Does anyone know of a good dog harness that will stop a strong dog pulling?

Question

Preferably obtainable in the U.K.

Answer 1

Easy Walk, SENSE-ation and SENSE-ible dog harnesses. They really do work, but the dog will require time and training to get used to it:
http://www.puplife.com/dogcaretips/senseible-easy-walk-harness.html
http://www.ultimateanimals.co.uk/acatalog/dog_gentle_leader_head_collar.html

A harness isn't the perfect answer, and a standard harness would be a disaster (it gives the dog more leverage with which to pull), but having one of these will help make the dog easier to control and set it up for successful training sessions as you teach it to walk properly on a leash.

Answer 2

You don't need a harness, you need some training. I currently have a pitbull and a bloodhound (120lbs) and I've had large dogs in the past... all knew/know how to walk on a leash properly.
Here's how......
Use a chain slip collar (if used properly, this doesn't hurt the dog). The chain slip collar comes in two-inch increments and has a ring at each end. It should fit the dog’s neck with about two inches of excess chain. Measure the dog’s neck and add two inches to determine the size of the collar. For dogs with wide heads – Labrador Retrievers, Akitas, Rottweilers, etc. – add three or four inches to the neck measurement so the collar will fit over the dog’s head.
At the same time you purchases a collar, invest in a narrow, six-foot leather leash (nylon or other fabric can slide through the hands and cause friction burns on tender skin) with a loop at one end and a sturdy clip at the other. Avoid chain leashes, retractable leashes, fancy plastic leashes, and wide leashes until Rover is under control. Both hands should grasp the leash for maximum control, so it should be comfortable to hold.
To fit the slip collar properly put the slip collar on the dog so that the live ring can be used to tighten the collar. To do this with the chain collar, first make it into a loop by dropping the chain through one ring. Then sit the dog on your left side and place the collar over his head. The live ring – the one that moves – should be at the top right side of the dog’s neck; pulling and releasing the live ring will tighten and loosen the collar. Attach the leash to the live ring.

If your dog won’t sit still or if you’re unsure of your technique, practice putting the collar on your left wrist before trying it on the dog.

Be sure to remove flea collars and buckle collars; they can interfere with the action of the training collar.

begin by teaching the dog to be aware of your body. Let him wander, then change direction before the leash tightens. Don’t say a word – the idea is for him to figure out he has to watch you, not continue to ignore your voice. The collar will tighten and put him on notice: if he doesn’t keep an eye on you, you might try to trick him.
If he tightens the leash by getting too far ahead, stop walking. He will get confused and probably turn towards you, loosening the grip of the collar. When the collar loosens, start walking again, but this time, change direction before he gets to the end of the leash. Walk around trees or cars, cross the street, go back the way you came, etc., and keep it up so he cannot anticipate your next move.

If this strategy doesn’t bear fruit in a couple of days, try something a bit tougher – the collar tug. Step towards the pulling dog so the collar loosens, then quickly snap the leash and release it in one smooth move so the collar tightens and loosens quickly. As you do so, change direction and walk briskly away without saying a word. The tug is an attention-getter, a reminder that you are in charge; it is not a punishment, so don’t yank hard.

If two or three such tugs on a slip collar do not get his attention, do not increase the strength of your jerks; switch to a prong collar. Harsh jerks on the slip collar can damage the dog’s trachea. Use only the pressure needed to get his attention: the object is to control, not frighten or injure, the dog.

When your dog walks without pulling, praise him mightily. While he’s learning, protect your shoulder from being yanked by holding the leash at your waist with both hands. If you do use only one hand on the leash, keep that arm close to your body with muscle tension to resist his attempt to pull.

Having a strong dog is a big responsibility, I highly recommend obedience class. You need to learn how to be the leader and how to control a dog that is strong.

Answer 3

Harnesses spread out the area on which your dogs uses to pull and put that area onto his chest and area with which he can pull twice as hard.
Pulling is not cure or stopped by a harness.
Look at weight pulling and sled pulling what do they have the dog attached to the sled with??? HARNESS
To stop pullers get one of the Halti or Gentel Leader collars and use that or a properly fitted prong or choke collar.
If you have trainer in your area have them help you to fit and show you where to properly place a choke collar. And how to use one. If not the Gentle Leader and head type collars are very safe and easy to use. They work wonderfully and are very safe.

Answer 4

We use a Halti head harness for our GSD, if the dog pulls on the lead it tightens around the snout which is usually a good deterent for most dogs. Ours still pulls but I can now handle her with one hand compared to any other harness I've used before. They're available in most pet shops and at reasonable prices. These harnesses can be used as part of their training, so once you have mastered the technique you may not need to use it forever, they can still eat and catch a ball while wearing one so its not restrictive - unless they are pulling the lead - Perfect!

Answer 5

this might sound harsh but it works. When you take your dog out to walk do not allow it to pull you. when it does you turn the other way, jerking it back at the same time. keep changing your direction so the dog never knows what is going on that way the dog watches you all the time. Also never use a harness it can displace their shoulders. use a choke collar especially with the trainning i just described. trust me you won't jerk its head off. My dog used to be awful. completely crazy. i took her to one of the best trainers in the country and that's what he taught me. she no longer jerks me. and she's always aware of my movements. i can now walk her without a leash. be patient and hope this helps

Answer 6

Head collars work great b/c when the dog pulls his/her head will turn to the side and then they will stop because they won't walk with their head turned. They are totally humane and I use them on my dogs. Good examples are the "Gentle Leader" and the "Halti". While many peoplwe think they are muzzles rest assured they are not. There is no restriction to the dogs mouth with these collars. My Border Collie cross can play ball without any problems with his Gentle leader in place. These collars can also convert to regular collars. They make for a very enjoyable walk for all!

Answer 7

Yep cause I had to buy one for my wee dog she is wee but boy she is strong. I got mine out of pets at home they are great in that shop just tell them what kind of dog you have and they will advise you on one for it. these shops are all over Scotland not sure about the rest of the UK though sorry Harris dog harness is the one I have she walks better with it too and you have Lot's more control has well

Answer 8

Yes I had one for a spaniel once. It is a strap that feeds through a hole on the collar, then round the front legs. If the dog pulles to hard its front legs are pulled gently away from each other and stops it walking. It might sound a bit mad but it is safe, humane and very simple and effective.

Answer 9

A Gentle Leader fits on the muzzle and stops them from pulling without pinching or discomfort. It is excellent for large and small dogs alike. I'm not sure about the availability in the UK, though.

Answer 10

We tend to think of dog training as a series of steps for teaching particular behaviors. To teach a dog to stay in a particular position, you reward her as she remains in place for gradually longer times, at gradually greater distances, with gradually increasing degrees of distraction. Read more https://tr.im/ZN0Vs

Now, this is fine, training does involve teaching dogs specific behaviors with a step-by-step approach. This week, though, I’m going to discuss three mental habits that will not only enable you train more effectively but also make life pleasant for both you and your dog.