Help, my dog pulls on the leash!

Intro

In this series we have written time and time again that equipment cannot replace training and you should not use anything that causes them discomfort and pain to make dogs stop pulling (or barking, or jumping…). At the same time, many dogs are very strong and they pose danger:

    • to their owners (sprained wrists, leash burns, injuries from falls…),
    • to themselves (running blindly under cars), and
    • to other dogs (especially if they get loose).

In this post you will learn how to manage the situation while you train them to stop pulling (preferably with a competent professional).

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What is aversive equipment?

DISCLAIMER

I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.

This post contains no euphemisms. We think that aversive training tools should not be used1. Don’t feel attacked or threatened if you realize that you own something that is aversive. You’re trying to provide the best life possible for your dog, you’re willing to learn and improve and this is all that matters. At the end of the day, all we can do is try to do better next day.

What is aversive equipment?

A stimulus is aversive when it is something that the dog will work to avoid. We define equipment as aversive when it causes discomfort or pain to the dog by design 2, in order to make them behave the way we want.

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How to choose the perfect leash for you and your dog

Intro

Leash might be a piece of equipment you’ve never given much thought to, but believe me, they were not all created equal. This post will help you choose the most appropriate leash for you and your dog based on your activities and needs.

The main leash types you’ll encounter are:

    • short leashes (below 1.5 meters)
    • normal leashes (1.5-3 meters)
    • retractable leashes (usually 5 meters)
    • long leashes (5m and longer)

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How to choose the perfect harness for your dog

Introduction

The harness vs. collar debate sometimes sounds like a religious war but there are pros and cons to both. If you’re considering buying a harness, this post will help make an informed decision.

We will talk about harness types for everyday use:

    • H-, Y- and X- type harness
    • Norwegian type harness
    • Step-in harness
    • Safety harness

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How to choose the right collar for your dog

Intro

If you want to get two dog trainers to fight, you should ask them if your dog should be wearing a collar or a harness, or if you should “barf” them [Bones And Raw Food]. We are not going to tell you what to do, instead we explain what kinds of collars are out there and when they are good.

Materials and make

Collars are usually made of nylon, leather or textiles, and most will have metal or plastic clasps. The clasp should be located next to the ring to which you attach the leash 1.

Just like with leashes, the choice of material is a matter of taste. The broader a collar, the better – in case your dog suddenly pulls, the force will be distributed over a larger surface.

The collar should be:

  • tight enough not to slip off the dog’s head
  • but still as loose as possible
  • placed far from the section where the cervical spine meets the skull

Moreover, make sure that no hair is caught in the clasp and that the tag with your phone number is securely fixed and you’re ready to go.

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