More Martingale questions...

[melissawow]

This is sort of a talk me down post...

Based on the feedback in my other post, I'm looking for a rolled collar for around the house. But, I do think a martingale will also help with some other issues - wider = less pressure/rubbing on her neck. She can back out of any harness because her chest is so big, so walking can been a problem (she's well trained so it is usually fine, but when it's not, it's a problem) etc.

Rationally, I *know* that martingales are what you put on sighthounds. They are safest, best and all of that. But please assure me it will be find and is gentle and not mean. I have gotten some non-great feedback from owners of other breeds that is making me feel cruel. It's not like I'm using a pinch collar incorrectly - we're talking about a properly sized martingale.

[Ericka]

People are giving you a hard time about a martingale????

That perplexes me, what exactly is their beef?

Some breeds require a martingale, even my danes can back out of any flat colloar, I much prefer martingales. They only close to the point where the dog can't back out, they don't choke the dog forcrissakes.

[mezmerelda]

I found the martingale to be much more comfy for Indy than a chain collar. Both concepts are the same - if the dog pulls, the discomfort will be resolved quickly if they stop pulling.

You can't please everyone all the time. I find it's best just to please yourself and your dog.

[melissawow]

Thank you!!!

I think the beef was not understanding how it worked; I got some "can't you try a different harness" (no, she can back out and I don't think a different style will change her chest being huge in relation to her head) and "isn't that going to scare her".

Like I said, she is almost always great on a leash, so the fact that she's not super secure isn't much of an issue. But the very rare times it's an issue, it's an *issue* because she can wriggle out in 5 seconds.

[Swissies4Me]

I agree with what was said, and think a martingale would be just fine. I don't know anything about harnesses for walking - but I've heard from people that do use harnesses that they love these ones http://www.wiggleswagswhiskers.com/n...ll-harness.htm not sure if it might work for her or not, but since it tightens when pulled, maybe?

[Ericka]

Well, as a reallybigdog owner, most harnesses just turn into a reason to pull, think dogsled. Now the no-pull harnesses are pretty cool, but most barely fit the big oaf. I did just buy a sporn, only cause I got it for like $8, because Java will pull to the point of damaging his trachea if we're in a place with a lot of other dogs. Yeah, he could probably use more training, but I am a big fat lazy dog owner, so shoot me. I haven't used the sporn yet, but I'd be happy to offer a review when I do.

[gotbigdogs]

Well, as a reallybigdog owner, most harnesses just turn into a reason to pull, think dogsled. Now the no-pull harnesses are pretty cool, but most barely fit the big oaf. I did just buy a sporn, only cause I got it for like $8, because Java will pull to the point of damaging his trachea if we're in a place with a lot of other dogs. Yeah, he could probably use more training, but I am a big fat lazy dog owner, so shoot me. I haven't used the sporn yet, but I'd be happy to offer a review when I do.

As quirky and weird as the sporns are i've used them on a ton of danes with great success.. saints not so much. id be interested to know what you think of it.

[Swissies4Me]

Well, as a reallybigdog owner, most harnesses just turn into a reason to pull, think dogsled.

That's exactly why I don't use harnesses for walking. Duke has a weight pull harness and a carting harness. Since both of those activities require pulling, I don't want to train him not to pull when wearing a harness. Although, sometimes I wonder if it would be better for him because he pulls so hard no matter what collar he wears and I know it's not good for his neck/trachea. Then again, he's pulled 2,000 pounds using his weight pull harness so I guess if he wanted to go somewhere on a harness, even a no pull one, I probably wouldn't stand a chance

[Ericka]

As quirky and weird as the sporns are i've used them on a ton of danes with great success.. saints not so much. id be interested to know what you think of it.

I wonder if the hair on a Saint makes the difference, Danes are nearly bald in their "arm pits", so probably more sensitive.

[melissawow]

Thank you for the harness recs! Which Sporn is it that you have - the halter? We have used a leash-ish harness and a few Puppia styles, but nothing that works like either of those.

[Ericka]

I had to get the original sporn, the one without the front mesh panel. The new one with the mesh doesn't come in his size.

[howsefrau32]

I have used the sporn with the front mesh thing, I don't care for it much but my husband loves it. I have a dog who is houdini when it comes to getting out of her collar. I do have a martingale collar that she wears daily, but I actually walk her with an easy walk harness. While I love the martingale, I still find it near impossible to walk my dang dog with just that, she will pull herself until she chokes herself. I did have great success with the gentle leader, until it broke, but she HATED it and would lay in the road and paw at it, but I could control her butt with it.

[Lora]

When the saints are around other dogs a martingale isnt going to cut it... they PULL like the dickens! I HAVE HAVE HAVE to use a gentle leader.

[ToBScholarly]

I have no useful comment here except that every time I see the word sporn, I automatically think spork.

[Ericka]

I think porn, it's a character issue.

[howsefrau32]

Sporks and porn. Now I will never think the same about my sporn again.