What leash harness do you recommend for Baxter he is 10 week

Re: What leash harness do you recommend for Baxter he is 10

We got Reese when she was 12 wks old. She didnt have any training so far on leash and hadnt worn a collar before either. We started out with a regular nylon collar with a 4 ft leash. we found out (the hard way) that she was very creative in ways to get out of the collar. Also she would continue to try and lead me on the walk instead of being by my side as she is supposed to. I finally went and got a Gentle Leader...not the harnes but the one that goes over the face. If used correctly then it will help you dog to understand that they should walk by you not pull you. How this works is the GL is fitted over the head (similar to a muzzle though it is NOT a muzzle) when you are out walking if your pup trys to run ahead of you then he will force his head to turn and look at you. It isnt harmful in anyway...it has helped Reese out tremendously and we still switch between her collar and the GL during walks just to reinforce good walking skills. some people dont like the GL, some people will state that a harness is best...other will say keep the nylon collar. It honestly all depends on your pup. All i can say is the GL worked best for us.

Re: What leash harness do you recommend for Baxter he is 10

We are in the middle of this as well.  Berkely is almost 16 weeks, and getting stronger everyday.  We started with the regular collar and all she does is pull, she pulls till she coughs, then pulls some more.  Then we bought the martingale collar, hoping that would help with the training.  It has not made a difference.  It was rec'd by the trainer at out puppy class, cuz they get a physical and audible correction, by the tightening of the collar, and the sound of the chain tightening.  It has not helped, she just pulls the collar tight, and never lets up.  So, tonight, we bought a gentle leader head collar, again after talking to the trainer, she seemed to think the head collar would be better for her than the harness.  I mentioned the prong collars, and she said they can and do work, but it depends on the dog, however they do not allow them for training, so we could not use it there.  I'll let you know how the gentle leader head collar works for us.

Re: What leash harness do you recommend for Baxter he is 10

Ok, IMO a harness and other apperatus are only band-aids to the issue of getting your dog to walk the way you want to.  I know some swear by it, and I was one of those people esp for Hanna.  Could never go anywhere without the harness.   However we are harness free, after lots of practice and training, and now can walk both dogs on flat lead and collar.  I mean lots of practice!!

Couple of things.   When the dog is pulling you are letting them be in control.   You need to be in control.   So first thing you know they want to go forward.  IF they pull stop in your tracks.   Only move forward until there is slack in the lead.   If it take your 10 minutes to walk 4 feet, then so be it, but its the only way they are going to learn.   Another was is if they are pulling you, then quickly change direction and go the other way, now they are behind you.  If they then go ahead of you and pull, switch direction again.  Here you are constantly switching directions to avoid the pull yet only walking forward if there is slack.   I think the first approach is easier.

Second you need to get their attention on you - and trying to get the perfect heel is important if you are ever going to be able to walk on regular lead.   Once their attention is on you, you are able to control the dog, and they are not going to be giving their attention to everyone else.  I do an exercise.   If off lead and lets say playing with a group of dogs.  Every time my dog looks at me or comes to me, I click and treat (I clickers train).   If you do not use clicker, use praise and treat.   If you are going on an outing to Petsmart or something.  Bring a pocket of treats.  Everytime you dog gives you eye contact, click or praise and treat.  Even at home.   Get them to pay attention to you!   I use a command "LOOK"   So everytime I tell one of my dogs to "LOOK" they look at me, and I reward.  

Third - frustration.  Dogs will feed off the vibes you are giving.  If you are frustrated they are going to be even more stubborn and get frustrated too.  Best to be calm and when you are you release that ora too.  

Fourth - Patients -  if you want it bad, then you have to put in the time and practice and you will get it.

**I will try to post some videos of Hanna in heeling postion and some exercise that can be done if anyone finds it helpful -

In the meantime - here is a video of a friend - she has her boxer in a great heal, and this is my goal to get my dogs to behave like this - from this video you can see the constant praise, as well as the dogs focus 100% on the handler.

 http://www.workingboxer.com/files/AnjeHeeling20071024.wmv