harnesses???

[bellasmum]

Hi, now I know I should be patient and covering the same ground, literally, until we Get a loose lead, but my poor Buddy would go stir crazy if he didnt get his hour walk in mornings and evenings. He is a very lively bearded collie cross. Pulls a lot, which is not enjoyable for either of us! I have tried a harness and also heel training at the same time. Which I would like to continue. However he seems to really dislike the harness, he walks much better, but scrapes himself along walls, seemingly to get the harness off. Has anyone who has successfully used a harness any recommendation of a comfortable harness I could use please?

[Bill]

Are you talking about a "no pull" harness or a regular body harness?

[Justontime]

My dog uses a normal body harness which works well for her she is a border collie Shih Tzu cross. I have used a halti harness in the past with a previous dog, it enabled him to learn to walk properly and he eventually went back to a normal collar and lead.

[Pauline]

I would try a haltie rather than a harness you have more controll as a harness just gives him the oppertunaty to pull harder

[bellasmum]

Hi, its a no pull harness, which is making me think it must be putting pressure on my dogs legs and feeling uncomfortable. Would a regular harness reduce any discomfort and yet still help reduce pulling moreso than a collar maybe? thanks for your interest. It isnt a harness that goes around the mouth.

[bellasmum]

just to add, buddy DOES actually not pull when he on the harness, but obviously dislikes it as he scrapes his side along any wall he can.

[Bill]

A regular harness will not help your problem, rather agravate it. Remember that sled dogs wear regular harnesses. A regular body harness encourage your dog to pull. I prefer a Gentle Leader head harness to the haltie. Problem is that once you have him walking nicely on either of the head harnesses, this behavior doesn't transfer easily to a regular collar.

I prefer to teach loose leash walking with a regular collar. It takes a little more effort but once he has it, he has it. You could use either of two methods. The "be a tree" method or the "take a few steps and reward" method. I don't know that one is superior to the other. You could also teach loose leash walking by holding a treat in your hand down by your thigh as you walk. Mainly you need to keep his attention on you and keep him close to you.

[Orrymain]

I've used harnesses (regular) since I realized they were on the market. I just squirm at a regular leash now. Anyway, none of my dogs have ever reacted badly to the harsh. Are you sure it is fitting properly (not too tight or scraping against sensitive areas)?

[Justontime]

I like a harness for small dogs like mine, she doesn't pull, she walks nicely on a lead with either a collar or a body harness but she seems to find the harness more comfortable.

[Orrymain]

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