Collar or harness - which is better for the dog? What is better for a dog: a harness or a collar? What are the dangers of leash tension?

When using a well-fitting harness, all the load is transferred to chest dogs. Relieving the spine is important for all dogs, especially if they suffer from joint diseases (hip dysplasia, spondylosis, etc.) or if they have an excessively long spine (for example, dachshunds, basset hounds, etc.)

Increased safety during walks: the back strap of the harness is convenient for quickly and firmly grasping the dog if necessary. In this case, the dog itself will be more pleased to be grabbed by the strap on its back rather than by the collar (the dog would feel severe pain from the pressure on its throat), especially if the dog is old, sick or very sensitive. At the same time, the probability of dislocating your arm from the dog’s tugging on the leash is much less.

If the dog gets into a difficult situation (for example, cannot get out of a ditch on his own), it is easier and safer to grab him by the harness than by the collar.

About leash length

When going outside, the dog, just like the owner, is exposed to irritants that cause natural physiological and psychological reactions. Many owners ignore this fact and demand unconditional obedience from the dog according to the principle “the dog must obey unquestioningly!”

It is believed that a dog should always walk “Rrr next!” The hosts announce the execution of the command “Nearby” the most important rule obedience on walks and pay a lot of attention to teaching your dog this command, using a short leash as a tool.

Most owners are used to simply pulling the dog along with them. For this purpose, a short leash is, of course, more convenient than a long one. You yourself would hardly like it if, while walking with a friend, every time you turned to the side, he, without saying a word, pushed you in the right direction. At the same time, if you did not understand him, he would pull you by the neck and scold you. For our dogs, walking on a leash - especially a short one - looks exactly like this!

Added to this is stress, as the dog experiences a whole range of other types of problems that we almost never think about. This is how dog behavior problems begin when walking.

Tell me honestly, have you ever thought about how long a leash should be? No matter how many times I observed walking dog walkers, I got the impression that many of them don’t care how long the leash is or how much free space they leave for the dog.

In fact, the length of the leash plays a big role - both for the owner and for the dog. With the help of such a seemingly trifle as a leash, we can create a whole bunch of problems without noticing it!

1. On a short leash, a dog pulls harder than on a long one: the animal wants to smell something, then examine some detail, or leave its mark. It should be taken into account that the ability to receive information through smells and mark territory is one of the most important components of a dog’s communication with the outside world. Therefore, she will instinctively try to do this all the time and in the meantime she will learn to pull the leash even harder.

2. Sometimes the dog simply does not have enough space to maintain a certain distance from the owner, strangers and other objects. For a dog, this distance is extremely important - just as it will be for you. unpleasant feeling, if someone comes close to you or if you are forced to get too close to any object that inspires you with fear. No one except you can determine this distance. The owner also cannot identify her as his dog.

3. Seeing other dogs, your pet will want to say hello, if not say hello. at least, politely pass by. In dog language, this means approaching at a certain speed in an arc, and not frontally. When approaching, dogs make sure to let each other know that their intentions are peaceful. To do this, they use a whole set of reconciliation signals. For example, they lick their lips, look to the side, slow down.

If the owner keeps the dog on a leash that is too short, tugs on it and prevents it from observing all these rituals, he creates a stressful situation for both dogs, which can lead to an aggressive reaction that is unexpected for the owners. In response to this, the owners will punish and scold their dogs.

If such encounters occur frequently, the dog may develop an aggressive attitude towards its neighbors, especially if they are on a leash. Walking will become a source of stress for both the owner and the dog. The walk will turn into a cycle of aggression and punishment.

4. A short leash, especially in combination with a collar, is a kind of noose for the animal. It is in this combination that the dog receives the strongest pressure on the throat by jerking the leash, cervical vertebrae and neck muscles. According to research results (see book), in 70% of dogs such jerks lead to back pain and behavior problems.

5. Many people believe that with the command “Near” and tugging on a short leash, they can quickly and effectively call the dog to obedience, but it will only be nervous, afraid of being punished.

We need to think about the fact that the leash is not a “control lever” for the dog. This is just a means of necessary control over the animal in places where for some reason it cannot run freely. A dog that is well trained to come when called will follow you if you simply call it to follow you. Consequently, such a dog can be led on a leash without physical effort and stress.

Try it yourself: use a leash of 3 meters or more and try to communicate with your dog whenever he needs to change direction. This communication should only include a gentle call and eye contact. Then the dog will learn to follow you regardless of the length of the leash and will do it with pleasure. This method of communication can be practiced at home. To do this, it is enough to call the dog affectionately every time and reward it for paying attention to you. At the second stage of training, you need to try to teach the dog to follow you. If a calm and trusting relationship has developed between you and the dog, the success of the training is guaranteed. It’s amazing that after a while “contact walks,” as experts call them, will become an additional thread connecting you with your dog!

Of course, it also happens that a dog on a walk is too irritated, overly active, and reacts violently to any irritant. Then, before learning contact walks, you need to delve into the reasons for her excited state during a walk and eliminate them.

Further Reading

• Anders Hallgren. Behavior problems - or back pain? Dogfriend Publishers, 2008.
• Turid Rugos. Dialogue with dogs: signals of reconciliation. Dogfriend Publishers, 2008.
• Clarissa von Reinhardt, Martina Nagel. Stress in dogs. Dogfriend Publishers, 2008.
• Turid Rugos. My dog ​​is pulling on the leash. What to do? Dogfriend Publishers, 2010.

When purchasing a dog, you need to take care of how you will walk it. Required with early age accustom your baby to a collar and leash. This is necessary for his safety and the peace of mind of others. The choice in pet stores today is so impressive that many people leave there confused. Should you choose a regular leash or a tape measure? Which is better, a harness or a collar? Indeed, it is better to postpone the purchase and weigh everything carefully.

Benefits of a harness

In fact, it is used less often. For some dogs it is recommended for use, for others it is contraindicated. It is comfortable because it does not put pressure on the neck during rest and is practically not felt while moving. Another plus is that the harness is securely fixed to the body, which is important for breeds such as dachshund. They manage to emerge from almost any collar, but this trick won’t work for them here.

It is almost impossible to answer unequivocally which is better, a harness or a collar. Required to be taken into account anatomical features and the age of the animal, as well as the loads to which you expose it.

Consultation with a specialist

Indeed, it is sometimes difficult to do without it. Walking in a harness forms the puppy's bones and muscles in a special way, so before purchasing, be sure to consult the club or the breeder. In most cases, it cannot be used until the age of 1 year.

As already mentioned, it is quite difficult to say which is better, a harness or a collar. Some breeds need the first one for proper development muscles, it is not recommended for others. A harness is a must-have item for sled dogs. If you want to use an adult dog for sledding with children, then no collars.

Together with your pet

When choosing which is better, a harness or a collar, it is worth noting that choosing the first one for a dog is a little more difficult. The collar is selected according to width, massiveness and length. In fact, the only guideline here is the neck circumference and the size of your pet. With a harness it's more complicated. You can’t just come into a store and ask them to give you a model for a husky or a basset hound. Even representatives of the same breed can differ greatly from each other.

Guidelines may be as follows. The straps should be comfortable and wide enough. The harness must fit snugly, but at the same time not cut in anywhere or restrict movement, it should not dangle or rub. Therefore, when choosing a model for an adult dog, it is best to come and try it on before purchasing with it.

Dachshund and basset hound

These are dogs with an extremely long spine, which means that they must be treated with care. The question of which is better or a harness is discussed quite often. On the one hand, the harness allows you to distribute the load on the chest and protect the spine. But we mean adult dogs. But it is not suitable for a dachshund under one year of age.

• Any dog ​​in a harness gets used to pulling, and all your attempts to stop it will go unnoticed. It's more of a disciplinary thing, but important point. Moreover, constant stretching of the neck forms its incorrect exit.
• The harness provokes the elbows to turn outward. This will greatly reduce your chances of winning the exhibition.

When deciding what is best for your puppy, a collar or a harness, pay attention to the herring collar. It has an extension and is made of soft leather or canvas. This best option for a young dachshund. After a year, you can wear a comfortable harness for a long hike in nature. But it is best to still use the collar.

Yorkshire Terrier

These are tiny creatures whose main decoration is luxurious, iridescent fur. Speaking about what is better for a Yorkie, a collar or a harness, we again draw your attention to the fact that wearing a harness is not recommended for young dogs. They get used to pulling, jumping and performing incredible somersaults. After this, by transferring them to a collar, you risk leading the dog to self-strangulation. Therefore, train your pet to walk correctly.

Babies do not need heavy and massive collars. But today there is a huge selection of miniature models with rhinestones and bows that look very cute. But you shouldn’t wear it all the time, so as not to spoil the wool. Use the collar only when going for walks and take it off at home.

Pomeranian Spitz

Very active and agile dogs that just physically need to run a lot. This is not always possible on walking areas, since other dogs are also walking, some of them can be aggressive. What is better for a Spitz, a harness or a collar, so as not to restrict his freedom too much, but at the same time ensure safety? If the dog is not a show dog, then a harness will be a more convenient option. She holds the pet well, even when he tries to wriggle out. The downside is that when constant use In places where the belts pass, wool will be wiped off.

For a large dog

Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes and other large pets need regular walks. Letting them run around without control is fraught with problems with passers-by and even with the authorities. Which is better or a harness? For large breeds, a harness is used only if they are harnessed to a children's sled. For walks it is easier to use a comfortable collar. He disciplines better, and it turns out to be much easier to control animals.

Collars are made from a variety of materials. It can be leather, nylon, fabric. The larger the animal, the more massive the collar should be. Of course, the material should be stronger.

Types of collars

• Walking - they are suitable for taking your pet out onto the playground every day. They imply a strong connection to the leash. It's good if it's a solid ring. On inside The product must have a soft lining.
• Other collars are used for service and training. They are equipped with a handle that will allow you to hold your pet at the right time. In the upper part they have two half rings or loops. This allows you to change the nature of the leash tension for different tasks. It can act as a noose if required by training with a disobedient animal.
• To stand guard. It is understood that for part of the day the dog works at his post, that is, he is on a leash. The models have a decent width so as not to injure the animal’s neck. If a leash is required, it is threaded through the half ring, and then the carabiner is fastened to the buckle. Then the tension will not injure the animal’s neck.

Parfors (or noose)

These varieties are most often used to practice certain pet skills. Pain in the neck area of ​​an animal is associated with prohibition. Even in childhood, the bitch grabs the puppies by the withers with her teeth if they do something forbidden. But you need to correctly calculate your strength, it is advisable to consult a dog handler.

[:RU]A dog must be walked, so any owner who gets such a pet is faced with the choice of what is better to buy: a collar or a harness.

What is the difference between a harness and a collar?

Everyone knows what a collar looks like, but not everyone knows what a harness is. It looks like a belt system with shoulder straps. Its main advantage is that the harness allows you to remove the load from the neck and distribute it evenly across the shoulders and chest.

Not all four-legged friends like to wear a collar, as it tightens the neck. If you tighten it too much, there is a chance that it will compress her and may even cause difficulty breathing. The collar often causes discomfort in the pet. In addition, if you pull on the leash that is attached to the collar, the dog usually shows aggression, which is not surprising: it is unlikely that anyone will like being pulled by the neck.

A dog harness is considered the most humane means of controlling a pet's movement. If the owner pulls the pet towards him, there is no risk of neck injury.

In addition, the dog is quite comfortable in a harness, because... it is made from soft materials. They do not rub or harm your pet's fur or skin. The following materials are used to make harnesses: soft skin, nylon, velor, braid.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a dog harness

But the harness also has a drawback; if the dog collar harms the neck, then it can negatively affect the condition knee joints. For this reason, dogs under one year of age are not recommended to wear them. It is better to give preference to a collar if you have a dog of a short-legged breed (dachshund, for example). Exhibitors are also not recommended to wear harnesses.

For dogs that are very strong, in particular Rottweilers, it is still better to use harnesses. They are more reliable and hold the pet better, but she can break off the leash and run away.

They have a limit on dog sizes, too large breeds they are not always possible to find. Therefore, they are used for walking puppies and small dogs. There are also special models of harnesses with increased strength for sled dogs and guard dogs.

Another advantage is that it is much easier for the owner to restrain the dog when the leash is attached to a harness rather than a collar.

When preparing to get a dog, future owners think about keeping it - they need a proper diet, and, of course, walks. Difficulties often arise with them: the puppy may be overly active, or, conversely, get scared of something and fly away.

You have to keep him on a leash, reining him in from time to time. We will learn how to make this process less painful by finding out what a comfortable harness is for different types.

Such equipment is designed to control the pet’s behavior during a walk and makes it possible to hold it in the most comfortable position.

These products have been around for a long time. True, they were not very well known to a wide range of dog handlers - for a long time they were used only in sledding. But the convenience of a simple device made it popular and widespread.

This device looks quite simple: fabric or leather belts, running across the chest and along the body (bottom of the body or along the back), are connected in the area of ​​the front legs and spine.

This scheme is safe for the dog. If there is a need to hold her, the pressure from the leash is distributed over many points (while the leash simply digs into the neck, causing pain).

Types of harnesses

Pet stores offer great amount devices, and it’s easy to get confused by this variety. To make the task of choosing a harness easier, let’s look at what varieties are available on the market and who they are suitable for.

It's also universal. The most popular type of product, which is bought “for every day”.

Made from leather or nylon tape in the form of belts connected by rings, and the fastening ring or carabiner is located at the withers.
There are usually no problems with choosing - you will certainly choose an option that is suitable in size and quality.

But there are also some nuances. A dog walking harness, regardless of material and parameters, is not recommended for puppies. If the pet belongs to medium breed, then the first outings in such equipment occur no earlier than 8-10 months of life. For mini lines the minimum acceptable deadlines shift to the milestone of 6-7 months.

Did you know? Adult dog, depending on the breed, makes from 12 to 30 breathing movements per minute (while puppies average 40).

Earlier use risks deformation of the front paws, which results in eversion of the elbow. Moreover, limb alignment disturbed in this way can lead to health problems in adulthood.

This is a special product in the form of a vest, designed for walking with an injured animal.

The vest covers a large area (about 2/3 of the body), and the attachment is directed to the hind legs. Thus, they are unloaded, and the front pair of limbs becomes the supporting one.

Due to this design, the risk of re-injury is eliminated - the walk becomes leisurely, and the wide girth reliably fixes the body (even after flick, the dog will not feel sharp pain from a “lost” muscle in the area of ​​injury).
Wearing should be discussed with your veterinarian in advance. It’s good if it helps you choose a specific product.

This type is used only for restoration - excessive fixation is appropriate only in such cases (while it can cause harm to a healthy individual).

The design combines strength and comfort for the dog himself. It is sometimes difficult to select such a product, so the way out of the situation is to order such kits from craftsmen.

This entails some costs, but such custom tailoring for dogs takes into account all the characteristics of an individual animal. The materials used are durable and moisture-resistant nylon or canvas.
The device itself is also different - there are more belts, as well as fastening rings (which allows you to evenly distribute the load on the body).

Criterias of choice

As you can see, choosing the right product can be difficult. You have to take into account a lot of factors, from the size to the temperament of the dog - the same walking harnesses selected for a husky and, for example, a dachshund will differ in both dimensions and design.

Did you know? After World War I german shepherds...lost their name. In the wake of anti-German sentiment, these cute dogs were renamed Alsatian wolf dogs.

To make the task easier, let’s find out what you should pay attention to when choosing a set for your pet.

Material quality

In priority synthetics- such materials are not afraid of moisture, are easy to wash and are durable.

All this fully applies to the popular nylon, which by its structure is ideal for working even with large dogs. Harnesses based on it retain their shape for a long time and hold the seams, despite heavy loads.
Looks more presentable leather. But it is not very suitable for active activities: with prolonged contact with water, this material stretches, and after drying it becomes rigid, cracking over time.

Wanting to save money, many people take harnesses from canvas tape. In terms of strength, they are good, but their service life is short. The “tarpaulin” has one more property: once it gets wet, it takes a very long time to dry.

In any case, before purchasing, it is advisable to make sure that the dog is not allergic to the selected material (this happens).

When deciding for yourself how to choose the most comfortable harness for your dog, you need to remember about the accessories.

For a small dog, a minimum of strip belts will be enough: for a dog with a small weight, they will be enough. The fastener in such cases may also be plastic.

Important! Too few fasteners can play a cruel joke on a well-fed dog: it may have to be literally pressed into the harness. So when choosing, it is better to take it with a reserve.

Instances with a more powerful build will only need a metal one. The number of belts is selected based on specific purposes: for a normal walk, 3 are enough (one wraps around the sternum, and two more are attached to it, responsible for the base of the legs). If we take the riding type, then there are already several belts that overlap along the entire length of the body, and a fastening carabiner is attached to the edge.
All fasteners must fit well and sit neatly in the straps. The straps themselves are adjustable in size, do not touch armpits(if we talk about the side) and hold firmly, which is necessary for the strip on the back.

Naturally, all this should be as convenient as possible for the wearer. A too tight fit is excluded - by rubbing the bald spot, the dog runs the risk of getting skin problems in addition to discomfort.

Right size

Having gone through a lot of options, owners settle on models that are not particularly large, and on the other hand, do not squeeze the dog, causing it pain. The further use of the product is also important - medical and walking harnesses will differ slightly in size, even if we're talking about about the same individual.

Did you know? In the Middle Ages, dogs could be judged in all seriousness. They were mainly accused of indecent behavior. It is curious that, along with mongrels, cats, cows and even pigs turned out to be “defendants”.

Because of this, the question of how to choose a good harness for your dog, based on size, sometimes turns into a whole problem. But don’t despair - everything can be solved if you keep the basic parameters in mind.

First of all, make sure that the animal is standing straight and calm. Only then do measurements begin. You need to know three basic numbers:

• Length of the back (from the front edge of the shoulder blade to the base of the tail).
• Neck circumference at the widest point.
• Chest girth, which is determined by measuring just behind the front paws. Another 1-2 cm is added to the obtained indicator (than bigger dog, the greater the increase).

So, the smallest XS is suitable for a dog weighing 0.8-1.2 kg, with a back length of 18 cm, a chest volume of 25 and a neck girth of 17 cm. The largest (7 XL) is already for a St. Bernard weighing under 40 kg and a chest of 95 cm.

Important! Measurements are taken by pressing the wool well.

A separate topic is measurements before ordering a riding harness. Here other parameters are taken into account, namely:

• Sternum length.
• The interval between the withers and the beginning of the chest.
• The distance from the end of the last to the base of the tail.

Having chosen the most suitable product, owners often conduct another simple test - they try how freely the palm fits under the straps. If this does not require extra effort, then you have made the right choice, and the kit will be comfortable for the dog.

Having such a purchase in hand, it is logical to ask how to properly put a harness on an active and not always obedient dog.

The algorithm is simple, although it requires some sleight of hand:

• The animal is carefully secured by lightly squeezing the croup with both legs. The harness is already in hand.
• The closed (ring) part is put on the neck first.
• Immediately correct the position of the belt - there should be limited space between the circle and the jumper.
• The paw is inserted into the gap between the circle and the strap.
• If everything is done as it should, the bridge will easily slide across the chest and the strap will move to the right.
• One side of the harness remains free. It is pushed through the cavity of the left paw, after which the belt is fastened.
• That's all: all that remains is to check how the set holds on, and, if necessary, move it a little for comfortable wearing. After making sure that the dog is comfortable and does not feel pressure anywhere, inspect all the fasteners and attach it to the top ring on the leash - you are ready for a walk.

Did you know?In the ancient Aztec calendar there was a day of honoring dogs. It occurred every tenth day.

At the first attempts, this procedure may cause difficulties, but after a few approaches the owner acquires the skill, and the animal gets used to the comfortable new thing.

This question occupies many owners, who find the wording itself strange. They reason like this - since there is a comfortable harness, then why do you need an “inhumane” collar.

But dog handlers and veterinarians believe that these two types of devices can and even need to be alternated, avoiding the transition to using only one device.

And there are reasons for this. The need for a harness arises when:

• You need to control the dog without causing injury to it.
• The dog has a short, flattened muzzle. For example, when jerking a collar, it can lead to the appearance of systemic problems with breathing.
• The animal has a large neck girth, which also risks squeezing.

Add big ones here functionality(just look at the list of species), and you will also wonder why all the owners have not yet given up collars.

Important! To ensure that the transition from harness to collar and back is not accompanied by stress, be sure to spend time communicating with the animal - talk to it, or pet it, giving it your favorite treat.

Meanwhile, the harness also has its disadvantages.

The first is that it is only suitable for walking or training (it is inconvenient at home).

The second, and main, counterargument is related to psychology: having quickly gotten used to a soft harness, the animal simply will not allow you to put on a collar. A smart pet will immediately understand: now you can do anything without the risk of being “besieged” by a hard collar. This can spoil the tailed one.
For these reasons, it is better to keep the collar ready - of course, using it extremely gently and without any cruelty.

We found out what a dog harness is, what types are on sale, and how to choose a device based on your pet’s characteristics. We hope this information will be useful and you will need to update active dog just right. More new impressions!

Before going for walks with your Chihuahua, you need to think about safety rules. Dogs of this breed are considered the smallest among all dogs, and many dangers await them on the street, such as large animals or fast cars. To avoid problems while walking your pet, it must be accustomed to a leash or harness in advance. And the muzzle will prevent the decorative dog from picking up anything dirty from the ground. In this article you will learn how to choose the right leash, harness, muzzle and collar for your Chihuahua.

The choice of collar must be approached with all responsibility. It must be selected in size so that it does not squeeze the dog’s throat and at the same time she cannot jump out of it.

Usually collars are selected for growth, but a Chihuahua does not need such a calculation, because it does not grow more than twenty-three centimeters at the withers.

In general, dog collars are divided into the following types:

• classic walking;
• classic training;
• classic guard;
• noose;
• strict;
• exhibition.

But this dogs decorative breed no need for guards or strict collars, and even more so - a noose. Therefore, we will consider the remaining types of collars.

For a walk

Classic walking collars are suitable for daily trips outside or visiting. This is the most popular type of collar. This dog accessory has one ring for fastening. It must be fastened around the dog's neck so that it does not dangle. Ideally, the owner's finger should fit under the collar. If this cannot be done, then the collar will put pressure. If it fits large quantity fingers, the dog will be able to pull it over his head.

Walking collars can be made of canvas or leather. Durable genuine leather, of course, will always be in fashion and will last for a very long time, but the dog’s skin can begin to fray underneath it. Therefore, wearing a leather collar too often is not advisable. Also, such an accessory is unsuitable in rainy weather and requires careful care. Before purchasing a leather accessory, run it with a wet hand. If there are traces of paint on your hand, it means it is of poor quality.

Tarpaulin is the most durable material for collars. It is not afraid of rain or falling into a body of salt water. Caring for it is very simple - you just need to wash it when it gets dirty and take care of the metal buckles. Another nice bonus is that this collar comes in many colors.

Regardless of your preference, there are a few tips that will help you choose a collar made of any material. Firstly, it should be strong, but not hard. Preferably with a double layer.

Secondly, there should be a lot of holes on it. This is very important for long-haired Chihuahuas - during shedding, the volume of the neck may become slightly larger.

Thirdly, the ring for attaching the carabiner to the leash must be reliable.

Fourthly, a collar for a small dog should be light.

And most importantly, if you are a fan of glamorous collars, then always carefully inspect the decorative elements. They should not cause any discomfort to your pet.

For the exhibition

Such collars should be discreet so as not to distract attention from the Chihuahua. At the same time, they must be comfortable, lightweight, reliable and durable. There are two types of show collars:

• synthetic cord;
• chain.

The requirements for them are the same as for classic walking collars. Please take your time before purchasing Special attention chain. Its links should be light, solid and strong. This collar should not be worn in rainy weather, and the links require careful care. Otherwise, over time they will become covered with rust.

There should not be any unnecessary parts on the cord, otherwise the decorative elements will put pressure on the pet’s neck.

We put it on and train it

After choosing a suitable collar, you need to put it on your pet, while at the same time accustoming it to a new thing.

For the first time, five two to three minutes is enough. Try again after a while. Over the course of several days, increase the time you wear the collar by a few minutes until your Chihuahua becomes completely accustomed to it. As soon as you notice that she has stopped paying attention to the new thing, you can safely put on a leash and go for a walk.

Leashes for dogs

After choosing the right collar for your pet, you need to decide on the choice of leash. There are few requirements for it. It should be fairly safe, that is, light in weight, without any unnecessary parts. Otherwise, it will be extremely inconvenient for a small dog to carry such a weight.

You also need to choose a leash that is suitable in length. A short leash will not give your pet enough space to roam, while a leash that is too long will simply get tangled. The best option for your Chihuahua is a tape leash. It is lightweight and its length can be adjusted. You can also choose a thin leash made of leather or nylon.

Always pay attention to the quality of dog equipment. To prevent the leash from falling off at an inconvenient moment, its carabiner must close well. Look at the seams that hold the material of the leash together - they should have been stitched well. Otherwise, such an accessory will quickly become unusable. Be sure to hold the leash in your hand before purchasing to see if it is comfortable for you. It shouldn't rub your hand.

Considering anatomical structure respiratory tract Chihuahua, collar and leash - not the best option for dogs of this breed. Pulling the leash forcefully can disrupt the dog's breathing or injure the cervical vertebrae.

A separate decorative collar is perfect for the beauty of your pet at home or away. It is best to walk a small dog with a harness.

Dog harnesses

A coordinated system of straps and straps is called a harness. The main advantage of the harness is the correct distribution of the load on the pet’s shoulders and chest. And the variety of colors will please any picky buyer. There are several types of such equipment: towing, cargo, medical, recreational. For Chihuahuas, only the latter type is suitable.

The walking harness can be used every day while walking along the streets or visiting. The attachment ring should be in line with the Chihuahua's withers.

In order not to make a mistake when choosing a harness, you need to know a few subtleties.

First, you need to choose the size accurately. The harness should not restrict your pet's movements, but it should fit snugly enough without squeezing. The belts should not put pressure on the armpits and chest, and the distance between them should not exceed three centimeters. Secondly, it is advisable to choose a concave fastener so that it does not dig into the Chihuahua’s body.

Once you have decided on the size, you will need to learn how to properly place the harness on your Chihuahua. To do this, first place the dog on the table. Carefully put on the harness so that the connecting strap with the leash ring is on top. Then slide the animal's paws through the ring of the first strap so that each paw is separated by the lower connecting strap. Ready. All that remains is to connect the leash and you can go for a walk.

While you are putting on the harness, do not forget to talk to the dog in a gentle and calm tone, rewarding with treats. As with collar training, give your pet time to get used to the new thing.

Muzzles for dogs

Another important attribute of Chihuahua equipment is a muzzle. Many owners do not attach much importance to this item, believing that a small dog does not need it. But that's not true. There are several options where a muzzle can come in handy:

• traveling on public transport;
• during a visit to the doctor;
• during education;
• during training;
• during exhibitions.

You also need to take into account the character traits of the Chihuahua. She is a very jealous dog and may start to show it when visiting or in public places. Many people may be afraid for themselves or their children. In order not to spoil your relationship with others and not to listen to possible complaints, it is better to put a muzzle on your pet once again.

There are several types of muzzles: metal, solid leather, plastic, “baskets”. For Chihuahuas, soft nylon muzzles are an excellent option.

This muzzle completely fits the dog's muzzle. In it she will not be able to lift anything from the ground. It will not be possible to bark or bite in such a muzzle, but the pet will be able to breathe calmly - the nose in this muzzle remains open. Another important advantage of a nylon muzzle is that it can be used in the rain. And it’s easy to care for – you just need to wash it when it gets dirty.

If it’s too hot outside, you can purchase a mesh muzzle for such a case. But this is a short-lived option. The Chihuahua will very quickly chew through walls made of breathable fabric.

Selecting the size

In order not to be mistaken with the size of the muzzle, measure the Chihuahua's muzzle before purchasing it: length, girth, width, height. Also measure the distance from the back of the dog's head to its eyes, and the volume of the neck.

To find out if the size of the muzzle is right for your pet, carefully examine its skin after removing the accessory. There should be no marks from the straps on the dog's face.

We put it on and train it

To accustom a Chihuahua to a muzzle, the first thing you need to do is put a “yummy” in it and call your pet by name with the order “come to me.” The dog will naturally be interested in the treat, and you will let him know that new item completely safe.

Once your baby gets used to the muzzle, gently put it on for a few minutes. Talk calmly to your pet and praise him. After removing the muzzle, reward the dog. Gradually increase the time by distracting the Chihuahua with play. When she stops trying to pull off the muzzle, you can go outside.

If your dog refuses a muzzle, then you can use special muzzles to transport it, which you can purchase, like other dog equipment, in specialized stores.

Tell us what equipment you chose for your Chihuahua and how you trained your dog to use it?