Im sorry if this is duplicating another post. I’m sure I’m not the only one to ask but I couldn’t find what I was looking for under search. I finally get to pick up my black lab puppy on Friday!! I know labs can pull when trying to walk them on a leash. I’m wondering if I should start with the basic collar and leash (or retractable leash) or should I go straight for a harness when teaching my pup how to walk on a leash. She will not be on a leash all the time just now in the beginning to teach her boundaries of the yard and when we go to a store or for a walk. She will not be on leash in the house. What kind of harness have you had the most success with as far as teaching not to pull? And when should I introduce her to it? Thank you!!
Hi there, Friday is really soon! How exciting The purposes of a harness is more to prevent the puppy hurting itself when it does pull, rather than to prevent pulling altogether. So the 'no-pull' training still needs to be done. Some harnesses with a front attachment can make it easier to control a strong pulling dog because they turn the dog inwards towards the handler, but there is argument as to whether these (and other harnesses) impede the dog's natural movement in a way that might cause harm if used in the long term. So, rather than worry too much about which harnesses are best for pulling, I'd think about which harness will be most comfortable for your puppy and least harmful if he does pull or lunge while wearing it. I quite like the freedom harness is a sturdy one but does have a strap across the chest which some would argue isn't ideal. I use a harness for puppy socialisation, where I know that the puppy is going to be put in the situation where he or she will pull and jump around. And I teach heelwork in separate lessons, without a collar or leash - adding those at the end. I also use a harness for older dogs that need to be on a long line. Hopefully others will recommend the harness that they prefer to use and have had success with!
We use a back clipped harness, she does pull now and again but we stop until she realises she won't get anywhere by pulling!. Only use the collar to hang our dog tag on (legal requirement in the UK)..
Probably not for a puppy, but when your dog is grown I 100% recommend the Haqihana harness. It only has a back fastening, but it is so well designed, the girth strap sits far enough back from the armpits so no rubbing, the webbing is nice & soft & it washes well. It's a really well fitting harness.
