I have noticed on this forum that many of the Labs wear harnesses and became aware that around here I would say only 1% of any breed of dog wears a harness!
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? Loads of dogs wear harnesses on my street, and the surrounding streets. We live close to an orthopedic vet who thinks collars are the work of the devil and tells everyone to walk their dogs in harnesses. That might have a lot to do with it!
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? In Germany you NEVER see a dog in a collar - all have harnesses - I began to think it was the law. (My son lives in Heidelberg so we visit often)
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? Interesting.....someone today said you'd rarely see a sliplead in London as they're considered a choke device. Luckily Riley had been behaving himself and we'd just been used to demonstrate how useful it is to be able to get your lead on quickly and easily....and one handed!!!
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? Bit more of a mixture up here, but probably no more than 10-15% harnesses I would say. A surprising number of dogs with NO collar though, walking in the local dog walking wood too, not just up and around private tracks and farms. I just don't get that. Maybe they just have better recall : Fair number of slip-leads though, as at least one local trainer is keen on them
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? [quote author=bbrown link=topic=5605.msg71003#msg71003 date=1398457126] Interesting.....someone today said you'd rarely see a sliplead in London as they're considered a choke device. Luckily Riley had been behaving himself and we'd just been used to demonstrate how useful it is to be able to get your lead on quickly and easily....and one handed!!! [/quote] Interesting...as most of the dogs I noted recently at an agricultural show were on a slip lead, and very well behaved, no pulling from any of them, mixture of labs, spaniels and hounds, very relieved I didn't take our pup!
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? Mainly collars and leads or slip leads around here, I buck the trend and use harnesses on both of mine.
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? [quote author=bbrown link=topic=5605.msg71003#msg71003 date=1398457126] Interesting.....someone today said you'd rarely see a sliplead in London as they're considered a choke device. [/quote] This is true - at least in my part of London, in the catchment area of the most popular puppy class company (promoted by the local vets and pet shops). Slip leads are banned from the class. Flat collars tolerated, harnesses encouraged. Most people I meet went to the same puppy class company (which is nice, as Charlie got to meet his puppy class mates on the Common as they all grew up).
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? Collars and leads round here; never see a slip lead unless I am at gundog training lessons. Slip leads were designed to be used without collars as working dogs should not wear collars when working, in case they get caught up. However, all dogs should wear collars when out walking as it is law I think. Interesting reading the differences over the country Written before I read your post JulieT!
Re: Are dog harnesses 'fashionable' in different areas of the country? It's a real mixture where I live, but I have to say I think I'm in the minority using a harness or a head collar. Around my way the dogs you tend to see in harnesses are staffies owned by idiot boys who walk them in those hideous great big studded leather contraptions. Majority of dogs seem to be just collar and lead, though it's usually an extendable lead. I've never seen a dog on a slip lead. Lots of dogs without collars but that's more down to an irresponsible owner than the fact that they are working dogs. Other dogs in choke chains or half checks getting yanked about. As I mentioned in a post last week I've also see one dog in a prong collar. *sigh* I dislike living in the city. It makes me sad. (Grew up in the country but we could only afford to buy a house in the city)
