No Pull Harness

[groupieindenial]

What do you guys think of these? I have seen this type of training device pop up more frequently these days. DOes it really work? I see it as harnessing a rotties strength, if its supported around their chest. I wouldn't mind trying one of these, but only if it actually works. Opinions, or what you've "heard" is appreciated.

http://www.softouchconcepts.com/

[Sargeant_C]

I use one on our Lab cuz he chokes himself on all walks, long leashes included. And I do mean chokes.
I have heard some hurt the muscles on the legs. But I have not really had to pull back on him extremely. So I weighed my options of pulling by his neck or his leg area and I went with the legs.
I happen to love it when that is on the Lab becuz it just helps me big time walk him. Without killing him. LOL
However most ppl here will say it is a tool, just like the prong collars etc. I am thinking this is his forever thing until he gets his brain.

[Tank's Grandma]

Originally Posted by Sargeant_C

I use one on our Lab cuz he chokes himself on all walks, long leashes included. And I do mean chokes.
I have heard some hurt the muscles on the legs. But I have not really had to pull back on him extremely. So I weighed my options of pulling by his neck or his leg area and I went with the legs.
I happen to love it when that is on the Lab becuz it just helps me big time walk him. Without killing him. LOL
However most ppl here will say it is a tool, just like the prong collars etc. I am thinking this is his forever thing until he gets his brain.

I'll have to suggest it to a friend who has a lab-x they got from the shelter who has actually made herself pass out from pulling. Do you have better luck with it than the prong collar?

[Sargeant_C]

I have nobody here to show me how to properly use the prong so I went ahead with the no pull harness. I am very pleased at how well I can walk him with it on. If I do not have it on I have to ground my feet in the ground and call him back every two seconds. Even on relaxed walks he is huffing and choking.

Once I put this on I am shocked, I may pull it twice during a 3 mile walk and the rest of the time Angel dog. I have one that has fur around where it crosses the legs and it does not bother him at all.

I have also tried the gentle leader on the Lab but OMG it was like we were beating him. He flipped and cried and just dug at it. So I said forget this it is not worth it.

But the way Labs pull I have seen one Lab with a prong and he went off.. mad dog in class. Don't know if it is becuz he had it on wrong or what but once the instructor took it off he was fine. It was an elderly lady so I suggested the no pull harness and she enjoyed that much better too.

[Judi W]

The shoulder and elbow are very complex joints which is one of the reasons why diagnostics can be so difficult with front end lameness. I am not familiar with this specific harness, however if this is one of the harnesses that restricts pulling by putting pressure inside the elbow on those ligaments and tendons, it will be causing the elbow to move in an unnatural manner putting stress on the joint. Damage to that joint could be expected to occur with extended use.

I not only have it on good authority that labs and lab crosses are capable of being trained, but I have seen it with my own eyes!!!!

[Sargeant_C]

Oh I agree that Labs can be trained, he has been in many classes. But he is a puller. And that is why I went with the no pull harness. Since I cannot be shown how to use a prong.
He is still being trained and we have a long way to go with the goof ball. And if all else fails.. I will send him to you Judi!

[Tank's Grandma]

I believe you Judi, have had them myself. This is not my dog that goes unconcscious, but a friend's with little dog experience and I did also politely suggest she get some some help with training.

[LynnS]

I always hesitate on piping in on theads like this because I come off blunt and am not the most experienced of trainers. I have a very willfull girl who if left to her own means would pull me off my feet because a leaf blew her way...I have used several training collars with some success but the best tool was me. Being consistant, patient and fair takes work and no matter what training tools you use if you do not work with your dog the tools make no difference.

If you are a newbie like me that may mean that it takes a long time...(I may win some awards for longest time it took to train for CD) but in my mind it was about building a relationship (and I give lots of feedback, good and bad...) I currently am training with a light (like show collar) chain slip. My corrections are mostly verbal. It was not always this way and I know what our limits are...and am constantly pushing at the edges at a bit...

Hope this makes some sense...

[ACERSMOM]

How exactly does this work? It looks to me like the dog could just lean into this harness and pull more.

[groupieindenial]

IT shows on the site that it puts pressure points on different areas, depends which way the dog is pulling. It also says it does not apply pressure to the chest, so as what Judi mentioned, that would concern me if it's putting pressure on the joints and ligaments. I'm not convinced honestly.

I've been considering the gentle leader, but I'm starting to think I don't need that either. I mean, Vegas is a good walker, he's just excited the first half of the walk (or until we get to the park).

[Puppy Love]

I have talked to alot of people that say these harnesses (sp)? really work good. Unlike the traditional harness the hooks in the back this makes it easier for them to stop pulling due to where it hooks to and the pressure points that it works. I never used one so I am not sure about them. I hope that helps

[Judi W]

I just took a peek. Seems this harness has you leading the dog around from a ring on the chest area. They say taken from horse training (more confusion of the species) but I have yet to see anyone attempt to manuever a horse by the breast collar. There seems to be no end to the invention of devices that are supposed to facilitate owners who want to control their dogs without having to assert themselves.

[Tank's Grandma]

It just looked too weird to me too.
I just used many of the methods culled from reading here (thanks folks!), the best being they pull, I stop moving, they stop, then we go the way I want to go. Yes, I will use pinch collars, but there are times when I will have both dogs on a leash at once (not often) but say when I have to take them both to the vet by myself, and it is my crutch as I know that's a lot of powerful dog and I'm not that big.

[SonnyRott]

Originally Posted by LynnS

I always hesitate on piping in on theads like this because I come off blunt and am not the most experienced of trainers. I have a very willfull girl who if left to her own means would pull me off my feet because a leaf blew her way...I have used several training collars with some success but the best tool was me. Being consistant, patient and fair takes work and no matter what training tools you use if you do not work with your dog the tools make no difference.

If you are a newbie like me that may mean that it takes a long time...(I may win some awards for longest time it took to train for CD) but in my mind it was about building a relationship (and I give lots of feedback, good and bad...) I currently am training with a light (like show collar) chain slip. My corrections are mostly verbal. It was not always this way and I know what our limits are...and am constantly pushing at the edges at a bit...

Hope this makes some sense...

I think it doesn't matter how long it takes but enjoying the journey along the way. Well said...sounds like you have a great relationship with your dog.

[LynnS]

Thanks SonnyRott

We are both still having fun so it's all good....