I have an 11 month old pug that has been wearing a regular collar which seems ok but a I talked to a breeder on Sunday and she said pugs should always be on a harness. I can't put the coats and sweaters over a harness because the leash hole is at the neck. Does anyone know, is it harmful to pugs?
Renee

The answer would seem to be to put the harness on top of the sweater/coat???

We walk the dogs 3 to 4 times a day and don't leave coats on in the house, this would be an extra chore, on and off , on and off, on dogs that squirm and jump all around as soon as they see a leash.  It's a feat just attaching the leash to the hook now.

If your previous dog didnt wear a harness I dont see what the problem is ??

I really don't understand, as harnesses are not designed to be left on the dog so you would have to take them off after each walk anyway.  So you just put on their sweater then the harness.

Also you should teach them to stand or sit qyietly while you get them ready for a walk.  It is quite easy. 

My first dog used to get herself wound up to fever pitch, and I then taught her to sit quietly on the step in my hall to have her olead attached.  I did this by stopping getting the lead on until she was quiet and settled.  No matter how much she jumped and barked I would not oput the lead on until she stopped.  Iniatially this meant I would go and sit back down in the living room.  She soon worked out that if she was quiet she got her walk, if not then no walk.

With my Elkhounds I did the same.  I now have five aged 12 down to 4 months.  they all now line up and wait quietly on the step before leads arte put on.  On occasion one of them may start to get excited, but they are ignored until quiet, while the others look at them with disgust, ande they too settle and lead goes on.  Very importantly I have taught them to sit and wait once I open the front door.  I then walk through and call them out behind me (about the length of their leads).  Walking 90 plus kilo of dogs takes a little organising and discipline :D :D

Beat me to it Brainless.. the harnesses should never be left on at anytime other than the walk. Training the dogs is vital..    I did notice you also said you walk the dogs 3 to 4 times a day have you spoken with your puppies breeders as to the amount of exercise etc is need for your breed and certainly the young puppy you have just bought doesn't need out on walks yet , socialising maybe.  It is important to be careful not to over exercise any puppy.  

Brainless I would love to see all your dogs lined up though waiting.  It does without a doubt take time but worth it to see them so well behaved.

Pamela

send me an email and I will try to take one!  I have a few of all five lined up in the park, but they are tethered :D

Mail on it's way..  ( attached a few westies for you to train ;-)   )

Pam

Thanks for the advice. I'm not good at training. I guess consistancy is key. I have a Maltese who wears a collar so he's all set. The puppy hasn't been walked yet. It's too cold. Also. I think I'll have to have collars WITH the harness because I want the tag on them AT ALL TIMES. God forbid one could accidentally sneak out without a tag. That was what was also confusing me but I guess they can wear both.
Renee