Boxers are very strong and active dogs, so keeping them secure and under your control when out in public is very important. Keeping your boxer close and under your supervision is important for their own safety, as well as the safety of people and dogs you may encounter. Carolina Boxer Rescue advocates the use of martingale collars and harnesses rather than buckle collars, prong collars, or choke chain collars.
Martingale collars are made of fabric or nylon webbing, and have an extra “loop” that tightens when the leash is tightened or the dog pulls. This prevents the dog from being able to “back out” of the collar and get loose. Martingale collars should be paired with harnesses for added security or for dogs that pull on the leash. Many of our rescues wear this type of martingale collar: https://amzn.to/37DGDVJ
Benefits of Harnesses:
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Harnesses offer better control than collars, and are easier on the owner’s arms and back. It is much more difficult for dogs to get out of a harness than a collar.
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Harnesses discourage pulling. When your dog is wearing a collar and pulls on the leash, he’s still moving forward, which makes him think the pulling is successful. A harness redirects the dog; there’s no reward because pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.
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Harnesses prevent damage to the dog’s trachea and reduce neck strain. A collar pulled regularly across their neck can lead to gradual deterioration rather than sudden pain. A harness disperses the force over a larger area of the dog’s body which prevents injury
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Many harnesses have clips both in the front (chest) and back. Front clip harnesses can help with dogs that pull, as it turns their body back toward their owner when they pull.
Popular Harnesses:
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Freedom No-Pull Harness: https://amzn.to/34caiD7
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Balance Harness: https://amzn.to/35w8OUo
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Kong Harness: https://bit.ly/35zVYV5
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Easy Walk: https://amzn.to/2rq5cEB
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Ruffwear Front Range Harness: https://amzn.to/2OI3oPo
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Rabbitgoo Dog Harness: https://amzn.to/2pLRoE5
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Julius K9 IDC Power Harness: https://bit.ly/34he2TN
Picking up a new harness or martingale collar for your pup? Our fosters can always use harnesses or martingale collars, if you’d like to purchase one for them!