Alfie is used to walking on a collar and lead because he has been trained in ring craft. I've tried him with a harness and although he doesn't seem scared about having the harness on he will not actually walk with it, he won't even go outside in the garden by himself when wearing it.
I've read lots that says you should only use a harness with Chi's because of their delicate wind-pipes, and that's why I bought the harness. However, Alfie does walk beautifully on the collar and lead and doesn't pull at all, so is it ok to just keep using the collar do you think?
If hes used to ringcraft, then he knows not to pull - Hes not likely to damage himself if he doesnt pull
With my Chi mix, she used to choke herself if I tried to walk her on a collar, however my little longcoat is show trained, and I can walk her on any collar or harness
Tbh I would still train him on a harness if something spooks him he could damage his trachea!! Both mine walk on both but I use a harness all the time even for securing them in the car
Chicken r liver works a treat to encourage them to move
I agree, I would try to get him used to a harness if at all possible, have him wear it around the house, give him treats & praise while he's wearing it, tell him what a good boy he is. Try to coax and encourage him to come to you while he's wearing it.
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Good suggestions. I have a safety harness for him to use in the car, so he will have to adjust to wearing a harness for that anyway, I'll walk him on the collar for now and work on him with the harness over the next few days. Thanks.
I agree with everyone else. I have read lots of stories and experienced myself the need to pull them back/up quickly in an emergency situation and a harness pulls on the right places, as opposed to a collar. One time could be extremely damaging. Letting him wear it in his comfort zone (crate or such) and giving him treats while he's wearing it and moving slowly to walking on it should remedy the situation.
Good luck with your handsome boy!
I only walk Lilo on a collar. She is trained to walk correctly and doesn't pull or jerk. I've never been in a position of having to pull her up off the ground so I don't really think or worry about that very much.
She rides in a crate in the car so no car harness either. I guess part of my thoughts is that I really really disagree with harnesses for training and larger dogs so I just never think about them as an option.
Walking on a collar.
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