Dogs that pull on their leashes can create an endless cycle of tug-of-war.
If they’re difficult to walk, they may be walked less, leading to a decrease in exercise and socialization. That can make them overly excited for the rare walks they do take.
Fortunately, many manufacturers are now offering no-pull harnesses and halters designed to solve the leash-pulling problem.
Steve Pinkston, who runs Sno-King Dog Training and Adventure Dog Ranch in Marysville, uses harnesses when other obedience-training techniques fail.
He used one with Starbuck, his Labrador mix, when she was younger.
“She was a real high-energy dog, more than normal,” Pinkston said. “I used it for about two weeks, and I haven’t had to use it again.”
Trainers recommend harnesses as temporary training devices.
“Under the armpits is an area they’re not used to getting pulled,” Pinkston said. “It doesn’t hurt, but it feels unnatural to go against it if they’re trying to get ahead.”
No-pull harnesses come in a variety of styles. You may need to try several to find one that works for your dog.
Easy Walk and Softouch: These brands attach the leash to a point on the dog’s chest, rather than neck or back, which makes it more difficult to pull.
Sporn Training Halter and Non-Pulling Mesh Harness: Brands such as these involve straps that go under a dog’s front legs and tighten when the dog pulls.
Weiss Walkie: Unlike others, the design comes in one size that fits most dogs weighing more than 25 pounds and is just one strap around the dog’s chest that tightens when he pulls.
Gentle Leader, Halti and Snoot Loop: These are several brands and styles of head halters, which can be hard for dogs to accept at first.
Trainer Victoria Stilwell of “It’s Me or the Dog” on Animal Planet said it’s important to introduce head halters gradually.
“Take a week before taking it out on a walk,” she said. Associate putting on the harness with a treat, and also reward the dog for not pawing at the halter.
Pinkston recommends introducing dogs to all devices, including collars, for a few days before even putting them on the dog.
“Let them smell it,” he said. “Get them to associate it with food. Associate it with anything positive, praise and affection.”
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com
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