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Nylon or Leather for a 'Mill' Harness?

Discussion in 'Products & Equipment' started by Irish Pitbull, Jan 22, 2012.

  1. Irish Pitbull

    Irish Pitbull Top Dog

    How are things G-D.C people?

    :cool:

    I am going to be receiving a Carpet Mill in the next few days, my Staff, Eddie is still a pup, but I'll be getting him a harness for working it and was wondering what would be better? I can get a Leather one made up in town, but I'll have to order a Nylon/Polyester one from the UK or the USA.

    Is there any problems with a leather one?

    Thanks, Harry.
     
  2. In my opinion Nylon/Polyester will be better. You have a growing up dog so get cheaper one Nylon/Polyester with fleece. I recomend:
    http://www.elperro.co.uk
    I think they make smaller sizes as well. if you keep dog for "sport" not for show get Nylon/Polyester, they are bether for hard condition.
     
  3. HighCoastHiker

    HighCoastHiker Top Dog

    Ease of use, functionality and comfort for the dog are the names of the game.
    If you have to spend a half hour buckling and unbuckling a harness,....you'll be less inclined to use it or the mill.
    If the harness chafes of causes discomfort,....you won't get the best out of the dog
    Unless your dog is super strong or the mill is super slow/hard to turn,...a simple, inexpensive adjustable harness,...a few pieces of polystyrene (I think)...just those flexible foam pipe insulators...and a little duct tape in the color of your choice will give you a damned good, cheap, secure and convenient harness for working the mill. If you're interested in fashion,...then by all means spend money for leather or whatever. If you want to get the job done you can try what I do...take the cheap adjustable harness (not a small dog or rabbit harness) wrap/cover the parts of the harness that the dog pushes against with a piece of comfortable padding...secure with a little tape,....clip the dog in....work your dog....clip your dog out....lift the dog of the mill,...after all nothing ruins a good mill program like letting your tired dog drop/jump off and injure himself.
     
  4. HighCoastHiker

    HighCoastHiker Top Dog

  5. Irish Pitbull

    Irish Pitbull Top Dog

    Thanks HCH,

    That makes a lot of sense!
     
  6. fonzie

    fonzie Top Dog

    I will go with the leather
     
  7. northdogger

    northdogger Big Dog

    Check out stillwater or O'Brien.. They got some working harnesses that you can use for mill
     
  8. I've used both. Didn't really have a preference of one or the other.
     
  9. HighCoastHiker

    HighCoastHiker Top Dog

    No problem,...like I said, a lot of these padded, buckled and spangled harnesses that you pay too much money for are best left for walking your dog in a parade or some such thing. When you want to work, use something that's about working, that's secure, is light, cool, comfortable and easy to use. I have often come across people with well built/expensive mills with the fleece padded/fifteen point/sixteen buckle leather harnesses swinging from them....that hadn't been used in a whale's age much less a dog's.
    If you can clean it, fix it and use it easily,....you're more likely to actually use it,...simple as that.
    It isn't about being lazy or any such thing, but I know from experience and human nature that the more expense, hoops and buckles you put between you and a simple goal...such as putting a dog on a mill,....the more likely you are to just say....fuck it.
     
  10. Naustroms

    Naustroms CH Dog

    You're exaggerating a bit, it doesn't take any time at all to put on those harness...
    I definitely wouldn't reccomend those cheap plastic buckle harnesses for any dog. They break easily and come apart just as fast as they snap in. Also not a fan of that Y shaped style over the chest and prefer a single horizontal strap along the chest.

    I'd go with a padded nylon harness. Either buy it padded or just add fleece. Grand Carpet mill sells a nice one.
     
  11. HighCoastHiker

    HighCoastHiker Top Dog

    I've never had a dog come off a harness....ever....not even a cheap snap one. I would not walk a dog down the street, pull weight or any such thing in those harnesses,....but for getting a dog going on a good treadmill, I've never had any problem. But, then again, I'm not in the habit of leaving dogs unattended on mills,....and if I'm worried about security, a little tape on one side, and exchanging the cheap plastic snap for a $1.50 metal hook is all that is needed....or tying the leash to the mill. Yes, grand makes a nice looking harness http://www.grandcarpetmill.com/harness.htm I've seen a few in person,..and I think the older version was better. To begin with, my dogs aren't that big...and between you and me,....$65.00 for a big white fleece blanket with buckles, when I can make my own that is more adjustable, easier to clean, lighter, allows free range of motion,...and doesn't remind me of hospital traction....for under $20.......that's no question. But, like I said, there are plenty of options out there depending on your pocket....and patience. I just do what works well for me,..and never recommend anything that I haven't compared and thoroughly tested myself.
     

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