Looking for some tips on learning to walk/tolerate a leash

[jertom]

A walking dog harness aids in teaching the puppy what direction (left, right) you want him to go. It also makes it easier to control him when he meets your dog on the street and decides to go crazy with play, at the same time removing all that pressure from his neck.
No one here is advocating puppy should be permitted to pull at will.

[arentspowell]

A walking dog harness aids in teaching the puppy what direction (left, right) you want him to go. It also makes it easier to control him when he meets your dog on the street and decides to go crazy with play, at the same time removing all that pressure from his neck.
No one here is advocating puppy should be permitted to pull at will.

Those no-pull harnesses can cause injury because of the way the dog inadvertently carries it's weight with it on.

The No-Pull Debate - Whole Dog Journal Article

[WhoopsaDaisy]

I don't think it's a good idea to dismiss the front harness altogether based on this article. It certainly is interesting and something to think about. But they are designed as a training tool so hopefully people aren't using them long after the dog is trained. But I would think it's much better than owners never taking their dog for a walk because they can't train their dog on a flat collar and leash.
The end of the article says it best:
Like so many of our equipment choices, there are cases for and against using a front-clip or other no-pull harness. 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.

Those no-pull harnesses can cause injury because of the way the dog inadvertently carries it's weight with it on. The No-Pull Debate - Whole Dog Journal Article

[jertom]

Those no-pull harnesses can cause injury because of the way the dog inadvertently carries it's weight with it on.

so can getting hit by a car.

[Georgia]

Our dog walker walks both of my boys with Easy Walk Harnesses. Sam doesn't need it but the dog walker is more comfortable using them when she's out with two big strong dogs. I have seen no adverse health issues from them so I don't mind the dog walker using them. When we got Frank in January he probably had never walked on a leash in his life. He flipped out over the Gentle Leader but accepted the Easy Walk Harness right away.

[jertom]

The stone cold, honest truth!

please read #25

[jertom]

Great analogy!

please read #25

[jertom]

Our dog walker walks both of my boys with Easy Walk Harnesses. Sam doesn't need it but the dog walker is more comfortable using them when she's out with two big strong dogs. I have seen no adverse health issues from them so I don't mind the dog walker using them. When we got Frank in January he probably had never walked on a leash in his life. He flipped out over the Gentle Leader but accepted the Easy Walk Harness right away.

thank you for sharing a first hand experience versus horse sense.

[jertom]

Yes, they can pull, but my point is, never let them pull, as in never give them the option to pull, regardless of age or size or collar or harness or whatever you use.

and just how do you do that?

[barry581]

and just how do you do that?

Are you just being contrary or are you just an idiot? I'm not quite sure. I've found that with most things, there is no one right way to do anything. jertom, if you just want to fight with everyone here, go for it. If you want to maybe provide positive input, that's great.

Personally, I use martingales, slip leads and prong collars for my two. I rotate them and have found the type of collar doesn't really matter. The dogs respond to my commands pretty much the same regardless of the collars. Although Sophie doesn't like it when I get the prong collar out for her. Not her choice though, and once it's on, it's no big deal.

I don't let mine two pull, regardless of the collar/lead I'm using. I can easily walk both of them, no pulling. If they get ahead of me I just stop, which causes them to stop. The will both look at me and then come back, at which point I will start walking again. On a 20 minute walk this may happen 2 or 3 times. I thinks that's acceptable when dealing with the age ranges I'm dealing with.

Regardless, being consistant pay big dividends.