Walking your dog should be an enjoyable experience for both of you, but what happens when your furry friend turns into a furry freight train on leash?
Leash pulling is a common complaint among dog owners, but the solution isn’t always as simple as choosing a special harness.
While harnesses can be helpful for dogs with certain medical conditions or brachycephalic breeds (those with short noses), they can actually exacerbate pulling in many cases. Think about it: harnesses were originally designed to help animals pull! Even those marketed as “no-pull” harnesses can inadvertently encourage pulling by distributing pressure across the chest and shoulders, giving your dog more leverage.
If your dog is a persistent puller, a martingale collar paired with consistent training is often a more effective starting point. For dogs who require a bit more guidance, a soft prong or a properly fitted head halter can provide gentle control. In some cases, a metal prong collar may be an appropriate tool, but it’s crucial to seek guidance from a qualified professional to ensure proper fit and usage.
Ready to ditch the leash-pulling battles and enjoy peaceful walks with your dog? Our public training classes can provide you with the tools and techniques you need to teach your dog to walk politely on leash. Our experienced behavior team can help you choose the right equipment for your dog and guide you through effective training strategies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable walking experience for both of you.
Click the link below to learn more about our upcoming classes and how we can help you achieve your training goals.
Please reach out with any questions regarding our Play Groups or Training Classes: training@longmonthumane.org or 303-772-1232 x270