The front clip harness.  After trying out countless devices for Jack, this is what I have found to be the most humane and effective solution to pulling on the market.  Standard harnesses are problematic since the leash is attached at the dog’s back, encouraging the dog to pull since the pressure is applied to the chest.  Front clip harnesses are different.  The idea is simple: the leash is attached to the front, so that when your dog pulls toward something, he/she is physically turned back around toward you.  No pain, no aversive methods, just physics.

Of course, it’s important to train your dog to walk by your side and not pull, but squirrels life happens.  Another reason to invest in a harness like this is simple the safety of your dog – for dogs with fragile necks, collars can cause collapse of the trachea.  I’ve heard some trainers also talk of adrenaline that is released when pressure is applied at the neck; thus, pressure from a collar can increase excitement and actually worsen pulling.

There are two standards options you can find at the pet store and online.  The Halti Harness, above, clips on to your dog’s collar so that the harness doesn’t droop down.  This is the harness we use for Jack, and I find it is the easiest to fit.  You can find the Halti here for $14.75-$19.75, depending on size.

You can also buy the Easy Walk Harness (below), which fits a little more snugly so that it doesn’t have to clip to the collar.  Check it out here, at variable prices depending on size.

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