As you start getting to know your dog, one of the biggest challenges can be taking them on walks – especially if they’re constantly tugging and pulling. However, harnesses for dogs that pull are available, and this can prove instrumental in the training process.
Are you walking your dog, or is your dog walking you? If it’s the latter, you probably need to find the best collar for dogs that pull. Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as it sounds. With a massive range of leashes and collars available, some research is required to stop leash pulling.
Many people have decided to begin using dog harnesses out of concern for the injuries that can be caused by collars. These effective tools actually redistribute the areas where pressure is applied when a dog begins to pull.
These effective tools actually redistribute the areas where pressure is applied when a dog begins to pull.
If you’ve got quite a strong dog, you also lower the risk of them breaking free from a collar unexpectedly. The one thing to bear in mind with a harness for dogs is that they’re a little trickier to get on before you embark on a walk – especially if your pet is particularly excitable.
Many dog owners have issues with dogs pulling. Whether you are training a new little addition to the family, or working with an older dog who still has those old tugging habits, the type of harness or collar you choose can make walks a pleasant trip, or tiring experience.
Our reviews are a great place to start when looking for a dog harness for pulling, but remember to keep your companion’s individual needs at heart.
Best Dog Harness
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness is perfect for all dogs, but especially suitable for larger dog breeds with a lot of muscle and strength.
Capable of comfortably fitting around a dog with as big as a thirty-inch neck, and thirty-four-inch chest, this front lead harness puts the walker in complete control. Underneath the leash hook is a thick padded chest plate to make sure the dog suffers no discomfort.
It does a fantastic job training a new dog with minimal pulling issues to stop leash pulling.
With five adjustment points, customizing the fit of the harness to exactly fit your dog couldn’t be easier. Though this harness is typically not recommended for dogs with severe pulling issues, it does a fantastic job training a new dog with minimal pulling issues to stop leash pulling.
In addition to the benefits of the harness on walks, it comes with a lifetime warranty and can be used in conjunction with other products such as the included seat-belt tether to help prevent distracted driving.
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Of the three highlighted harnesses and collars, the PetSafe Petite Easy Walk Harness Is going to be to one recommended for the dogs with the least aggressive pulling habits, though weaker dogs will be suited to this collar as well.
However, don’t let the word petite in the title fool you. This harness has no problem handling the largest of dogs. With a front latch over the breastbone, this leash gently gives dog owners control by keeping the animal on the preferred side.
The PetSafe Petite Easy Walk Harness helps greatly reduce, or completely eliminate, minor negative pulling habits.
The PetSafe Petite Easy Walk Harness helps greatly reduce, or completely eliminate, minor negative pulling habits. The belly strap comes with a complementary color making it simple to tell the top from the bottom, and in addition, a detailed instruction pamphlet is also included.
If all you need is something to help wean your dog from pulling when walking by other animals, or stop his excessive need to get that squirrel just across the street, this harness will be the perfect fit for you both.
Unlike other dog harnesses, which are very inflexible, this product can be refined in four different ways – guaranteeing that you’ll be able to find a comfortable configuration for your beloved pet. And that’s also once you’ve taken into account the seven different sizes of dog harness available from PetSafe – ranging from petite right up to XL.
It’s also an affordable solution when you’re looking to train your dog and stop them from constantly tugging on the leash – a habit which can really diminish the enjoyment you receive from taking them on walks.
The straps on the dog’s belly and shoulder are snap buckles, allowing you to take them on and off in a jiffy.
Instead of having to fiddle with an array of fixtures and fittings around the harness, the straps on the dog’s belly and shoulder are snap buckles, allowing you to take them on and off in a jiffy.
Some of the other great features to look out for include the Martingale chest piece, as this stops the harness from becoming twisted and your dog ending up tied up in knots.
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
This collar is top of the line and has fantastic reviews from customers across the globe. It is available for dogs of all sizes and is recommended for animals that demonstrate more aggressive pulling tendencies.
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar does more than simply help break the bad habit of pulling, it also helps with barking, lunging, and jumping. By gently looping around the dog’s midsection and muzzle, this collar provides seamless and painless control.
While out on a walk, not only does the style of this collar control the dog’s anxiety, but also the walker’s.
While out on a walk, not only does the style of this collar control the dog’s anxiety, but also the walker’s. The benefits from the collar can be seen almost immediately even if there is a little pushback from the dog in the beginning. It is fully adjustable to provide a custom, comfortable fit that won’t choke your dog.
Used by over two million people globally, there is a reason that this collar and its effectiveness have been in practice since 1991.
Puppia Soft Dog Harness
The first thing you’ll notice if this product takes your fancy are the sheer array of colors on offer – 12 in total. Blacks and navy blues are available, but bright shades give the added advantage of visibility, especially when you’re walking at dusk.
Unfortunately, the fabric on this Puppia harness is not reflective, and so you’ll need to take additional precautions to make sure it’s safe if you’re in the dark and strolling along country walks.
This brand particularly recommends their harnesses for small dogs.
The D-ring that’s provided on the back of the harness is strong, and will be able to happily accommodate any leash of your choice. Unfortunately, this accessory is not included in the box, and so you’ll need to purchase one separately.
This brand particularly recommends their harnesses for small dogs, as it eliminates any strain that may surface on their throats or tracheas. According to Puppia, there is a possibility that dogs could develop respiratory problems if too much strain is ever placed on their necks through a collar – and their harness is a good insurance policy against this.
Mesh Anti Pull Harness
As the name suggests, this harness from Sporn is chiefly designed to stop your dog from tugging on the leash, and the fact that it’s made of mesh means it will still allow your dog’s air to breathe underneath the fabric.
Mesh is also incredibly flexible and resilient, meaning that it can stretch and contract in accordance with your dog’s normal movements. This is especially important when you consider how these products are meant to provide an effective way to keep them under control without harming them or making them feel too restricted.
Mesh is also incredibly flexible and resilient, meaning that it can easily stretch and contract.
The one issue is how the sizes with this harness jump straight up from small to XL, with very little in between.
However, you should be measuring this harness by chest width, and according to the manufacturer, this harness is suitable for use by dogs with necks of different sizes. All you need to do is adjust the nickel-plated hardware to ensure that it’s an adequately snug fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will it be comfortable for my dog?
Some warning signs to watch out for include whether the dog begins to walk in an affected way once they’re wearing the harness.
There are several features to look for, along with the findings of past shoppers in their reviews of the best walking harness for dogs. For example, it’s worthwhile seeing if the fabric has been padded on the inside, as this reduces the risk of chafing over time. Plus, see whether an adjustable belt has been included – as the “one size fits all” approach taken by some companies can lead to very unhappy dogs.
Some warning signs to watch out for include whether the dog begins to walk in an affected way once they’re wearing the harness. It could be an indicator it’s pinching.
Is it easy to maintain?
That’s when checking to see whether or not the harness is machine washable comes in handy.
Generally, the best harnesses for dogs are designed to go the distance – with resilient fabric that can stand up to tugging and continual wear and tear. However, you’re going to want to avoid that pungent smell which can sometimes rear its ugly head when a harness hasn’t been washed for quite a while.
That’s when checking to see whether or not the harness is machine washable comes in handy. This allows you to guarantee that it’s thoroughly cleaned and smelling fragrant on a regular basis. It’s very rare that such harnesses will be compatible with dryers however, and they should be left on a washing line in the fresh air.
How do I choose the correct size?
When purchasing for Great Danes, Boxers or German Shepherds, you’ll need something upwards of 30 inches.
Some manufacturers make it easier than others to select the right size of harness for your dog. For instance, they’ll characterize each of the models they offer by breed. As a rule of thumb, harnesses with a girth of less than 14 inches are going to be ideal for Chihuahuas, while Dalmatians and Pugs will need measurements of between 16 and 18 inches.
When purchasing for Great Danes, Boxers or German Shepherds, you’ll need something upwards of 30 inches – and do make sure that the dog leash is nice and thick, as this’ll prevent it snapping unexpectedly under the strain of your dog.
Does the comfort of a collar make a difference?
It is imperative that the harness or collar you choose does not harm your dog.
Your main priority when researching dog pulling on leash solutions is the safety of the animal (unless you’re planning to walk your imaginary furry friend with an invisible dog leash). Many people walk their dogs one to three times daily. With so much time spent dog training on leash, it is imperative that the harness or dog collar you choose does not harm your dog.
Issues can arise from a poorly chosen collar. Some of these nasty side effects are: rashes, chafing, and breathing issues. This is why you need to find the best training leashes. Make sure the collar you choose is the best fit for the specific size and weight of the pooch.
What type of lead is right for my situation?
It’s vitally important to experiment with a range of options in order to find the lead that best suits your dog.
Different breeds of dogs require different types of harnesses depending on their size and behavior. When purchasing leashes for dogs that pull, focus on the way the leash connects to the collar or harness; certain types are available that typically yield the most positive results when training. It’s vitally important to experiment with a range of options in order to find the leash that best suits your dog.
The nose lead for example, is a great way to maintain control when out on walks with a feisty fido that exhibits more aggressive pulling behavior. The back and chest leads both work well with different dogs for different reasons, and can often come down to personal preference.
Is more expensive always better for a dog collar?
Be wary of products that make outrageous claims using these features to raise the price.
Affordability is also a key component to keep in mind when looking for the best collar for dogs that pull. There are many dog leads for dogs that pull on the market that claim large results for your animal in what seems like a timeframe that is too good to be true. The old saying still stands true here, when something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.
Be wary of products that make outrageous claims using these features to raise the price. In the next few paragraphs, we will review a few great collars and harnesses for all breeds and types of dogs.
In Summary
If you haven’t discovered the many advantages of harnesses for dogs, it’s better late than never. They give your beloved dog the freedom of movement they deserve, while also stopping them from tugging away once you begin taking them on walks.
You now have the knowledge to go forth and purchase the best collar for dogs that pull. Walking your dog should be a fun experience for the pair of you. With the correct lead, you can enjoy yourself once more.
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