Cross Breeds

Collar and Leash suitable for Chihuahua puppies and adults?

I heard that cat collars are a good choice. Is that true? If not, what would you say? Also, I want to train the puppy, is a leash needed, like for maybe for the command heel or come, what type should I get? Maybe a type of leash that does not strain the puppy and does not increase susceptability of collasping trachea.

Public Comments

1. Dont use a collar, use a harness. It is better in my opinion, for small dogs.
2. For walking your chiuahuahs' use a harness always, because you can crush the larynx with a collar. For keeping license tags etc on your dog, a cat collar that STRETCHES is better to use.
3. you should not get a collar for a chihuahua because they are so small they collar could breack the dog windpipe!!!! A hareness is the best choice but you should still have a collar on for the dog to put on bells for them so you would not accidently step on the dog paws. and for the leash part for the command come you may not even need the leash but for the command heel you may need you should get a reagular leash which is best for training and you can take the dogs on walk with those leash.
4. Use a collar for ID, get a small harness for walking. I do not normally encourage pet parents to use a harness, as a harness is designed for pulling. However, little dogs do not really pull, and to avoid trachea problems, a harness will protect your dog! I know that Petsmart has a wonderful selection of small harnesses for dogs like Chihuahuas and Yorkies.
5. I agree with AJ. I only use harnesses on my chi's. I read somewhere that a regular collar can contribute to a collapsed trachea in the small breeds. For a leash I just use a regular retractable one.
6. Cat collers are better for smaller dogs thats wat i use, but for smaller dogs a harness is most likley better, i have tried both i find it hard trying to find a dog collar that fits properly, if you don't have to have a leash for training its pretty much personal preferance, if you find it works better with use it you may have more control over it but i don't use a leash when i train my dogs, but for smaller dogs a harness is most likley better
7. I don't use collars on walks for my chiauahua. They're necks are very fragile and can be damaged. i use a full body harness so she doesn't damage her neck. I use a long, retractible training leash for training my dogs and the work nicely. These are what I use: http://www.petco.com/product/104846/Petmate-by-Aspen-Pet-Walkabout-Retractable-Leash-in-Red.aspx http://www.petco.com/product/7784/Petmate-by-Aspen-Pet-Single-Ply-Nylon-Adjustable-Dog-Harnesses.aspx Good Luck! :) -Nicole
8. My chihuaha doesnt like collars. I suggest you buya harness. If your dog is wearing a collar and you jerk just alittle..ou could break her neck. NEVER buy a choke collar. that iscruel and inhumane. buy a little harness..andi suggest you buy the kind that the leash is connected..it works great! when your trainging yourchihuaua.,have a pocket full of treats and reward her and say GOOD DOG..they like that and feel like they are doing good!