In this blog we look at why a harness might be best for your dog, especially if they pull badly on a lead and nearly choke themselves in the effort to get ahead
How many dogs do you see pulling like a steam train?
I notice dogs as I travel around.
I smile when I see a dog trotting along happily at their owner’s side.
I sigh when I see dogs scrabbling sideways, pulling their owners along.
If your dog pulls badly they can be doing themselves harm from pressure on their neck and from the unnatural strain on the musculoskeletal system. Just watch any dog pulling hard on a collar or lead and you’ll see what I mean.
And how a harness might be best for your pooch
It’s a particular problem if you have a flat faced breed, or any other dog who has breathing difficulties – you don’t want to be putting their already compromised respiratory system under any more strain. A harness is the best choice for these breeds, as it is for dogs with short fur and for very tiny dogs. A harness can be a good choice for very big, strong dogs, too.
But the most important way to have a great walk with your dog is to teach your dog to walk on a loose lead. It’s not difficult, but it does take some work, practice and patience from you. It’s easiest if you start teaching this when your dog is a puppy – it’s much harder to retrain a dog once they’ve practised pulling for a while.
Get advice on choosing the best harness
In the end it’s your choice what you use to walk your dog. I’d recommend a good, fairly wide flat collar or a Perfect Fit harness. If you want to use a headcollar then all-in-one GenCon is the one I’d recommend (we have a few in stock.)
Equipment should not be used to make up for a lack of training but using equipment to help control your dog while you retrain them is a good idea.
If you want help to train your dog to walk on a loose lead, or to refresh your skills, then our next signature Perfect Pet course starts soon, or, if you’ve already done a Perfect Pet course, why not join our Putting it into Practice course (PiiP) course?
Whatever you decide, please make sure you are the type of dog owner I smile at!
Keep training and stay safe,
Carol
