If your dog always pulls like a train, consider a double-ended training leash like those supplied by HALTI (see below) and Mekuti. Training leads consist of one extra-long strap with a clasp on either end. They are suitable for use only with front-range harnesses equipped with an attachment on the chest as well as on top. So anything they use or wear has to be comfortable for them while they walk or run. The HALTI has proven itself to be comfortable. Blake, S. (et al), ‘ A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Harness and Head-Collar Use in Dogs’, BioRxiv (2019)

Although the Halti brand offers a number of different harnesses, we will be focussing on their head harness in this guide. How Does a Halti Work? Haug, L. (et al), ‘ Comparison of Dogs’ Reactions to Four Different Head Collars’, Applied Animal Behavior Science (2002) The ThinkPet is designed with rough and tumble in mind, and also works well for dogs that like to pull. It evenly distributes pressure across the body to protect your dog’s body and avoid the dreaded choking. It's generally a very well-made product and I love the padding around the leg hoops and mesh around the chest to make it comfortable and safe for dogs to use. The Halti head harness describes itself as giving the owner full control by gently directing and steering your dog from the front.Saddie is a big girl. She weighs 75-pounds. We've been using this harness for months, and even with her pulling and walking daily, the Halti Harness isn't showing any signs of wear. It has reinforced nylon piping to add durability. There is also reflective taping along the harness to provide added visibility in the dark. If you have a puppy pulling on a leash, our Halti Training range can help! We recommend that walking-on-the-lead training is only done for a short period each day, and within the overall scope of your puppy’s recommended daily exercise allowance. It is important to note that lead walk training should only be a part of your puppy’s daily exercise which should also include a wide range of activities to aid mental stimulation and early socialisation. A common guideline for estimating a daily exercise level for your puppy is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So for example, a 5-month-old puppy could have 2 x 25-minute walks daily. However, you should consult with your vet on the appropriate number of minutes per day as a puppy’s breed and development stage will also play a role in the overall exercise time. Ziv, G. ‘ The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2017) Ultimately, the least cruel way to stop your dog from pulling is to use positive reinforcement training to teach them to heel.

The two sibling dogs I had for 15 years weighed 65 and 80 lbs. They passed in 2017. I was in better shape and they were relatively easy to train. I took them walking or to the Dogpark every single day. While the Halti is designed to enhance your level of control over the dog, some dogs will become overly submissive and subdued when working in a Halti.I set timers for myself to ensure my training sessions don’t go too long. It’s ideal to end the session with both you and your dog wanting more! A dog head halter loops over your dog’s muzzle just below the eyes. You then attach your leash below your dog’s chin. When your dog pulls, the dog head halter puts pressure on the top of his muzzle, pulling his chin down or to the side. If your dog walks happily on the lead, is not prone to undue pulling and is not hugely strong, a Halti is more than likely unnecessary for them. However, if your dog is a bit of a handful, and is large or strong enough to prove a real challenge to you when they decide that they want their own way, the Halti can prove to be a useful training aid. When I walk the boys I tend to take them on my own for a long walk to get some fresh air and R&R just the two of us and we'll go to the park and play football too.

The most effective solution to a dog pulling on the leash is to train the heel command with positive reinforcement methods. There is a reflective strip woven into the outer edge of one side to provide high visibility on walks in darker mornings/evenings and it's also machine washable. Now, let's look at the pros and cons of the Halti No-Pull Harness for dogs and the matching training lead. I'll let you know what I thought of these dog training products, and I encourage anyone who has used it to leave comments about their experience with Halti products in the comment section below. Halti No-Pull Harness and Training Lead Review Halti No-Pull Harness The Halti No Pull Harness provides a simple solution for any dog that pulls on the lead.The combination of a no pull lifting action and front control steering makes training easy and can be used individually or together to manage different levels of pulling.Paired with the Halti Training Lead, the Halti No Pull Harness provides immediate control for even the strongest pullers, so you can walk happy with Halti.

How do Haltis Compare to Gentle Leaders?

One important note to make is that dog head halters do not teach dogs not to pull on leash. All they do is reduce your dog’s pulling power.

This means the action of pulling is paired with an unpleasant consequence, making dogs less likely to do it. The Gentle Leader is another brand of head collar that is very similar to the Halti. It aims to redirect your dog’s head towards you whenever it tries to pull on the leash.This loop over the nose is present in both Haltis and Gentle Leaders. So, there is likely to be no real difference in how your dog will react to them. How do Haltis Compare to Other Types of Aversive Collars? I was about to look for a YouTube video when I just happened to hold the harness in a particular way and the way it fell made it apparent how you are supposed to place it around the dog's legs. Never force the dog head halter onto your dog’s head. This will slow your training in the long run as your dog has a negative experience with the dog head halter.