the harness, you can't tell it's too large from the picture but you can probably see it's adjusted all the way to the end.
