Try This Special Harness for Your Pulling Dog

Getting yanked down the street by your excited hound on a leash is not a fun way to go for a walk. Besides the annoyance, big dogs can put people at risk of shoulder injuries or bad falls.

At the root of this issue is the need for further training, but it’s best to set yourself up for success with the right equipment.

While choke collars and pinch collars may discourage your dog from pulling, they are frequently ineffective and put your dog at risk of damage to the neck and windpipe.

OUCH.

Don’t Get Any Harness

A harness with a leash attachment on the back effectively transforms your dog into a sled dog, allowing him or her to pull harder than ever. That’s why people who go skijoring use harnesses.

Is this how your walks feel?

Consider a Front-attaching Harness

The PetSafe Easy Walk Harness uses a dog’s own force to turn him when he tries to pull. As a dog pulls forward, he is turned to the side. Most dogs soon learn that pulling forward won’t get them what they want (to go forward), so they ease up on the accelerator.

Training is Key

Keep in mind that this harness is not a replacement for training.

When it comes to leash training, start inside the house. Keep training sessions short (5-10 minutes). Give lots of treats when putting on the leash and harness. Continue to give treats for staying close by your side.

The more distractions around, the more likely your dog is to pull. The next step would be training in the yard, then a quiet street, then a busy street.

For a simple guide to leash training, see this AKC article.