Collar Type

[CatNSadie]

I agree with Bett. I have tried several different collars and anti-pull harnesses and have found the prong collar to be the most effective for my girl who is bigger than me.

[Tanya]

We really want to do something different with our Lab pup. So researching harnesses.

Sam I Am, what is a Martingale?

KAZ

For a youg puppy I would personnaly just go with a flat collar and/or a regular harness and work on training. If I were out and about, possibly a light martingale if I was worried they would silp the collar (but a flat collar for in the house/yard/play). no collar/harness in a crate.

The other tools are good for training and can be useful but to me are overkill for a baby. And at any age, they should only be worn when actively training and removed when active training is over (Prongs, martingales, choke chains, EZwalks, no pulls, etc. should not be left on a dog as they are be safety hazzards).

Most importantly the tools only offer some control and saves your back, it's the training that actually gets the dog to walk nicely (and understand what you want).

[bett]

i'd also wait and see when the pup comes and start with a flat collar as well. perhaps you won't have an issue and need to resort to "exotic " collars.

[WhoopsaDaisy]

I don't use a harness but my trainer did say that most harnesses aren't helpful. He only likes the harnesses that had the connector loop on the dog's chest (instead of on their back). The Easy Walk Harness is an example of that. I actually like the Halti because I wanted something painless for my dog so that she wouldn't become fearful. You have to take into account your dog and their background. Here's a picture of the Halti:

[Tanya]

I don't use a harness but my trainer did say that most harnesses aren't helpful. He only likes the harnesses that had the connector loop on the dog's chest (instead of on their back). The Easy Walk Harness is an example of that. I actually like the Halti because I wanted something painless for my dog so that she wouldn't become fearful. You have to take into account your dog and their background. Here's a picture of the Halti:

A regular harness will help pullling (and yes coudl encourage it if you are not working on training). BUT, for an 8 week old puppy a gentle harness (just a regular harness) can be safer (they can't choke themself if they go crazy on the collar). You shouldn't be looking at training "tools" at that age just something to keep them safe. When they are older and the loose leash walking isn't going super well you can upgrade to training tools as need for help in training.


ETA: oops - i now realize the post was probably addressing the original question about the 5 month old puppy. Yes if you are having issues you can absolutely start introducing the head harness at that age. Make sure to desensitize them to it (otherwise many dogs reject it). I still had my brain on the side-conversation in teh thread about the 8 weeks old puppy.

[arentspowell]

I don't use a harness but my trainer did say that most harnesses aren't helpful. He only likes the harnesses that had the connector loop on the dog's chest (instead of on their back). The Easy Walk Harness is an example of that. I actually like the Halti because I wanted something painless for my dog so that she wouldn't become fearful. You have to take into account your dog and their background. Here's a picture of the Halti:

Some of those front connector harnesses do more harm than good though, the positioning of the straps limits movement and can cause issues. Amy had more info on it.

[Sue]

Some of those front connector harnesses do more harm than good though, the positioning of the straps limits movement and can cause issues. Amy had more info on it.

As can a head halter (Gentle Leader, Halti). I think she posted info on those also being bad. I know I saw a link or two that had a chiropractor saying the only thing he'd recommend would be a prong collar, because of all the issues caused by the others.

[WhoopsaDaisy]

As can a head halter (Gentle Leader, Halti). I think she posted info on those also being bad. I know I saw a link or two that had a chiropractor saying the only thing he'd recommend would be a prong collar, because of all the issues caused by the others.

Yes, I remember reading about some whiplash type issues. I don't see that happening with my dog but I could see if someone had one that pulled and jolted continually that the Halti might not be the best. Here the local group that trains service dogs uses Haltis on all of their dogs. But they are also trained for loose leash walking.

[Tanya]

Some of those front connector harnesses do more harm than good though, the positioning of the straps limits movement and can cause issues. Amy had more info on it.

If I recall it was a question of the dog changing the way they move because of the way the strap sits. they adjust their gate/way the leg moves/stretches and when done over a long time it can cause some issues (they are ment to move a specific way, when they change that it throw their entire body off balance). After reading that I started paying attention and can see it - their gate does change a little.

They key is training the dog to walk nicely so you can eventually wean them off the tools.

[DodgyLookingBird]

We use either a flat collar and lead with a traffic handle or a slip lead (I think it's a Mendota 3/8" but I'm not sure, our breeder gave it to us on pick up day). The slip lead is good because you can use it to proved a correction and as soon as the dog slows down/ stops pulling it releases. We're still working on leash manners, but she mostly has it down- I do keep treats on hand since she's still a puppy.