Here are a few quick notes on a couple of common issues we assist customers with in regards to collars, leash walking, and the various training tools involved. We always recommend attending a dog obedience courses conducted by professional trainers regardless of the age of your dog.
Harnesses and Pulling
One of the most popular items in our store, harnesses are great for a number of applications. Depending on the style of harness you buy, it can aid you in lifting your dog during hikes, assisting older or injured dogs with their mobility, or as an alternative restraint for dogs with sensitive or injured necks. Ruffwear's Front Range and their Web Master harness are extremely popular choices for Joey's customers.
For a dog that exhibits a lot of pulling while walking, we highly recommend the ThunderLeash.
Head Collars
If you'd prefer to address pulling on your own, a head collar is one option. The two most prominent brands are the Easy Walk, and the Gentle Leader. Both products provide more leverage over the dog's head, allowing the handler to more easily redirect the dog in the handler's preferred direction, rather than simply being dragged wherever the dog wants to go.
Dogs have a lower center of gravity, and muscular, strong necks, which provide them all the advantage for winning a pulling battle with even the most able-bodied handlers. Even if you can out-muscle your dog, this usually does not correct the behavior.
Keep in mind that head collars are still only an aid to help win the strength battle with your dog. They are not a magic bullet for leash pulling. The handler cannot simply attach a head collar and then passively stroll with their dog; corrective behavior modification must still be employed.
The best training tool
The best thing one can do for leash pulling, collar escapees, poor manners, or any other adverse behaviors, is establish yourself as the leader of your dog. Proper training with a certified professional is the safest, most effective investment you can make in order to ensure you achieve leadership status. We have several dog trainers in the area, give us a call and we would be more than happy to pass along their contact information.
Remember, a well behaved dog is not a dog with a broken spirit: it's a dog with a purpose, a role to play in the world, and a balanced state of mind. Good dogs are happy dogs!
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