In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best options available and answer the burning question, does a no pull dog collar really exist?
Being a pet owner can certainly be fun. Having a pet, especially a dog, has multiple physical and social benefits. While it may be tempting to stay indoors online all day long, having a dog compels you to leave your sofa and get outdoors. One of the best ways to spend time with your pup is going outside for a walk, where you can enjoy exercising together and engaging with the world around you.
Studies also suggest that pet owners are psychologically healthier and less vulnerable to anxiety and depression than people without animals in their homes. With all the benefits a dog offers you, it is essential to return the favor by taking proper care of your pup!
Most owners love their dogs unconditionally but agree that many responsibilities come with having a pet. One of the first and most important is selecting a high-quality collar that will meet the needs of both you and your pup. Picking one can be a daunting task given the vast selection available, especially if you are looking for one to help your dog stop pulling while on a leash.
Table of Contents
Options for No Pull Dog Collars
If your dog pulls on a leash, especially if he is a big dog, a choke collar may seem like the best solution. However, these are relatively rigid and can be uncomfortable or harm your dog when pressure is applied. For this reason, many owners do not want to use a choke collar and look to dog behavior experts for advice.
Pet trainers suggest that a dog pulling is a natural response to the confinement of a leash. While this might ease your mind a bit, it doesn’t make the experience of walking a pulling dog any easier or more fun. To help keep you in control and teach your dog not to pull, most trainers recommend special no-pull dog collars or harnesses. As you may have noticed on your last trip to the pet store, there are several types of these. Let’s take a closer look at each:
1. Martingale Collar
This is one of the most convenient no-pull dog collars to use and is comfortable for most dogs to wear. It is similar to a regular collar except that instead of having a buckle, a loop of fabric or nylon connects the two ends. Although it fits loosely when no pressure is applied, it tightens around your dog’s neck when he tries to pull. The negative feedback of the collar tightening every time he pulls should help to teach your dog that this is not good behavior.
Martingale collars are excellent for dogs that pose an escape risk as they prevent the dog from backing out of his collar by pulling. However, they are not ideal for dogs with existing tracheal issues like difficulty breathing or a chronic cough.
2. Front-Clip Harness
- Chest Girth 22-26.5", Neck 17.5-26", Chest Strap 11.5", Medium; The chest strap is not adjustable. For a safe and fit purchase, be sure to check...
- Designed with 2 leash clips for dog walking. Front clip can provide more control over pulling on the leash, suitable for dog training; and back...
- Easy to put on/off. Slide the harness over your dog's head, buckle the buckles up and adjust the straps. Safe and no choke
While this is not a collar but rather a harness, it can be beneficial in discouraging your dog from pulling on a leash. For a dog, the natural response to pressure is to pull away from it. You may see this if you try to teach your dog to sit and find that when you push down on his hindquarters, he pushes up against you.
A front-clip harness, which works just like it sounds, uses this principle. It causes your dog to back away from the pressure on his chest that occurs when he pulls, coming closer to you.
Front-clip harnesses are suitable for every size, breed, and age of pup, though it may take some time for your dog to become familiar with them. It is essential to ensure that your harness is properly sized and adjusted for your dog’s comfort. This is also to prevent rubbing or pulling out of the harness.
3. Correction or Training No Pull Dog Collar
No products found.
“Correction collars” and “training collars” are umbrella terms for all collars designed to help prevent your dog from pulling. These include choke collars, shock collars, and vibration or noise-making collars. Because these collars can frighten or harm your dog if not used correctly, The Humane Society recommends against the use of them.
4. Head Harnesses
Head harnesses, such as the popular Gentle Leader, are very similar to front-clip harnesses. They work by redirecting your dog’s energy and attention when he pulls. The configuration of the harness is such that when your dog pulls, his head turns to the side. After experiencing this repeatedly, your dog learns not to pull to avoid this unnatural movement.
Head harnesses are an excellent option because they are effective and do not require much strength to control your dog. As the majority of muscle is in your dog’s chest and not his head, even a moderate amount of pressure on the head harness can redirect your dog. Another great benefit of this type of harness is that they are challenging to pull out of. This makes them a good choice for skittish or escape-prone dogs.
5. Compression Harnesses
- EVERYDAY HARNESS WITH A CUSTOMIZABLE FIT: Everyday harness that is easy to put on and comfortable for dogs to wear. Offers 4 points of adjustment...
- PADDED CHEST AND BELLY PANEL: The Front Range features padded chest and belly panels for good load dispersion to ensure that your dog is...
- SECURE LEASH ATTACHMENT POINTS: The Front Range offers THREE secure leash attachment points: a handle for pick up dogs when Cross the road and an...
Compression harnesses, like martingale collars, tighten around your dog in response to pulling. The stronger he pulls, the tighter the harness becomes around your dog’s rib cage. This strategy is very effective and can quickly help teach your dog not to pull when used properly. This type of harness is a bit more aggressive than some of the other no-pull dog collar options. Using one in conjunction with a professional trainer is recommended.
Compression harnesses should not be used on puppies that are still developing, tiny dogs, or frail or fragile dogs. They can also hurt dogs that have respiratory or chest cavity problems.
No Pull Dog Collar – Consistency Is Key to Results
With a variety of collars on the market, there’s no shortage of options for owners’ looking to teach their dogs to stop pulling. Each has positive and negative features. But, what is even more effective than using a simple collar or harness is consistency.
Dogs are creatures of habit and, as such, respond well to training. When used in conjunction with no-pull dog collar, simple commands and repetition will help your dog understand what you want.
One easy trick to teach your dog to walk with a slack leash is stop walking when your dog pulls. Your dog is pulling to reach something. Allowing him to keep going reinforces that pulling is the best way to get to it. Stopping and not restarting until there’s slack in the leash shows them pulling will not get him what he wants.
Another easy method to teach your dog to walk by your side is to reward him with treats. Most dogs are very food motivated. Keeping a few treats in your hand and holding them by your hip can encourage him to walk with his nose by your side. Practice walking short distances like this and reward him with a treat for walking without pulling.
Whatever no-pull dog collar and training method you choose, have fun spending time outside with your pup. Your dog is sure to enjoy learning something new and gaining your praise for good behavior as well!
CLICK HERE to shop our complete line of high quality dog products!