I agree with the first part: "A dog lunging in a collar will pull the same as a dog and harness". It's physics, nobody can dispute that the first lunge exerts the same force whatever the contraption connecting the dog and walker. But... I've found that I can control the first lunge fairly easily. It sometimes unbalances me, but I'm still on my feet. It is the second/third follow-up lunges, when I'm unbalanced on sheet ice, that are the danger. And in my experience (which in no way can be representative of everyone), I have found the second/third follow-up lunges happen much less often when the boy is wearing a flat collar rather than a harness. I know why that is and yes I feel some guilt. But if the alternative is a head smashed on concrete-like ice, I'm not sure what other solutions there are. I guess I could always go out wearing a helmet :-/
Snowbunny, thanks for saving me from the shame of the helmet. I'll look more in to a two-point harness.
I actually joined my husband walking the dogs the other day straight from a ski training session on the mountain, so I did actually walk them home in a helmet.
That's been my experience. @Snowy I have a Wiggles and Whiskers No Pull Freedom Harness, which I purchased through the trainer who ran the +R classes I went to with Cassie. She isn't a terrific puller, but like so many will lunge occasionally. At the time I had an issue with my back and this harness was a wonderful help when she was 7/8 months. It has 2 attachment points, one front and one back, the latter having a small martingale type of arrangement -- this means that should she pull or lunge then she has to correct herself and not pull against me. In her case a flat collar is less effective. I find that I use it less and less these days.
Well, the new harness is a week old. I really like it, it fits well and it sure is better for his neck. There is still one problem. He can still yank me off my feet when he sees another dog because he's so strong. I make him sit but once the dog comes near, I can't control him. He just wants to play. We are fine when walking and even meeting people, but not dogs. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to do? I would hate to have to cross the street every time we meet a dog. Thanks!
You need to lower your dog's arousal in the presence of other dogs. That means doing some work with "Look At That". Here's a link that explains more: https://thelabradorforum.com/threads/look-at-that.22184/
I'm using the Julius k9 for Ripple's long line - well at the moment it's only a 2 metre line as the 5 metre I ordered is taking ages to arrive. He's accepted this harness really well, much better than the Perfect Fit, and I'm finding it works well for what I want (stopping him eating poo and other random things). However I'm not sure it would have been so successful when he was younger and prone to suddenly darting off. Training, as suggested by @snowbunny , is vital, but possibly adding the chest piece would be helpful.
