Do I want a "leash" for my DD? What do we think of them?

[MarisaSF]

I am ROFL about this one, but my DD is a puppy. I almost bought one of those harness/leash things today in Target. DD wouldn't sit in the cart, she wouldn't let me hold her. She wanted to walk and eat things off the floor. Great, as she HAD NO SHOES on. Cutest little puppy dog I've ever seen! :)

Then it struck me that those leash-harnesses might come in handy as she grows. But, wouldn't I/she just be tugging on it all the time? Do they make an extending type like those dog leashes? I didn't buy one, because I figured if they actually worked, I'd see more of them and I've probably seen 4 in use in my whole life.

FWIW, Target sells one (The First Years?) that can either be worn over the shoulders/chest or around the wrist.

What are your thoughts? Are they practical? Are they socially acceptable?

"Woof Woof!" :)

[SuenosDelMar]

There was just a discussion on this last week.

http://www.windsorpeak.com/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=12&topic_id=39218&mode=full&page=3

I keep forgetting to look at my Target for the monkey one. My daughter is good about staying with us now, but I could potentially see using it in the future if need be.

[Vajrastorm]

Cutest harnesses ever: http://www.smallplanetkids.com/index.php

We own one, though so far dd refuses to wear it.

From what I understand, harnesses are more socially acceptable in Europe than the USA.

I think that a parent shouldn't make a habit of tugging on the leash. The point isn't to drag your kid along, but to prevent the runners from making a mad dash into the street or crowd. :)

Leashes can be abused, but I'm one who thinks they have their place in child rearing.

FWIW, DD and I do Target in halfs. I put her in the cart and speed through my must-haves, then allow her to roam while I follow. Then she's back into the cart for check-out. It works for us. Yes, it takes more time than it might otherwise, but she's easier to handle when she knows she gets time to explore. :)

[Judegirl]

I'm all for 'em. I actually keep forgetting ours when we go for a walk, so I don't know how she'll react. But my arms are short, and she's very determined... so if the point of getting out is to get her some exercise, I don't see how it's going to be possible much longer without an arm-extender!

:)
Jude

[Joolsplus2]

I'm not rereading the whole other thread, but I loved the post about the teenager saying "leashes are for DOGS" and the mom responding, "what, you think I should let the baby be less protected than the dog?" (sorry, that is poorly paraphrased, but the concept is the important part.. Kids are worth MORE than dogs, no?)

:)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[tarahsolazy]

I got the cheapie Target one last weekend ($5 or $7...) Anyway, its light blue and I think its the First Years.

We went out of town to watch my dad do the Ironman triathalon, and knew we'd be standing around a lot. Fory won't sit in a stroller, and gets bored in the backpack unless you're moving.

It worked pretty well. He could walk around, with me or DH following, holding the leash, but he couldn't escape into the street. I think it will get some reasonable use around here.

[MarisaSF]

Thank you all so much and sorry I didn't do a search before I asked. I'm glad to see all the responses and the various options out there. I like the monkey idea, though I haven't seen it IRL. I bet Jazz would get a kick out of that.

You're right... I'm only intending to treat Jazz at least as well as I'd treat a puppy. I couldn't see her for one split second yesterday and my heart has never raced like that before.

Neve, I like you/Pam's quote. I'm sure I'll use it at some point!

For others interested, I found some more cute ones online:
Monkey, Dinosaur, Elephant, Panda, $40... http://the-baby-boutique.com/tottether.html

[mudder17]

Hey Marisa, if you want me to e-mail them to you, I have a few pics of Kaya in her Monkey harness. :)


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[punrocker]

My local Target doesn't seem to carry the monkey harness, but I did find some pics of a "2-in-1 Harness Buddy" on a random blog, after a little Googling:

http://www.supercinski.net/?p=47

Is this the harness from Target?

If you scroll down, one of the comments lists the manufacturer info., and another comment says they're also available on eBay.

I'll have to try Wal-Mart this weekend!

[wagner36]

Well, I must admit that I am opposed to them for our family. We live on a relatively busy street, in a fairly urban neighborhood, though, and DS (and the dog) know exactly what their boundaries are. DS knows that he can not cross the street with holding hands that no one can go until they push the button and see the safety guy (I used to call him the 'white man', but then I decided that was definitely not what I wanted to teach him, so now it's the safety guy). He stops, grabs hands, and looks both ways (left, right left) and says "no cars, safe to cross" before crossing.

Maybe I'll feel differently when we have more children, and are outnumbered, or if Charlie was the type of kid who ran away from us, but at this time, I think he understands the danger and listens to us. Our dog is not a dasher, either - she stays right by us. We do leash her for walks, but not if we're watering plants, etc., in teh front yard (our back yard is fenced).

Now, if I was traveling in a foreign country where I felt the risk of kidnapping was high, or in a very large crowd that made me feel uncomfortable, I would probably bring one.

But, I suppose that technically Charlie's on a leash when we take her for walks, since we have a dog leash with an extra child loop so that he can "walk" her without getting pulled over.

[mudder17]

Yup, it looks like the same one.


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[MarisaSF]

I'm so excited about this monkey thing! Can't find it at Target or online except at Ebay and, wouldn't you know, they're 15-25 bucks there!

I'm going to a giant baby "garage sale" tomorrow and I'll look closely for one there!

[MarisaSF]

I asked about the Monkey ones at my local Target today.

The woman I spoke with knew exactly what I was talking about. Apparently there had been an ad that featured them and other people had come in looking for them.

I said, "my friend (meaning you guys) found one at her Target." She said, "I think it's weird that not all Targets carry the same stuff."

After that, I had so much Monkey lust that I drove all over humanity looking for a Walmart. I'd never lived near one before now and had never been. I had to call 411 to find one. The one I finally found was right on the Mexican border and everyone goes shopping on Saturdays and all the cars had Mexico plates and I had no idea how to find anything and didn't know how to best explain "Monkey Harness" in Spanish. I didn't see it where it should have been (I even checked the top shelf) so I left with nothing. But at least now I know what Walmart looks like inside. It's... uhh... different and BIG!

Now that I know what the box looks like, I'm gonna need to try the other Target. Poor Jazz... being shlepped all over town in order to wear a Monkey!

[mudder17]

Marisa, I still owe you some pics, but would you like me to pick up a monkey for you? And I know what you mean about Monkey lust--I just love it. :)


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[firsttimemommy]

I was a little "squeamish" of them too until I had my second DC. Now, I am worried b/c I am only one adult and they are two toddlers that both like to explore (DD is 31 mos and DS is 17 mos). Even if DS is in a stroller (which I feel guilty about - confining him in a fun "meant to be explored" place), I am afraid DS will distract me, need something ,etc and DD might wander off out of curiosity (she has been told about staying close, etc, but she sees something she likes and goes for it!)

So I am now petrified to go many places, especially if I think it might be crowded. I wonder which is better - being "better safe than sorry" and staying home, or just using the harness and getting OUT and exploring? I feel like right now I am depriving them of educational outings b/c of my fear.

I LOVE the looks of the harness buddy and I think that would be an adorable way to keep her close, have fun and not look so "dog-like" (while I do agree with the statement above about protecting your child more than you dog, you know how stigmas can be) I'm going to look at Target tomorrow :) Does anyone know how much they are there?

BTW, I have a good friend who uses the plain harness and she has had comments before "is that your dog?" and similiar. It's amazing how bold people can be, especially when it is none of their business!

Ronda
Proud Mommy to 2 adorable munchkins - 1/03 and 4/04

"Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes........that way you are a mile away and you have their shoes."

[MarisaSF]

Eileen-
Don't worry about the pics. I know I'd use one. I e-mailed you... twice, sorry (overzealous me!).

Ronda-
I saw an ad for a double harness for two kids. http://multiples.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ&sdn=multiples&zu=http%3A%2F%2Ftommiguard.com%2Fmulti.htm

[amck]

I bought the monkey and I LOVE it! I leave it in the car and we only use it for shopping excursions. DD won't stay in the cart and has a short attention span when it comes to the stroller, sooooo I put her monkey on her, try to get my "must have's" in the cart ASAP and then let her lead the way around the store. The meandering makes me crazy, but she's happy and safe, which is most important to me. It has definitely decreased the temper tantrums while shopping.

PS - Everyone comments on how cute her "backpack" is! They don't realize it's a harness in disguise! :)

[ethansmom]

It was $9 or $10 at our Target and WAY cute. I guess you can take off the "leash" part and have it just be a backpack. Good price for a backpack...

[s7714]

I'd like to see what happens with that one when both kids want to go in opposite directions! ;)

Jennifer
Mommy to
Annalia 3/03
Sophia 6/05

When raising kids the days are oh so long, but the years are short.--John Leguizamo

[mudder17]

Thanks Marisa. DH STILL hasn't fixed my computer! I know he'll get around to it one of these days....


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[MarisaSF]

Eileen-
I pm'ed you. Did you get it? I hear your computer might not be working and I never know about this BBB e-mail forwarding system. Anyway, I would love a monkey or puppy if they are still at your store. I can't find them anywhere here! You've got my paypal account, so you know I am good for it. Thanks for thinking of us! :)

[SuenosDelMar]

I found one at Wal-Mart tonight and is was $9.47. They must be pretty popular as they only had one monkey and one puppy. They were back in the baby aisles next to the soft carriers.

[MarisaSF]

Where are you, Suenos? Are you in CA?

[SuenosDelMar]

I wish!!! I am in Chicagoland....

[analisa]

Reading this thread has made me very eager to try the monkey harness--these days 15-mo. old DD hits the floor running, tears all over the place, and mostly refuses to hold hands.

I'd really appreciate if someone could tell me the UPC for the monkey harness so that when I call my local Targets to see if they have it, they know exactly what I'm asking for.

Thanks!
Analisa

[SuenosDelMar]

It's 71534 53813 made by Gold Bug.

[MarisaSF]

ahh.... so you're dreaming OF the sea? I thought perhaps you were dreaming BY the sea. :)

[chlobo]

is that the upc or dcpi?

[mudder17]

My e-mail is working, but my program for uploading pictures is not working for some reason. Anyway, I didn't get the PM about picking up a monkey, but I'll take a look at target the next time I go. Do you have a preference if I see both monkey and puppy?


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[MarisaSF]

I have no preference. Jazz is totally obsessed with dogs recently, so she'd say "Do - vwa vwa." (Translated: "dog -- woof woof")

But she also loves the idea of monkeys, we just don't see as many IRL. ;)
To make your job easier, let's say Puppy if you see both.
Thanks a ton!

[chlobo]

Eileen,

IS the one at Target the Gold Bug one? Was it in a box, rather than a small package? Was it with the other "safety" stuff? They can't seem to find it at my Target.

[mudder17]

Our harness was in a box, but it was an open box so that you could see the Monkey. It was with the other carriers, like the Baby Bjorn. It wasn't at our first (closest) target, but it was at one a little farther away.

Also, if you don't find it at Target, take a look at Walmart, although I haven't looked at my local Walmart.


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[analisa]

Thanks for the number. It made things easier (and more complicated, depending on the "team member" I dealt with) when I called several Targets today, but even so, I had no luck finding the elusive monkey! A few stores had the puppy harness, but I'm holding out for the monkey.

[knaidel]

Where in Chicago do you live? Which wal-mart did you find it at?

[kthomp]

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to chime in as I saw this post and I really want that harness/backpack! Or should I say DD wants it. ;)

I called Target and Walmart's 1-800 numbers with the UPC posted. They were both able to look the item up for me and let me know which local stores had it. So if you are still looking, you might want to try doing that. I also got an additional item number from Walmart- 2674749. The woman said that if you give that number to your local store, they can tell if they have it, or if any other stores in the area do. She also said they might be able to order it if no one in the area has it. HTH!

Even though we have a billion Targets in the area, only one had it! I am on my way to pick it up today or tomorrow. I will keep my eyes out to see which ones they have and how many. I would be more than happy to pick one up for anyone if the happen to have a few!

[Saartje]

I took my car in for repairs today, and there was a Wal-Mart nearby; they had about three puppy harnesses. I'll be going back to get the car tomorrow, so if someone wants me to pick one up for them, I'll do it then.

I snagged the only monkey harness, but if someone only wants a monkey and can't find it, I'll try the Target that was also nearby.

Eileen, thanks for posting about Kaya's harness. Ishie loves his, now! He was even carrying it around when he wasn't wearing it, tonight.

[mudder17]

Go, Ishie! That's really adorable. Every time Kaya wants to go for a walk, she'll either sign "monkey" or if she sees it, she'll get her monkey harness and bring it to us. Then she'll grab our hand, take us to the door and say, "Bye-bye". Oh, and she'll bring us our shoes as well. What a helpful girl she is, huh? ;)

Hey, Marisa, how about if Sarah grabs the harness for you? I'm not going to make it to Target until at least this weekend.

Sarah, she wanted a puppy harness. Heck, go ahead and pick up a puppy harness. If Marisa wants it, that'll work out great. Otherwise I'll definitely take it--my sister wants one. :D

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[kozachka]

Are you in San Diego, Marisa? I called Walmart on Shawline Street off 805 and they had two puppy harnesses. They are holding one for me till tomorrow morning. Gotta check it out IRL, might come handy for our upcoming trip to Europe, particularly the airports.

[MarisaSF]

Sarah-
Never mind. I think we might have one nearby! ack. I can't believe how strong this monkey/puppy lust is!

[MarisaSF]

Elena! You are my heroine!
I'm new here and have no idea where I am half the time.

I called the stores that 411 said were nearby (I was in the car when I had time to call). Now, looking on mapquest I see the Shawline one is the closest. I'll be there tomorrow banging on the door! If you see a woman running away shouting, "PUPPPPPPPYYYYYY!," um, that would be me! I promise I won't take yours.

:)

[SuenosDelMar]

In the burbs - Bloomingdale Wal-Mart

We put it on my daughter today at home and it is sooooo cute. She cried because she wanted it off though. I guess when we are out and about, she won't likely notice it so much. Hope you find one!

[SuenosDelMar]

Unfortunately "of the" and almost nightly - usually involving dolphins.

Lake Michigan just doesn't cut it when you have experienced southern California beach sunsets. :(

[kozachka]

>If you see a woman running away shouting,
>"PUPPPPPPPYYYYYY!," um, that would be me! I promise I won't
>take yours.
>
>:)

LOL! I hope you got your puppy, Marisa. Shawline Walmart had new stock in since last night so DS had a pick of monkey or puppy. I was really rooting for a brown monkey figuring it'll look clean longer. DS liked the sand coloured puppy better (maybe because we have a yellow lab) and wanted to wear it right away. It did not last long though, he was tugging on the leash/tail after just a few minutes. At the end he asked to be put in a stroller rather than have me tug on the leash. Will try it again tomorrow, hopefully he'll warm up to it. I really want it to work.

I can't help but wonder how sturdy this harness is, particularly the plastic hook attaching tail to the plastic clip on the backpack. DS is pretty strong. Would have to check out the regular safety harness next time in the store. I only really need it for the airports since DS is scared of cars and holds my hand for the dear life, if not carried in arms/sitting in his stroller.

[mudder17]

Hee, hee. In the grand scheme of things, monkey/puppy lust for a $9.99 item is pretty harmless. :)

Oh, we were at Ikea today and Kaya really wanted to walk and we forgot the monkey harness! It wasn't super crowded, but it would have been much easier if I had had the harness. Yep, best investment we ever made!

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 18 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[m448]

this is the one we bought at Target and the monkey/straps are super soft chenille. In fact I had a OSA harness which Ian hated but when he saw this monkey he wouldn't let it go and will wear it happily (looks like a backpack on). It was only $11.

Oh and forgot to mention it that so far we've used it mostly on vacation or large crowd situations. I still hold his hand and he holds mine but it's a nice safety net should he choose to dash off.

[mudder17]

Okay, you have to post pictures of Jazz in the harness, or if you prefer, you can e-mail me the pic. I have some I can e-mail you in exchange. :P


Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 19 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[MarisaSF]

I *really* need to take pics, thanks for the kick in the butt.

Oh, I've got a doozy of a story involving my monkey/puppy lust. Can't wait to share. I'll be back with pics in the next, uh, what can I promise? Couple days? Week? :)

[mudder17]

Okay, I can't wait to hear this story! :D

Eileen

http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/candle.gif for Leah

http://www.gynosaur.com/assets/ribbons/ribbon_emerald_18m.gif , 19 months, hoping for 2 years


http://tickers.baby-gaga.com/t/catcatcvi20040222_4_Kaya+is.png

[tobycat]

I just called the Target 800 number and tried the code that a PP listed. They told me it was not valid.

Can someone who has either the monkey or the puppy please post the item number from their receipt or the box?

I tried 71534 53813.

Thanks,
Candice

[MarisaSF]

Candice- pm me if you want a puppy harness.

[analisa]

The number from my Target receipt is 030040877. The number is the same for the puppy or the monkey.

[tobycat]

Thanks to the offers. I found the both the puppy and the monkey at a nearby Target. We got the puppy. I thouhgt the monkey was cuter in the picture on the box than in person (different colors).

Have not tried it out, but will probably use it after Race for the Cure this weekend, when DD wants to come out of her stroller.

Candice

[sneill]

I'm looking for a harness for my adventurous 18mo son (so that we can stay together with my 3yr old daughter) and saw your reply from a few years ago (!) mentioning a smallplanetkids.com harness that you weren't using (at the time). Would you consider selling it to me--if you still have it? Thanks! (great idea about "halfs", too. I'll have to try it!)

[denna]

Hey ladies,

After reading through this thread I became very interesting to see what the fuss was about and I must say it is very cute here is where I found it at walmart.com:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=4532497

HTH,

[sdbc]

We tried one when DD was a toddler, and she would pull anyway, then fall over; so we gave up quickly.

At 3, she'd probably get the hang of it now, but she doesn't run off anymore, so I don't need it. If I had a baby to look after, as well, I'd be more inclined to do bracelets with a cord between them. I don't even know if they make harnesses for 3 year olds.

Sue, mommy to Aurora (Rory) born 5/13/04