harness, sensitive throat/trachea?

[Discussing Labradoodles & Goldendoodles]

Does anyone else have to use a harness because their doodle has a sensitive throat or collapsed trachea? Noah does not have a collapsed trachea, but the other day, he took off because he saw a squirrel and I think he got major whiplash on his neck. He was wheezing / coughing for a little bit. The next morning, he was making a honking / raspy cough sound and I was really scared he was showing the early signs of kennel cough. We went on a walk and if he pulled and had resistance on his neck, he would start wheezing. I'm worried he hurt his throat, but this morning it sounded better - still a little bit of wheezing when he tried to pull - no more honking/raspy cough. I was looking into the easy walk harnesses, but I read reviews that they break easily - anyone else experience this? I might opt for a more traditional harness, but now I'm afraid this will encourage him to pull. I like using a collar and lead because I have a lot more control and he doesn't pull frequently enough to warrant a gentle leader or harness, but I don't want him to hurt his throat again. Other than the occasional wheezing noise when there's resistance on his neck, he acts totally fine. But if the wheezing is still there by the weekend, he's going to the vet.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Yes, we use a harness. My pup does not yet require a gentle leader ( I bought one and returned it to the store). We purchased a SPORN HALTER at Pets Supply Plus It has soft fleece underarms so that is what sold me because I hate nylon collars etc. We can not walk with just his collar, he too, seems like it bothers his trachea and that bothers me! He walks much better with the harness and we are a lot happier. We have control and he seems to have some freedom of movement and less frustration than he did with the gentle leader. If the time comes, we may have to switch but right now, we--my husband, my dog, and myself are very happy with this halter. Good Luck and Enjoy your walks

http://www.sporn.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=SPU...

[Carol and Banjo]

Joanne are you still using the Sporn halter? I'm getting so discouraged with leash training. Banjo is generally great on our way "to".....as soon as we are heading back to the house or the car....ohhhhhh the pulling is relentless. I've tried being a tree...reversing direction....not having much success. I don't want to give up on the training but it would be so nice to take him anywhere and not have to deal with the constant pulling!

[Bella & her Mom & Dad]

We use a harness because i think its safer, and we can take better control of her if needed. Plus we live in an apt complex also.