Collar or Harness for Agitation

JohnnyB · 11-08-2008, 03:47 PM

Thought about putting this in the Equipment section but thought this would be more appropriate since it's related to protection work.

I'm curious what is most preferred, agitation collars or agitation harnesses.

Where do you get yours from?

Strana1 · 11-08-2008, 05:07 PM

I just ordered a padded agitation collar from http://www.bridgeportequipment.com they were very helpful. My trainer prefers collars over harnesses. She thinks the harnesses twist & rub too much.

**ladylaw203** · 11-08-2008, 09:26 PM

Agitation harness and a bungee tie out. Harness much much better for the dog. Harness does not harm the dog and distributes the pressure. You want the dog to come out and hit the end of the bungee,not get jerked around by a collar

**Chris Wild** · 11-08-2008, 09:48 PM

For most dogs I also prefer the harness. Safer and more comfortable for the dog, no stress or torquing on the neck. But, handlers must be careful to make sure the harness is adjusted properly so the dog can't get loose. The other downside to a harness is they allow the dogs more reach. Dogs can stretch through the harness, getting a couple extra inches (enough to get a bite when they shouldn't) and this is more difficult with a collar. But for most work, I think the harness is better and less risk of injury to the dog.

shepherdbydesign · 11-08-2008, 10:23 PM

I have to agree with Chris. A thick collar can cause injury if used wrong. A harness seems to give a handler better control than a collar

**ladylaw203** · 11-09-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted By: Chris WildFor most dogs I also prefer the harness. Safer and more comfortable for the dog, no stress or torquing on the neck. But, handlers must be careful to make sure the harness is adjusted properly so the dog can't get loose. The other downside to a harness is they allow the dogs more reach. Dogs can stretch through the harness, getting a couple extra inches (enough to get a bite when they shouldn't) and this is more difficult with a collar. But for most work, I think the harness is better and less risk of injury to the dog.

One must test the harness and bungee to determine how far out the dog can reach first. Especially when using the bungee. easy to do

**ladylaw203** · 11-09-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted By: Chris WildFor most dogs I also prefer the harness. Safer and more comfortable for the dog, no stress or torquing on the neck. But, handlers must be careful to make sure the harness is adjusted properly so the dog can't get loose. The other downside to a harness is they allow the dogs more reach. Dogs can stretch through the harness, getting a couple extra inches (enough to get a bite when they shouldn't) and this is more difficult with a collar. But for most work, I think the harness is better and less risk of injury to the dog.

One must test the harness and bungee to determine how far out the dog can reach first. Especially when using the bungee. easy to do

JohnnyB · 11-09-2008, 08:20 AM

I'm looking at one of the harnesses from Elite K-9
http://www.elitek9.com/Harnesses/index.htm

3-POINT, LEATHER AGITATION HARNESS
Handmade leather harness perfect for all agitation work.
Felt padding is 8mm thick for extra comfort. Works great with
Bungee Agitation Lines.

Features include:
Adjustable straps that are 1 1/4" in width.
Quality made stitches and rivets.
Welded nickel plated hardware.

Black in color
#H13 / Medium $54.95 (28" to 37" girth) fits most Malinois
Around the chest 28-37"
Around the neck 13-23"

#H13 / Large $59.95 (28" to 44" girth) fits most Shepherds
Around the chest 31-41"
Around the neck 17-27"

**DFrost** · 11-09-2008, 10:44 AM

I dead link the choke chain. I may use a leather collar on occasion. The leash is in the handler's hand. It's a team effort from the beginning.

DFrost

skygirlwmu · 11-11-2008, 09:55 PM

I would go with Harness for young dogs or dogs new to protection. Flat collar for intermediate to advanced dogs. I think the harness is especially helpful for the initial parts of training as it does not discourage the pup, and encourages them to build a good bite. Flat collars work better on more advanced dogs because you have a certain increase in the amount of control.

Like Chris said, make sure the harness is snug. Zonya figured out how to do a backwards twist out of hers early on.

Which brings up another VERY good point in my opinion. Always use a police lead so that you have two connections on the dog. One on harness and one on Prong/Choke. If not for my police lead, there would be some very hurt decoys out there as Zonya will often go for unprotected areas.

11-08-2008, 03:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
JohnnyB Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Heartland Posts: 63	Collar or Harness for Agitation Thought about putting this in the Equipment section but thought this would be more appropriate since it's related to protection work. I'm curious what is most preferred, agitation collars or agitation harnesses. Where do you get yours from?

11-08-2008, 05:07 PM	#2 (permalink)
Strana1 Master Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NH Posts: 995	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation I just ordered a padded agitation collar from http://www.bridgeportequipment.com they were very helpful. My trainer prefers collars over harnesses. She thinks the harnesses twist & rub too much. __________________ Dawn S Fortunate K9 Dog & Owner Training German Shepherd Rescue of New England Lilac Grove Pampered Pups-All Breed Rescue The object of life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting HOLY S%*T what a ride!

11-08-2008, 09:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
ladylaw203 Moderator Join Date: May 2001 Location: Beaumont,Texas Posts: 4,752	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation Agitation harness and a bungee tie out. Harness much much better for the dog. Harness does not harm the dog and distributes the pressure. You want the dog to come out and hit the end of the bungee,not get jerked around by a collar __________________ Renee Utley Port Authority Police KaroSkocickaSamotaZM,ZOP,ZPU,FPR,FPR,ZVV1,ZZZ,ZZP, RHE,ZM TART, IRO titled SAR dog ZVV1 Gabbi Mariko Bohemia ZVV1 Jessy Vikar www.nndda.org, Certifying official http://www.voneintzeshepherds.com

11-08-2008, 09:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Chris Wild Administrator & Alpha Bitch of the Wild Bunch Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Michigan, USA Posts: 12,604	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation For most dogs I also prefer the harness. Safer and more comfortable for the dog, no stress or torquing on the neck. But, handlers must be careful to make sure the harness is adjusted properly so the dog can't get loose. The other downside to a harness is they allow the dogs more reach. Dogs can stretch through the harness, getting a couple extra inches (enough to get a bite when they shouldn't) and this is more difficult with a collar. But for most work, I think the harness is better and less risk of injury to the dog. __________________ *Wildhaus Kennels* Kaiser ~ SchH3 CGC TDI (HOT) Raven ~ SchH3 AWD2 PD1 P1 PA T1 UCD URO2 CGC TT (B/HOT) Della ~ SchHA TR1 PD1 P1 PA T1 URO2 CGC TT (B/HOT) Wulf ~ SchH1 PD1 P1 T1 URO2 CGC TT (B/HOT) Heidi ~ BH CD UCD RN URO1 (B/HOT) Jazz ~ Superpup In Training

11-08-2008, 10:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
shepherdbydesign Elite Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 1,754	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation I have to agree with Chris. A thick collar can cause injury if used wrong. A harness seems to give a handler better control than a collar __________________ http://www.shepherdsbydesignk9.com Velmi Dobra 5Y1/P Faust Cierna Vdova ZVV1, BH Narys Policia Slovakia SVV1 Cira Z Eurosport SCH-1 Ben Dobrovodske Lazne SCH-3, IPO-3, ZVV3 Sok Z Lintichu SVV2, IPO-1

11-09-2008, 08:20 AM	#8 (permalink)
JohnnyB Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: The Heartland Posts: 63	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation I'm looking at one of the harnesses from Elite K-9 http://www.elitek9.com/Harnesses/index.htm 3-POINT, LEATHER AGITATION HARNESS Handmade leather harness perfect for all agitation work. Felt padding is 8mm thick for extra comfort. Works great with Bungee Agitation Lines. Features include: Adjustable straps that are 1 1/4" in width. Quality made stitches and rivets. Welded nickel plated hardware. Black in color #H13 / Medium $54.95 (28" to 37" girth) fits most Malinois Around the chest 28-37" Around the neck 13-23" #H13 / Large $59.95 (28" to 44" girth) fits most Shepherds Around the chest 31-41" Around the neck 17-27"

11-09-2008, 10:44 AM	#9 (permalink)
DFrost Moderator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Tn Posts: 777	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation I dead link the choke chain. I may use a leather collar on occasion. The leash is in the handler's hand. It's a team effort from the beginning. DFrost __________________ Any behavior that is reinforced is more likely to occur again. DFrost

11-11-2008, 09:55 PM	#10 (permalink)
skygirlwmu Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Littleton, CO Posts: 170	Re: Collar or Harness for Agitation I would go with Harness for young dogs or dogs new to protection. Flat collar for intermediate to advanced dogs. I think the harness is especially helpful for the initial parts of training as it does not discourage the pup, and encourages them to build a good bite. Flat collars work better on more advanced dogs because you have a certain increase in the amount of control. Like Chris said, make sure the harness is snug. Zonya figured out how to do a backwards twist out of hers early on. Which brings up another VERY good point in my opinion. Always use a police lead so that you have two connections on the dog. One on harness and one on Prong/Choke. If not for my police lead, there would be some very hurt decoys out there as Zonya will often go for unprotected areas. __________________ Rochele Smit Centennial Working Dogs www.centennialworkingdogs.com Kiesha von Traumland: 7yrs old, GSD FO PA Zonya de Gestreepte Tijger: 3yrs old, Dutchie

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