If you find yourself being dragged around the block on your daily walks, alongside training, a no-pull harness could be the answer!
Over recent years companies have designed products that tackle the problem and we now have options like the Freedom or a Halti, which are specifically made to stop Fido tugging on the lead.
That’s all very well, but once you remove them from the box, we need to know how to put on a no pull dog harness. There are ones that go over the head, ones that the dog has to put his feet through. I can tell you when I first tried a no-pull harness; it took me almost half an hour to work out which way round it should be.
This article looks at
- How to put on an overhead harness correctly
- How to put on a step-through harness
- What type of harness works best if your pup pulls
- How to use a no-pull harness
Putting on a harness correctly will prevent it from nipping the skin or rubbing and causing sores, so let’s take a look at how a no-pull harness should be put on.
How to Put on an Overhead No Pull Harness
As any good dog trainer will tell you, putting on an overhead No pull leash harness should be fairly simple. However, making sure this harness type is fitted properly is a matter of dog safety.
The last thing you’ll want to do is to restrict them around the chest too much before you start walking. After all, it’s all about giving your dog freedom while you retain the necessary control.
For an overhead no-pull harness, do the following:
- Gently place the main loop over your dog’s head
- Snap the side buckles carefully on each side, making sure the main strap goes up between the front legs
- Carefully adjust around the chest for freedom and security
- Adjust around the legs, too
On the other hand, if you are really unsure how to attach these systems or are worried they may rub, make sure to ask your veterinarian for support.
How to Put on a Step-Through Harness
Step-through harnesses, as the name suggests, do not open at the front. Plenty of dogs are uncomfortable with having something placed over them in this way, however, and they will resist having the harness put on them.
If that is the case with your dog, then there are thankfully a few things that you can do to help them through the process:
- Let them smell the harness. Canines discover the world through their noses, so putting something on them without letting them take the chance to get an unmistakable scent for it, would be a mistake.
- Bring out the treats. Reward them when they put the harness on or let it get close to them. Let them know that the harness being out is a good thing!
For a step-through, simply:
- Lay out your harness on the ground
- Place your dog’s front legs in the triangle-shaped loops – they’ll be obvious.
- Take up the lead ends of your harness and fasten.
What’s the Best for Pullers
We often get this question and the answer is simple, the best harness to get your dog to stop pulling should have a leash ring at the front, on your dog’s chest, and one on the back.
The front attachment will help to help them back and to stop them quicker with more control. This will also help to protect your dog’s body as you stop when you are being pulled.
How to Use No Pull Dog Harness
A No-pull dog harness with a front attachment ring is among the most beneficial tools for teaching your dog how to walk correctly on a lead. They will take some time and persistence in order to work perfectly, but they are worth taking the time with.
For quick instructions on how does a no pull harness work, the idea behind them is that they will help hold back even the most robust animals by giving you a better grip over them without physically harming the dog.
You will need to teach your dog that walking on a loose leash is what is best for them and that requires training.
FAQ’s
Do No Pulling Dog Harnesses work?
If the harness is a proper fit for your dog, then yes, a no-pull dog harness should work just fine on your pup. They will take some time for your dog to get used to and will require constant work for the results to be evident, though.
My dog dislikes a harness; what do I do?
If your dog does not like wearing its harness, then you should first of all contact your veterinarian. Some have asked the question are no-pull harnesses bad for dogs? If improperly fitted or on wounded pets, they could hurt their shoulder blades. If not, then simply entice your dog to put it on with positive reinforcement and some treats!
My dog still pulls even with a no-pull harness?
If your dog is still pulling with a no-pull harness, then you may not be using it correctly or for long enough. If your dog starts pulling too much, stop where you are, or walk in the other direction until your four-legged friend stops pulling on the lead.
Repeat the training as much as necessary. If you are still having trouble, then look to hire a dog walker or an experienced dog trainer.
Conclusion
Whether you are a dog walker with a particularly boisterous client or a dog owner with an excitable puppy, it is essential to know that most dogs tug on their leashes, often throughout their lives. To prevent this from becoming a long-lasting issue, it is necessary to take the time to train them.