HI and a question

[teachergal]

My husband recently rescued a chi/mix from a local drug house He's in LE. She is 3 months old with no training at all. She's not even house broken , YET. I switched her from a standard neck collar to a harness style. She has been in it a week (we've had her from 2 1/2 weeks). She has started acting like the harness is pressing on a nerve which I believe it is. She lifts the leg and hops on the other 3 then slowly lowers that leg again. Any ideas? I am assuming the harness is bugging her but since this is our first chi I want to be sure it's not a breed thing.We have two other dogs- a very old yellow lab and a rescued Chessie (our second one- we love them . We have never seen a dog do this leg thing. Suggestions? Ideas?

[Iamme]

Go to Petsmart and to their leash aisle (or near their training ring there should be a display). Find the "Gentle Leaders". I am not suggesting one of those but near them (usually lower) is a harness that says it stops pulling (which it does) but it also has fleece covers over the straps that go under the front legs. This is generally more comfortable to the dog and also gives you more control when walking. A trainer can help you fit your dog to one, so take her with you. Also, while you're there, you might want to enroll the little one in some puppy classes. This helps with socialization, potty training and basic commands. Wonderful program. Good Luck to you. I think it's great that your husband and you were able to take her in.;)

[teachergal]

Thanks for the suggestions. Next time I am in town I will visit Petsmart. I switched Chica back to her collar instead of the harness and she is not doing that leg thing. But I really like the control of a harness. Although she is 3-4 months old I am having to housebreak her and do other training. I am treating her like a new little puppy so she is being contained in view and not having the run of the house anymore until I get her HB. My husband and I have trained many dogs over the years so I feel confident that we'll make it through this. Thanks again for the suggestions.

[fuzzdomestic]

http://www.morrco.com/hstylhar34wi.html

This sort of harness has a strap across the chest and one behind the front legs. It's easy to get on and keeps the pressure on the dog's chest and not under legs. There should also be nylon versions of that particular harness on the same site. I believe Petsmart and Petco carry them also. They're not too expensive and I personally prefer them to normal harnesses because of the way they sit and how easy they are to fit correctly.