Gentle Lead Collar, or Choker Chain for heel training?

[kayepaye]

You have to be careful with harnesses. That harness in particular with the way the straps sit on the dog has been known to cause strain and injury.

The No-Pull Debate - Whole Dog Journal Article

As long as the harness is properly fitted then it is fine. Any walking device can cause injury (including a flat collar), it all depends on how it is used.
Obviously if your harness it too big or too small, then it won't work how it is supposed to.
I had to purchase a larger one as my pup grew, to ensure that she was safe when walking.
I only used it for about 6 months, as I didn't need it after that, but I refuse to walk my dog with a collar as I do not want to choke her or damage her neck.

The easy-walk harness is a great assistive training device, obviously you can't expect to just throw it on and have your dog fixed, you still need to train it, but it helps. At least it did for me.

[arentspowell]

As long as the harness is properly fitted then it is fine. Any walking device can cause injury (including a flat collar), it all depends on how it is used. Obviously if your harness it too big or too small, then it won't work how it is supposed to. I had to purchase a larger one as my pup grew, to ensure that she was safe when walking. I only used it for about 6 months, as I didn't need it after that, but I refuse to walk my dog with a collar as I do not want to choke her or damage her neck. The easy-walk harness is a great assistive training device, obviously you can't expect to just throw it on and have your dog fixed, you still need to train it, but it helps. At least it did for me.

The fit doesn't matter unfortunately. There's a member on here, she rarely comes on anymore, but she does K9 rehab and has reported back the vey injury described in the article (which you probably didn't read) in her patients that used that type of harness.

[kayepaye]

The fit doesn't matter unfortunately. There's a member on here, she rarely comes on anymore, but she does K9 rehab and has reported back the vey injury described in the article (which you probably didn't read) in her patients that used that type of harness.

There's no need for rudeness. I did read the article actually, but it doesn't state anything regarding injuries, simply that the gait is altered when the dog is wearing the harness. It states that the harness sits on top of the two most commonly injured structures of the dog's forelimbs, but it does not state that the harness is the cause of these structures being injured.

I am sorry that we disagree on the use of this harness, however I was simply replying to this thread with what worked for me (and many other people).

[BeataK]

Might be of interest for some: Getting to Know You: The Human-Canine Bond | The Pet Professional Guild

[charliebbarkin]

There's nothing wrong with sharing what tool you use and why. The purpose of this forum is to share information and let everyone make their own decisions. The discussion helps. I didn't see anything rude about the comment above by arentspowell. She was trying to be helpful.

I use a prong collar for my guys under the recommendation and guidance of my professional, renowned dog trainer. I would never use a choke chain on a dog that pulls. And any tool used should accompany training.

Good luck!

[kayepaye]

There's nothing wrong with sharing what tool you use and why. The purpose of this forum is to share information and let everyone make their own decisions. The discussion helps. I didn't see anything rude about the comment above by arentspowell. She was trying to be helpful.

I use a prong collar for my guys under the recommendation and guidance of my professional, renowned dog trainer. I would never use a choke chain on a dog that pulls. And any tool used should accompany training.

Good luck!

I suppose condescending was the word I was looking for, not rude. When she stated that I probably didn't even bother to read the article. That's what I was referring to, it was very much unnecessary.

[charliebbarkin]

I suppose condescending was the word I was looking for, not rude. When she stated that I probably didn't even bother to read the article. That's what I was referring to, it was very much unnecessary.

Ok. Understandable.

[arentspowell]

I suppose condescending was the word I was looking for, not rude. When she stated that I probably didn't even bother to read the article. That's what I was referring to, it was very much unnecessary.

I assumed you did not read the article because fit is not an issue when you read the article. It all has to do with the way the straps are positioned over the dogs bicep and supraspinatus tendon which affects the way the dog carries it's weight, even when no leash is attached, and leads to injury of these muscles.

You said you don't use it anymore anyway but my hope is that others looking back to this post will be aware of the potential for injury with this style harness.

[Labradorks]

If you get a young puppy, it's always best, IMHO, to not use a training device but a flat-buckle collar, 6 foot leash, and treats. Do not let pulling, sniffing, etc. to even be an option. The only option is walking nicely on the leash. It is annoying, time-consuming, difficult, and frustrating, but it works. A puppy should not be able to pull your shoulder out of its socket. I would start at 10 weeks, inside, perhaps not even on a leash (similar to the Puppy STAR method), and build up slowly from inside to the yard to the driveway to the street in front of your house to a park to the sidewalk in front of a store, etc. A minute here, three minutes there, 30 seconds if you have to. Build up your time and distractions -- slowly -- an set up your dog and training session for success.

If you did not start your puppy early or if you adopted an older dog or older puppy, then sometimes a training collar is the best bet, and with that, speak to your trainer for the best fit and best method. I've always had luck with the haltis that I have used with my young, large dogs when in very crowded and overstimulating environments. I have used prongs on large, untrained foster dogs and they worked well and saved my arms. But, to be honest, I have not used anything but a flat-buckle collar or a martingale (which I have only used to differentiate between walks and training -- not sure if it works or is necessary, but...) in maybe ten years?

If you have a young puppy, head to school ASAP. Preferably a Puppy STAR class, which I have found to be really wonderful. It really helps you set up a good foundation with your puppy.

[Jimbo B]

I have almost every collar imaginable ..
Right now on morning walks can use the regular buckle collar no problem.
But for evening walks I use the prong collar
Martingale does not work for me or Moses
Gentle leader worked for 2 weeks then Moses rebelled against it ( did watch the video went into slowly with Treats) after 2 weeks Moses was having hissy fits so we went back to the prong
Believe me if Moses did not like the prong I would know about it
He hates the gentle leader
Not saying what is right or what is wrong ..but it is also what your dog prefers