Soon2BChixMom
Herding ducks and Wrangling chickens
- Jan 8, 2017
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I have read the first article before. You have to read all the way through.
--Whole Dog Journal Training Editor Pat Miller, CBCC-KA, CPDT-KA, comments, “I am a dog trainer/behavior professional with a very specialized concern about helping dogs be well-mannered companions to their humans. I agree that the way to get a dog to stop pulling is to train it. No-pull harnesses provide, in my experience, the least harmful way to give many owners the window of opportunity to reinforce –and thereby train – polite leash walking. An owner can’t train a dog to walk on leash if she is getting dragged off her feet. I will continue to use front-clip harnesses and recommend them to clients, at least until someone comes up with an even safer non-aversive alternative.”--
Like so many of our equipment choices, there are cases for and against using a front-clip or other no-pull harnesses as well as other devices. Each of us must consider the benefits and risks, and make an educated decision based on what is best for us and our own dogs.
As for the head halters, I have never used those, but have read about them. Again, you have to use them correctly and a lot of people do not use training tools correctly - like prong collars and electric collars.
I tried a Martingale, not worth it in my opinion. But, that is not to say it won't work for certain dogs. Just didn't work in my case. I don't use leash corrections (or snapping) either, but that is not to say it isn't needed for certain dogs. As for any other method, you have to research.
I am not here to debate methods. The OP should do their research to find out what will work for them and their dog. I spent hours reading about different methods. As well, putting any training technique in use to see how it works for your dog is different than reading about it or watching a video.
I use the no-pull front halter and it works for us. There are different ones and some are better than others. We have had no issues. I also, walk my dogs in certain areas with no leash or loose leash (without a halter). But, I am not suggesting the OP use a halter or harness of any kind. My original post was to say that not all harnesses were used in a way as a sled dog would use it and then to add that researching different training methods would be the best for the OP and their dog.
