stop pull harness

[*Paul]

Hi all,

Could anyone recommend the training aid; “Kumfi Stop Pull Harness”. I am training my dog to walk to heel. It is becoming quite a challenge. The behaviourist that came to see us recommended this particular type of harness. I would like to know if other people feel it to be a good idea, or whether you think it is counter productive to training.

Thanks
Paul

[Renee750il]

Paul, neither one of your dogs is really that large. I'm not familiar with that particular brand, but one of the problems with most of those "training" harnesses is there is significant danger of damage to the neck of your dog.

Terriers are champion pullers! I've always had good results just using a regular harness with my dogs. Even Purdue - my first German Shepherd who was raised by a Terrier and thought he WAS a Terrier :eek: We never did get 'heel' down perfectly but as long as there was slack on the leash I really didn't care about a perfect heel - and still don't bother with it to this day, lol! I enjoy the walk a great deal more if the dogs are getting to sniff about and explore - within reason. When we're in traffic (human or vehicular) I just keep them on a short leash and they trot along quite nicely beside me or just in front of me.

[Babyblue5290]

Renee that particular harness goes around the legs, chest, and shoulders not around the head. So I don't see how it would cause neck injuries, but I have never used it or seen it used before.

I don't see how that one would work for them to stop pulling, but you have to remember that these devices are not going to teach your dogs not to pull. They might teach them they can't pull while wearing these, but as soon as they are gone your back to pulling. You have to teach your dogs to walk on a loose leash. There are a few ways to do this. Here is a video of the way I like to do it:
http://www.nerdbook.com/sophia/Movies/movie2.html?mov=8hi.mov&num=8

[Renee750il]

Thanks, Babyblue. Good to know that someone's designed one that doesn't go around the head!

[Babyblue5290]

There is also a sensation harness and sensible harness. I have heard both of those are good harness' for pullers too.

I know renee I don't like the halti's or gentle leaders. My dog (Lucas) would break his neck if I tried those.

[showpug]

I am not familiar with the harness that everyone is talking about, but I know a conventional harness actually encourages pulling :eek: I would try a gentle leader. I have had a ton of success with this training aid, but it is not a "fix all." Training a dog not to pull takes a lot of time, consistency, and most of all patience!!! I would give it a try, it is very humane and only takes a few days or so to get your dog used to it. Use a lot of positive encouragement when you introduce it if you plan on giving it a try!! Here is a website that has them, but you can also find them at any major pet supply store.http://www.gentleleader.com/pages.cfm?id=17

[Renee750il]

I've found the opposite to be true with conventional harnesses, especially for the giants I walk. They feel I've got more control, so I HAVE more control.

[Babyblue5290]

The conventional harness' don't work to great for me. I had less control and Lucas would pull harder than ever. The harness' with loops in the front Lucas can slip easily even if fited properly. The halti and gentle leaders would hurt his neck and a regular collar he will choke himself to death. The only way I have found to get him to walk nice on a leash is teaching him to walk on a "loose leash" and teaching him heel also is good.

Chloe is great! Doesn't pull at all! She is such a sweetie.

Anyways that's my experience with those items.

[Renee750il]

It makes perfect sense that Lucas would pull harder in a harness if you think about what his kind has been born and bred to do for centuries! :D You put a harness on a Husky or a Malamute and they pull ;)

[Babyblue5290]

It makes perfect sense that Lucas would pull harder in a harness if you think about what his kind has been born and bred to do for centuries! :D You put a harness on a Husky or a Malamute and they pull ;)

LOL yeah exactly! :D I guess it's different for other breeds?
I have only really had Lucas and Chloe (at least that I actually walked) and I thought this is what would happen with all dogs.
So do some dogs actually stop pulling as much?

[Renee750il]

Mine are dreams in a harness. They just walk with their heads held high, trotting along with a nice slack leash - never a bit of training. With a collar or a choker they pull. Kharma's got a special little trick she uses. She'll let everything go slack, then lunge hard, breaking whatever's around her neck. If it doesn't break, she rears up, then lets everything slacken quickly and ducks her head and she's out :rolleyes:

[Babyblue5290]

Mine are dreams in a harness. They just walk with their heads held high, trotting along with a nice slack leash - never a bit of training. With a collar or a choker they pull. Kharma's got a special little trick she uses. She'll let everything go slack, then lunge hard, breaking whatever's around her neck. If it doesn't break, she rears up, then lets everything slacken quickly and ducks her head and she's out :rolleyes:

Wow She's a smart one! LOL