Little charm - this is how you can characterize the Yorkshire Terrier. Funny and playful dogs resemble cartoon characters, which is why adults and children adore them. They are also ideal travel and shopping companions. Yorkshire Terriers thrive in small apartments and large houses. They are wonderful life partners, as they get along well with children and do not create problems in everyday life. It may seem that such a baby does not need a collar and leash at all. However, this is a big misconception. An active dog can easily run away from its owners and get lost, or run out onto the road while playing and get hit by a car. Having the right ammunition for animals will help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Choosing a collar and leash for a Yorkie: what do you need to know?
Many people think that a collar for Yorkie dogs is not required due to the fact that the animals themselves are small and do not pose a clear danger to people and other breeds.
But, after all, owners of decorative dogs are not the only ones who walk with their pets on the street, and a large dog, even the friendliest one, can unwittingly cause injury to a Yorkie that runs up uncontrollably. It is considered good practice among dog owners to first clarify whether it is possible to let the dog run around and get to know a stranger. And first of all, this is a guarantee of the safety of the dog itself, especially one as fragile as a Yorkie. In addition, someone else's dog may be sick, in heat, or simply, not all dogs are friendly and should not be so. Taking care of the safety of your pet and the people around you is the sole responsibility of the owner, and on the street this is done through a leash and training.
In addition to large dogs, there are cars and cyclists on the street; a Yorkie is also quite capable of scaring a small child. You can let your Yorkie fly freely only if you are absolutely sure of obedience and at any moment you can call him to you with a command and pick him up in your arms. Therefore, it is better to play it safe and immediately buy a collar for your Yorkie puppy.
Our Favorite 3 Yorkie Harnesses
The best harness size for a Yorkie will suit her size, shape, and strength.
Cairn Terrier/Shih Tzu mix
EXPAWLORER Best No Pull Dog Harness
This soft harness is for everyone* and comes in many fun colors.
It is also reflective after dark, has multiple leash attachment points and a seat belt loop.
Soft Plush Voyager Step-in Vest for Small to Medium Dogs
This plush harness* is comfortable and perfect for relieving the chill on chilly or chilly days.
It has reflective material for safety and double D-rings for attachment.
Coastal Pet Lil Pals Dog Harness with Mesh
You might also want to try this tiny pendant* for a Yorkie cup!
The mesh design should be cool and comfortable all year round.
Yorkie collar and leash
Tiny dogs with fragile spines and necks do not need strict and heavy collars. A lightweight model that will not restrict movement and is lightweight is more suitable for them.
When walking your Yorkie every day, take a classic collar with a leash ring. Before purchasing, determine what size the accessory should be. It’s better, of course, to take your Yorkie with you and try it on on the spot, but if this is not possible, measure the circumference of your neck, add five centimeters and get the optimal length. When fastening the collar, make sure that your finger fits freely between it and your neck. This way you will be sure that the product does not squeeze the throat and does not injure your pet.
What is the best harness for Yorkies?
We hope you found our guide to choosing the best harness for Yorkshire Terriers helpful!
Walking your Yorkie in a harness can help prevent collar injuries caused by choking if your puppy pulls. A harness can also be a great tool for Yorkie puppies.
The main options for Yorkies are a vest and padded harness. Some are also better off wearing a seat belt. One of our top picks might be perfect for your Yorkie!
Have you found a harness that suits your Yorkie? Let us know in the comments below. It might just help someone else!
Which is better, a collar or harness for a Yorkie?
Many dog breeders prefer to buy a harness. Its advantages are that it covers part of the chest and front paws. A better collar or harness for a Yorkie is chosen by the owners themselves. In fact, it depends on taste and personal preference.
A harness for a Yorkie is not suitable if you are the owner of a show breed with long hair. In this case, there is a possibility of ruining the beautiful undercoat. It is also not suitable for puppies, because due to the special design, the posture of a young dog can be damaged. It is better to use a harness when your Yorkie is old enough and mature enough.
The main advantage of this variety is that with a sudden movement and tension on the strap, the harness does not squeeze the neck. There is no danger of damaging bones and skeleton with it. If you buy a leather model, your dog won’t even feel it. How to choose a harness for a Yorkie:
- To choose the right product, it is worth measuring the length of the animal’s back. It is measured from tail to withers.
- Secondly, we measure the circumference of the neck.
- The third length you need to know when buying a harness is the circumference of the torso behind the front legs.
Ideal numbers are an extra two centimeters to give your Yorkie a sense of freedom.
Do you need clothes?
The answer to this question can be given by considering a combination of factors, namely:
- season;
- frequency of walks;
- temperature in the living room.
Yorkshire Terriers enjoy running outside at any time of the year.
Dogs of this breed have a rather fragile constitution and can seriously suffer from frost in winter. This is especially true for mini Yorkies.
In general, Yorkies are considered a heat-loving dog breed and do not tolerate cold well during walks..
Therefore, in regions with a harsh climate and with frequent promenades, clothing is simply necessary for the animal.
Experts advise that if you stay outside for a long time at temperatures below +10 degrees, be sure to dress your pet.
In addition to protection from the cold, clothing allows you to protect your Yorkie's long, silky coat from contamination during walks..
Even if the pet lives exclusively in an apartment, it is worth analyzing the home conditions. Delayed heating, drafts, and cold floors can negatively affect the fragile health of the terrier.
An attentive owner himself will notice if the animal begins to tremble , wrap itself in warm clothes, prefers high soft bedding and curls up into a ball .
How to choose a collar and leash for a Yorkshire Terrier
The Yorkshire Terrier is a small breed of companion dog. At the withers they reach only 21-23 cm. Cheerful and playful, the Yorkie shows enviable activity when walking. If he gets carried away, he can run away, get lost, or get run over by a vehicle. And the high price of puppies makes them attractive to thieves.
Representatives of large breeds of dogs are dangerous for terriers. Even while playing, they can injure the pet. To control your Yorkie's movements and ensure safety, it is advisable to walk him on a leash with a collar.
Best Vest Yorkie Harnesses
Voyager Step-In Air Dog Harness
The Voyager Mesh Harness * makes an excellent Yorkshire Terrier harness!
green beans are poisonous to dogs
It's made of breathable mesh fabric with lightweight style, allowing the busy owner to get their pet dressed quickly and easily.
The harness has durable Velcro closures and durable metal D-rings to securely and securely attach the leash.
Voyager comes in a wide range of bright and cheerful colors for the trend-setting pup and owner!
Vest for dogs PUPTECK Harness
This Yorkie toy style vest harness size* is also small enough to fit in a teacup Yorkie or puppy.
The classic tartan fabric is made from breathable mesh to keep your pup dry and cool in any weather.
The ruffle neckline and cute butterfly ribbon make this vest cute perfection!
This Yorkie Teacup Dog Harness features Velcro closure and a durable plastic clip with two metal D-rings for added security.
The vest is also available in purple and red.
Collar selection criteria
The neck of Yorkshire Terriers is thin and fragile. Massive heavy collars are not for them. They can quickly ruin your pet's posture, putting stress on the spine. Models with spikes, metal rivets, and other massive fittings will look ridiculous on these pets.
Nooses are also inappropriate. Yorkies do not require strict training. In addition, they are naturally intelligent and easy to train.
For the terrier, thin, lightweight models are suitable that will not irritate him. The kind that your little friend won't even feel.
In pet stores you can choose a collar for a Yorkie made of leather, nylon, velor, etc. Many owners will like models with rhinestones, stones, embroidery, and other decorations. However, make sure that they do not disturb the animal. For example, long hair can get stuck in the fastenings of stones or rhinestones, they can scratch the skin, etc.
Classic collars with a leash ring are suitable for daily walking. It is better to buy an accessory together with your pet. In this case, try it on right in the store so as not to miss the size. Too short will put pressure on the throat, causing discomfort and constant attempts to remove it. And the free one is easy to steal.
If it is impossible to take your pet with you, the optimal length is easy to calculate. Measure the volume of the Yorkie's neck, add 5 centimeters to it - this will be the total length of the accessory.
Put the collar on so that there is a gap of one finger under it. This will allow the skin and fur underneath the item to breathe, but at the same time the Yorkie will not be able to get rid of it.
The ring on a collar for a Yorkshire Terrier should be made of lightweight, durable material and securely hold the leash.
Choose a model with a ring attached in the middle. The location near the buckle is not very convenient.
Usually the collar hangs downwards. Therefore, every time you unfasten or attach the leash, you will have to turn the collar, disturbing your pet. In addition, the beautiful coat will suffer. But this is precisely what Yorkshire Terrier lovers value so much.
The material of the collar should be light, durable, and wear-resistant. For example, nylon, velor, leatherette. Many owners prefer leather models, considering them the most practical and comfortable. However, they have a number of disadvantages:
- when walking in the rain, they quickly get wet;
- they need additional care using special products;
- Constant wear can lead to heating of the animal's skin underneath.
Traditional canvas collars:
- strong enough;
- do not get wet, even if your pet likes to swim in bodies of water;
- do not require special care. When they become dirty, they are simply washed;
- models are available in different colors.
For show dogs, special laces or chains are selected. The requirements for them are the same as for regular collars - comfort and convenience. Please note that you should not walk with the chain in the rain, and there should be no decorations on the cord that could harm the dog’s skin and fur.
Types of dog harnesses
Ammunition models are divided by purpose. They buy several for a pet.
How to put a harness on a cat: options with different types
Main types:
- walking Lightweight and durable accessory made of leather or nylon for daily walking;
- harness-vest. For small dogs with short hair. In cold weather it protects against hypothermia;
- medical. Put on injured animals as prescribed by a veterinarian. The wide vest covers 2/3 of the torso, the attachment is located at the hind legs. The paws are unloaded, the pressure falls on the front paws;
- exhibition. The emphasis is on the aesthetics of the product. Design, accessories, color emphasize the beauty of the breed;
- guard room A two- or three-layer product with stitched straps and welded rings for strength. Used to tie a dog to a checkpoint.
Important! Harnesses are put on dogs after consultation with a veterinarian or dog handler, when the animal’s bone skeleton is fully formed and strengthened.
Leash and ring
When choosing them, consider the following points:
- the less weight the better;
- A product made of genuine leather cannot be used in rainy weather.
The optimal leash length for walking is 1 - 1.2 meters, for training a Yorkshire terrier - 5 meters. A long, thin leash will get tangled, causing inconvenience to both the owner and the dog. The optimal width is up to 15-18 mm.
A very convenient leash is a tape measure. Usually for a Yorkie they choose one with the S mark, marked “up to 10-15 kg”. When choosing the length, be guided by the activity of your pet. According to breeders, the optimal length is 4-5 meters. Roulette can be tape or cable. Undoubtedly, it gives the pet more freedom during a walk. However, you will have to monitor him more closely. Before leaving, check that the mechanism is working properly. If it breaks, it will be difficult to quickly stop or pull up the dog.
When walking your Yorkshire Terrier on a leash, remember not to make sudden jerks when pulling him towards you. Otherwise, you risk damaging the cervical vertebrae and causing injury to the respiratory tract.
Show rings are used mainly for display at exhibitions. It is a cord with a metal ring at one end and a hand loop at the other. By threading the end of the cord through the ring, a loop is created. It should “sit” tightly on the dog’s neck. The length of the ring is selected by the owner and depends on the type of passage. For example, if the dog is standing freely, and the owner is one step away, the ring should sag slightly.
Muzzles
A muzzle is a very important element of walking equipment, although some owners of Yorkshire terriers are sure that it is not needed. Despite the small size of the dog, in some cases a muzzle may be needed:
- while traveling in transport;
- when visiting a hospital;
- at exhibitions;
- during training;
- during walks: for example, will not allow the pet to take anything dirty from the ground;
- for the bitch during mating to avoid her biting.
Many passers-by may not like the fact that the animal is walking around without a muzzle. Especially if it is a loudly barking, dominant and hyperactive Yorkshire Terrier. To avoid possible conflicts, such an accessory is simply necessary.
For a dog of this breed, you do not need to purchase a metal or blind muzzle, which is more suitable for medium and large breeds. A nylon muzzle is an excellent choice for both daily walks of the Yorkshire Terrier and for going anywhere else.
With such an accessory, the dog will not be able to get poisoned by anything from the ground or bite someone, because the muzzle completely fits its muzzle. Moreover, the nose remains open so that the animal can breathe freely.
This muzzle can be worn by your pet in any weather, because nylon does not get wet at all and the skin underneath does not rot. And if it gets dirty, it's easy to wash.
In too hot weather, you can use a mesh muzzle, consisting of a nylon frame and walls made of translucent material through which it is comfortable to breathe. But such an accessory will not last long if the Yorkshire Terrier likes to chew on everything. You should only buy a Velcro muzzle if your pet is comfortable with it.
To purchase a comfortable muzzle, you need to measure your Yorkshire Terrier's muzzle in advance:
- the length from the animal's eyes to its nose;
- muzzle circumference just below the eyes;
- length from the occipital protuberance to the eyes;
- neck circumference behind the ears;
- the widest part of the muzzle in front;
- distance from nose to chin.
You must remember to compare the measurements you receive with the size chart for the selected accessory model.
The dog should not experience discomfort from the muzzle, so the straps should not be tightened too much. After several days of wearing the muzzle, you need to carefully examine your pet's skin. If there are traces of the frame or straps on it, it means that this model does not suit him: too small or large.
It is necessary to accustom the Yorkshire Terrier to a muzzle in advance, at two to three months. During the first lesson, you need to show the puppy that this accessory is completely safe. To do this, the muzzle is placed on the floor, and a treat is stuffed into it. After this, they call the dog and give him time to get acquainted with the muzzle, because he will definitely want to eat the treat. After several such sessions, the puppy will understand that a muzzle is good.
When the Yorkshire Terrier begins to calmly treat a new object, you need to start putting a muzzle on it, encouraging the dog with encouragement and treats. First for two to three minutes, gradually adding time. You can try to distract your pet by playing with his favorite toy. It will be possible to go outside only when the baby is completely accustomed to the accessory and stops pulling it off.
Flea and tick protection
The main purpose of such collars is to provide maximum protection for dogs from blood-sucking parasites. This is usually flexible polyvinyl tape. When purchasing a product, pay attention to the reliability of the clasp so that your pet cannot remove it on his own. Select a flea and tick collar for your Yorkie in accordance with the age, weight, and height of the dog.
Manufacturers impregnate them with different compositions with active substances that provide protection. They also differ in their operating principle.
Chemicals are impregnated with a substance that has a detrimental effect on both adult parasites and their larvae. You must wear it constantly. The active substances are distributed throughout the animal’s fur and skin, accumulating in the required concentration. A characteristic feature is a pungent odor. They can only be used on adult healthy dogs. Combination with other flea and tick remedies is prohibited to prevent overdose. The following brands are suitable for the Yorkshire Terrier: Bayer Foresto, Bars, Bayer Kiltix, Beaphar SOS, Celandine.
Carrying
If the Yorkshire Terrier does not like collars with leashes or harnesses, or maybe he just can’t get used to the muzzle or he and his owner have a long journey ahead, you can use a special carrier.
Nowadays there is a wide selection of different carriers on the dog bag market. Let's figure out what types of carriers exist.
The most popular is a soft carrier with a hard bottom, walls made of soft fabric, a window and a door. Some models of such carriers may have special straps inside to secure the dog, as well as a separate division for various small items.
For a long trip, it is best to purchase a carrying container, which is usually made of plastic. It is completely safe and has many holes for air ventilation. These carriers have a wonderful bonus - the pet can spin around in them to stretch stiff limbs.
Backpack carriers are convenient for walking or traveling with transfers, as they free both hands. The classic backpack allows the Yorkshire Terrier to be carried on the back, while the regular type is carried on the front. When purchasing such a carrier, it is better to choose models with plastic inserts so that the shape of the product does not deteriorate, and with buttons so as not to damage the pet’s fur.
Carrying can be either winter, with mandatory insulation made of thick, waterproof fabric, or summer, made of light, breathable material. There are also demi-season carriers made entirely of water-repellent material with little insulation.
Any fabric can be used to sew a carrier. Durable leather bags are beautiful, but they cannot be used in rainy weather. The dog will feel stuffy in such a carrier, and skin care should be appropriate. Leatherette has the same properties, only it also quickly becomes unusable.
For summer, plastic carriers are the best option. They are suitable for walks in any weather and are easy to care for.
Nylon carriers have one advantage - they are durable, do not get wet in the rain, and do not lose color when exposed to sunlight. It is very easy to care for such bags - you just need to wash them when they get dirty.
When choosing a carrier, you need to consider some nuances.
The bag must be safe - well sewn, with durable handles, a waterproof bottom and a strong carabiner inside, preventing the pet from escaping. The dog should feel comfortable in the bag - be able to stretch out to its full height and get some fresh air. For the convenience of the owner, you can choose carriers with long handles and foam inside.
Whatever walking accessory you prefer, remember that you need to buy it in special stores, otherwise you can buy low-quality equipment.
If you have anything to add to this article, please write about it in the comments. Your feedback is very important to us.
Reviews
Alina, St. Petersburg
“This year we took Foresto from Bayer for the first time. We also bought the fact that it combines imidacloprid and flumethrin for its long duration of action. The package comes with three reflectors. But we didn't use them. What's amazing is that it doesn't smell at all. So far, not a single tick has been found on Fanny. But I took it off myself. So it really works. The only negative is the price. But it’s safe and definitely worth it.”
Artem, Kostroma
“Everything was decided simply for us. We tried on the harness right in the store. Ricky was nervous and fidgeted, trying to reach and pull it off. I had to stop at the collar. He doesn’t like him very much either, but safety comes first.”
Oksana, Ufa
“The collar didn’t suit us. Bonnie is on the street all the time trying to run forward, pulling, choking, coughing, suffocating... Some kind of nightmare. I had to change it to a harness. We bought a soft velvet one. Looks great. The baby doesn't seem to be bothered. Finally, we can walk calmly and enjoyably. Maybe we’ll try the collar again later.”
What do we do first?
The first thing you need to do is buy a collar. Regardless of whether you will use it later or a harness. The collar will be needed later for training and in general it is easier for the puppy to get used to it than to a harness. You should start accustoming your baby to a strap around his neck in the apartment, so that in the future, when he goes for a walk, he does not feel discomfort from an unknown object on his body. It is extremely important that the puppy does not experience negative emotions associated with the collar.
It is better to buy a collar at a pet store and always after trying it on. Choose the right size so that your finger fits comfortably between your neck and collar. Then the puppy’s head will not be able to pop out, and the neck will not be pinched. For puppies, the best option is a soft, adjustable strap that is washable. A hard leather collar can rub your neck and cause discomfort.
The collar should only be worn outside. Wearing it 24/7 is unacceptable; the fur gets damaged and comes out due to continuous friction. Plus, putting on the collar serves as a signal for the puppy to get ready to go outside.
How to walk with a Yorkie. Harness or collar
We prefer a collar with a leash rather than a collar because... Teaching a dog to obey its owner is much easier on a leash. The harness will cause the hair under the arms and on the sides to fall off and be wiped off. It is better to use a harness if your Yorkie has serious problems in the neck area, for example: collapse of the trachea or atlantoaxial dislocation (displacement of the position of the second cervical vertebra relative to the first). Many people believe that a collar is harmful for small dogs: the dog will twitch and damage its neck (collapse, break, suffocate), a heavy leash overloads the neck of decorative dogs - it’s hard to call it anything other than absurd.
The law of physics cannot be fooled: a light dog will not be able to jerk with enough force to cause injury to itself.
It is much easier to control an animal on a leash. You can always pull it back, this way you get feedback. Your dog can learn to never pull on a walk - thereby recognizing your leadership.
Remember what owners with dogs look like, screaming at the dogs passing by, twitching on a leash. And in case of any “danger”, this dog rises to its paws with one jerk of the leash. The harness does not allow such tricks to be performed, and in most cases it is what reinforces such behavior. But the subtleties of upbringing are one thing, and health is quite another. Harness is completely contraindicated for puppies! On it, they get used to stretching their neck upward, there is a completely incorrect distribution of forces, as a result, the unformed skeleton of the puppy is literally deformed.
It is worth mentioning separately that any harnesses are strictly contraindicated for breeds such as the dachshund. Wearing them leads to back problems and elbows turning outward. The angular back in a triangle is the result of the absence of a collar.
A show dog needs to be taught to walk in the show ring. A show leash is a special show leash, a special “driver” for dogs, which is used to show the dog in the ring.
Post navigation
At what age should a puppy be trained to wear a collar?
First steps: The ideal age to teach a dog to a leash is the first one and a half to two months. Before this period, puppies are not yet particularly conscious, but then they already have their own character, which can complicate the process. The first fitting should last no longer than a few minutes.
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Choosing the right harness for your dog
First, the dog owner needs to think about what purpose he needs a harness for - just to walk or also to train with his pet, or maybe the animal is injured and needs medical equipment.
In addition, it is necessary to take into account its age and size - for small pets of miniature breeds, finding the right model will take less time than for large ones.
Before purchasing, the dog’s dimensions are taken; when measuring, it is necessary that the animal stands upright in order to prevent errors.
How to properly measure a dog
- from the back, from the beginning of the tail to the withers;
- from the chest, the volume of the widest place is measured;
- from the cervical region, in the place where the collar is located.
It is also necessary to weigh your pet to more accurately determine the size.
Next, the table determines the size of the product that needs to be purchased for the dog.
Having decided on the size, you can go to the store to purchase
When choosing, you should pay attention:
- the material from which the accessory is made must differ; strength, wear resistance, comfort for the animal’s body, and dirt stains should be easy to remove;
- on belts and fasteners, they should not dig into the pet’s skin because it will cause him discomfort;
- on the belts from the sides, they should not touch the armpits, because when the dog moves, they will rub;
- on the belt on the back, it must be firmly fastened;
- the product model should not be too large (it will fall off) or too small (it will squeeze);
