harnesses???

[RubyRoo]

A harness is ok for a small dog that do not pull but not for a larger dog that does as they are desined for pulling or trecking I use treat based heel training or a halti when training a dog not to pull .

There are two or three harnesses that are designed for any size dog on the market, specifically designed to stop the dog pulling. One is made by Halti. They have two rings for lead attatchment one on the chest, which if the dog pulls will turn it towards the handler, and the other on the top of the harness. Most people that have used these with their larger dogs, say that they are very good. Not all dogs will take to a headcollar, and can get really stressed out, even when introduced to it gradually, so this seems a much kinder option.

Of course teaching your dog to walk on a loose lead using reward based methods are the ultimate goal, but as a training aid I think that the anti-pull harness is a great idea, allowing the handler to relax and take the stress out of taking the dog for a walk.

[Orrymain]

They just make me feel better. There's not as much tugging, that's for sure.

[bellasmum]

We have had some lovely walk this week, Buddy and I... Using the harness, I have loosened it and he has only scraped along one wall and I think that was in a "habit" manner. I can see the merit of being leashed trained NOT to pull in the long term, but in the short term it is so much better than feeling tearful and with no control. In the meanwhile my husband is using the collar and lead and heel approach. So my thoughts are dont feel guilty for taking the harness approach even if it is the easiest solution, as long as the dog seems confortable.

[kernow]

There are times when having taken account of all the information you have to do what works for you.

[Orrymain]

Just don't confuse your dog. If you are doing one thing and hubby another, it might get confusing.

[DebraGill]

I have a golden retriever and he has a tendency to pull the leash. so I use the kind that is looped around the chest rather than on the neck to avoid choking.

There are several kinds of leash you can see in the market nowadays. Look for the kind that puts the pressure on the torso, there's also one that has a clip for the leash at the back so it won't tangle with the dog's legs.

[kernow]

I don't think the leash training and using a harness will confuse the dog, it will just take a bit longer to sort out the leash training. I have done that in the past because it is good to have a dog that will walk well on a collar and lead, but in some circumstances a harness is more practical (especially with a small dog).

[Justontime]

I have only used a harness with a small dog, but I did manage to train him to work well with a collar and lead too.