A Halti is one of many aversive training tools. Evidence suggests that aversive methods like this can actually be detrimental to the physical and mental health of our dogs, as well as less effective. Dog muzzles are often associated with aggression. But, they can be used on dogs for a number of reasons, from avoiding bites, to preventing your dog eating harmful items on walks. Attach the Halti Training Lead clip to the Halti lead ring, then the more oversized clip to your dog’s collar. The Halti Training Lead has been specially manufactured with lightweight rings and clips to ensure easy use and durability in training your dog.

Blake, S. (et al), ‘ A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Harness and Head-Collar Use in Dogs’, BioRxiv (2019)Yes. Although we extol the virtues of walking your dog with a harness, a collar is still essential attire for any dog (even when wearing a harness). Aside from being a legal requirement in the UK, a collar also tells others that the dog has an owner and isn’t a stray. A collar also allows you to attach a name tag – extra peace of mind that compliments the mandatory microchip underneath the animal’s skin between the shoulders. When you begin to walk forwards, should your dog pull, gently turn the Halti towards you or pull on the collar. This will add additional control to get your dog to stop/brake. The two sets of control help you decide how your dog should be and control the walk comfortably. Ostensibly designed for active dogs accompanying their owners on long outdoor runs in the countryside, the Hi & Light is constructed from light Ripstop nylon material and features slim nylon straps, a single top-mounted aluminium leash clasp and a sealed Velcro pouch with integral cord for attaching a name tag. The pouch is also big enough to store a few emergency poo bags.

Remember, these head collars work by pairing the pulling action with an uncomfortable, unpleasant consequence. The great thing about this leash is that there’s at least two feet of stretch in the webbing and that’s extremely useful when running because there’s less chance of the animal pulling you over if it suddenly veers off to chase a rabbit. If your dog is absolutely insistent on pulling, you’ll know how much of a pain and hassle something as simple as an ordinary dog walk can become. If you are really struggling to manage with a puppy pulling on the lead we would recommend speaking with a vet recommended dog trainer or behaviourist to get some advice on how best to train your young dog not to pull. 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.Haltis associate pulling with an unpleasant consequence. They may be slightly uncomfortable, and your dog may not enjoy walking with them too much. 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.

The Halti Training Lead can be used on either dog’s side, whichever you are most comfortable with. The 2 points of attachment maximize the control you have. Using head harnesses like this for longer periods has led to distress and severe consequences reported by owners. 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.READ NEXT: Best dog clippers The best dog harnesses to buy 1. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness: The best all-round dog harness for convenience and fit The heavy-duty plastic clips are seriously large and we wonder if this combination of wide webbing and large clips is the reason the whole harness tends to shift over to one side after a few minutes wear. That said, at no time did the dog – an elderly Labrador – appear to be in discomfort. We suspect the smaller sizes use narrower, thinner and more supple webbing, which should ensure the harness remains in better position. This is an aversive tool that can cause distrust, and will not be as effective as positive training methods. Ziv, G. ‘ The Effects of Using Aversive Training Methods in Dogs – A Review’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2017) This product is still the most well known of the Halti products. And, it is the one most people think of when they say the brand name.