A Review of No-Pull Walking Devices

by Maria Chang

Our dogs have strong prey drives. During walks, they frequently spy creatures worth pursuing, then launch themselves at 60 mph until they hit the end of the leash. I don’t care what The Dog Whisperer says, choke collars to inhibit severe pulling during times of excitement have never been an option for me. I have known of dogs who, after several years of hard pulling on their throats, died prematurely.

At any rate I’d rather not be dragged along for the chase. In my search for the best dog-walking tool, I have tested a variety of no-pull devices. My criteria are: it should be simple to slip on, durable and strong yet comfortable for the dog, and it should suppress the urge to pull but should hold and evenly distribute his weight along his shoulders and chest if he tries to pull.

Gentle Leader Head Collar

Description

This is a modified cousin of the horse bridle. It controls wild compulsions by controlling your dog’s head. The leash attaches to a ring under the chin causing any pulling to result in his head turning back towards you.

Ease of use

Very simple to place the nose loop around the muzzle and secure the neck strap behind the head

Durability

Strongly sewn nylon straps and durable hardware

Comfort

It could rub the top of the muzzle below the eyes if not properly adjusted or if a dog is extremely willful and strong. Although the comfort level seems fine until a dog begins pulling, lots of dogs fight the Gentle Leader on principle. When Luna realizes her head is being controlled she struggles against the harness, bucking and falling to the ground and trying to pull it off.

Performance

It definitely stops pulling and unwanted behavior. With almost no effort on my part it provides me with full control and actually works best if I remain passive. Since this device is attached to the head and neck it should never be used to actively correct a dog through sudden jerks. This may not fit dogs with very short noses. Also, strong willed or excitable dogs may have difficulty accepting this device.

Sense-ation and Sense-ible harnesses

Description

Based on horse training practices, these harnesses apply slight pressure to the muscular area behind the front legs. The manufacturer says it “triggers an instinct to brace against the pressure” inhibiting the desire to pull.

Ease of use

Once properly adjusted these are simple to don with just one snap of the chest strap.

Durability

It is well constructed with strong parts.

Comfort

Worked well on Tater. However Luna is less furry, and it chafed the soft skin under her front legs and chest. I found the front connection awkward and annoying. When correctly fitted to work on the targeted pressure points, the Sense-ation instantaneously and miraculously converted the young wild child into the perfect pup who walked at my side without any further urging. This is a great training tool to get dogs accustomed to walking at your side. However, it twisted and shifted out of place very easily, doing a very poor job containing a determined dog. My Cattle Dog once lunged for a squirrel and Houdini-ed from the Sense-ation entirely, leaving me with an empty harness. I know of a few cases where this harness had almost no effect on excited and/or willful dogs with strong prey drive. [Editor’s note: I have used these extensively for a number of years on a wide range of breeds, and I have never had even the most aggressive dog get free. The harness has been effective on all dogs regardless of size or will to pull. Also, the harness is designed to play to the side, and I have never seen that reduce the harness’s effectiveness. -P.A.]

Sporn Training Halter

Description

This halter reduces pulling by placing cords around a dog’s shoulders and under his front legs to rest against the sensitive underarm nerves.

Ease of use

Although not difficult to use, it takes a little time before each outing to arrange the cords and fleece ‘Sherpa Sleeves’ under the front legs, attach the leg cords to the collar rings, and adjust the clip that secures the cords in place.

Durability

This product is not the sturdiest. After about two dozen uses the nylon cord begins to fray. The plastic clip that holds the cords in place is
rather flimsy.

Comfort

Designed to reduce pulling mostly by creating discomfort in the sensitive area under the legs the fleece ‘Sherpa Sleeves’ work well to prevent rope burns or chaffing from the cords.

Both my dogs still pulled out in front in this but with reduced strength giving me better control. One major pain: the leg cords push up against the plastic spring-loaded clip that supposedly holds them down in place. This causes the clip to ride up constantly creating extra slack and requiring continuous readjusting.

Larz Z-Cradle Harness

Description

Custom made by a small San Diego-based company that produces equipment designed to help control and train your dog without pain.

Ease of use

Once adjusted it is fairly simple to snap in the rear side straps.

Durability

Extremely well built for pullers. The center strip along the sternum is metal reinforced.

Comfort

To prevent rubbing and chafing, all sections that wrap around the torso are enveloped with thick foam padding and covered by smooth, tough nylon fabric. Luna seems quite comfortable in it.

Performance

Although this harness will not have pullers automatically walking at your side, it provides better control. When Luna’s prey or fear drive kicks in and she anxiously pulls, the Z-Cradle closes up around her shoulders and lifts her front legs off the ground lessening her traction and making her easier to restrain. During routine walks this harness seems to reduce her desire for hard pulling. The ‘cradle’ construction holds her securely.