Easy Walk?

3211 Views 15 Replies 12 Participants Last post by TruckersMom, Nov 17, 2015

thecoulters

Discussion Starter · Oct 9, 2015

My 6month old Brittany puppy pulls on the leash like he weighs 200lbs. I have been recommended the easy walk harness and I wanted to know if anyone has used it before? I've watched a bunch of youtube videos on how to fit it properly and use it properly so I'm fairly confident there, but does it really work? I'm not expecting a miracle, I just want something to cool his jets so I can do more "heel" and leash training. Also, can I leave it on him when he goes in the kennel? Usually he has to go out to pee immediately when he gets out of the kennel and I don't know if it's too fussy to put on in a hurry.

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Russian4

· #2 · Oct 9, 2015

I have one for my dog and it works well.

The ring on the front of the harness that you clip the leash is positioned so when the dog pulls it pulls the dog to the side, most dogs don't like that so they stop pulling.

There are also gentle leaders that go around the dogs mouth, for you i wouldn't recommend it. Your dog is young and very curious and all it would take is one time for her to run after something and have her head snapped back. Plus alot of dog don't enjoy things being put around their muzzle.

You could also try a leash wrap that you just wrap around the dogs waist and some dogs respond to it very well.

http://puppiesunleashed.hubpages.com/hub/how-to-keep-your-dog-from-pulling-on-leash

But it is totally up to you.

I hope this helps

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kelly528

· #3 · Oct 9, 2015

They are amazing devices. We recommend then to all owners in the puppy classes I help with... well worth the money! Really, any type of harness that clips onto the front is a huge help.

The only thing I'd caution you to do is take advantage of the leverage that it gives you and stop reinforcing your dog's pulling by moving forward when they lunge. Easywalks are good for use while you are training your dog but if you get lazy and let him drag you anyways, he will learn that he can pull you if he tries really hard and sticks his shoulder out.

One similar brand that I really like is the Ruffwear Front Range harness, or really any harness that comes with both front and back clips. I like this feature a lot because I will hook the dog up by the back when I am not prepared to become the "leash nazi" (aka they are doing puppy socialization, going out for a potty break, or on a flexi leash) and I clip it to the front and the collar (both through the leash clip) when it is serious walking time. The dogs really do learn the "business in the front, party in the back", and walk really nicely on their collars.

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Shandula

· #4 · Oct 9, 2015

Agreed, it works really well, but I really agree with @kelly528. They are useful as a training tool, but it's nice to be able to just walk your dog on a flat collar or regular harness.

Your guy is still young, and super smart, so I have doubt you'll have him walking nicely in NO time!

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jclark343

· #5 · Oct 9, 2015

I like the easy walk, but I really like the Freedom harness or the Ruffwear Front Range more. If you have time to order them, I like those better. I like the Front range because it's a sturdier harness. I like the Freedom because it has straps that hold it in place a little more then the easy walk. I like both better because they have the option for the front or back clip.

Also, as far as leaving it on them when they are not walking, I wouldn't recommend it. Puppies are sneaky and usually able to twist their bodies around and chew it off of themselves. That can be an expensive lesson to learn.

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Gnostic Dog

· #6 · Oct 9, 2015

Unfortunately, no no-pull harness is anything more than a management tool, it will discourage pulling but it will not teach good leash manners, that you have to do with dedication and persistence. Believe me, I have tried EVERY tool out there, and at the end of day, the only thing that stops the pulling is the dog themselves. I should also say, I am unable to out muscle my dog because he is 200lbs!

Having said that, I have tried many of the no-pull harnesses in my quest for the perfect answer to pulling, *hint it does not exist*. The most effective by far is the Larz harness with leash, it works in a different way to all the other no-pull harness systems in that when the dog pulls, it gently and without pain, takes the weight off their front legs so they have less traction to pull (60% of the dog's weight is on the front legs).

The other kind of harness I would recommend, but it doesn't physically stop pulling is the Balance Harness which like the Freedom No-pull harness has two leash connection points, front and back. The reason I prefer the Balance Harness over the Freedom is its design, and the fact it is fully adjustable for a comfortable fit.

You might also want to be aware of some research conducted by Christine Zink that the EZ harness interfered with the natural gait of the dog, even when there was no leash attached, so you really don't want to leave it on if you do get one.

In a limited gait analysis study, Dr. Zink observed that dogs wearing no-pull, front clip harnesses bore less weight on their front legs than they normally would – even when the harness wasn’t attached to a leash! In addition, the dogs bore less weight on the leg that was on the far side of where the person walked, even when there was no leash attached; when the dog had a leash attached, it was more significant. This suggests to her that the dog was reacting to the presence of the harness against the leg by pushing harder against it. In all cases, the gait of the front limbs was altered whenever the harness was on.

Dr. Zink explains that these harnesses sit on top of the biceps and supraspinatus tendons, two of the most commonly injured structures in dogs’ forelimbs, particularly in canine athletes. She asserts that, just by logic, one has to assume that the pressure this kind of harness exerts on the dog’s forelimbs in an activity where the dog is supposed to be extending her forelimbs (i.e., running, walking), is not a good idea.

The No-Pull Debate - Whole Dog Journal Article

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Larkspur

· #7 · Oct 9, 2015

The ting about training tools... they're training tools, meaning your dog is not trained and will not perform what is expected of him without the tool. Making it essentially useless if you don't have training sessions with or without the tool in question.

I'm a pet sitter. I have walked probably hundreds of dogs. Of the dogs I have walked who use any "no-pull" front clip harness (maybe around 50 or so), roughly 90% of them pull straight on through. It would not pull them to the side. I even had one client whose dog wore a two-point harness and a prong collar (hate those, but not my call) and the dog would keep pulling no matter what, the the point where he got nylon burns and rubs and even started to get punctures kn his neck from the collar. I eventually gave up that client after pointing him in the right direction... simply because the dog would lunge and bite my arm whenever I walked in... out of excitement... and I don't want to deal with that.

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KayWilson

· #8 · Oct 9, 2015

I have a Freedom no-pull because the easy walk rubbed tessera's armpit raw. Aside from that, it's a great training tool. I wouldn't leave it on while unattended either, I've seen dogs chew straight through their harnesses when left on in a crate.

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thecoulters

Discussion Starter · #9 · Oct 10, 2015

I purchased one today and used it on our bedtime walk and it was wonderful! I was sure to bring a handful of poached chicken breast (his fav training treat), and worked on "heel" in addition to helping him get used to the easy walk. He took right to it and was walking at least near me within about 5 lunges forward. He was a little confused why he couldn't pull against me, but he didn't freak out like he did when I put the head harness thing on him (I took that back immediately).

Thank you all for your input and advice. I knew that it was a training aid, I just needed something to bring his focus to me in order for the training to work. I was constantly fighting for his attention, but this seems to bring him back to focus so I can teach him what I expect of him.

Since joining this forum about a week ago, my puppy has already started turning into a proper gentleman. Thank you all so much!

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mathilda

· #10 · Oct 11, 2015

I'd just take regular leash and train leash-walking in an area that is as boring as possible.
when the dog managed the leash-walking nicely in boring areas train step-by-step in more exciting surroundings.
Training proper leash-behavior inside the house, without disstraction is nice for example.
You don't need fancy training tools to do that. Just patience, consistency and a good way to reward the dog for good behaviour.

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TruckersMom

· #11 · Nov 17, 2015

My dog got himself so tangled up in his that I will NEVER put him back in it again. It was scary for both him and mr , horrible exurence and this harness was adjusted at the pet store but someone who supposedly knew what they were doing. I promptly order a new harness for my baby where no matter how scared her got if he pulled forward or backward his front legs and head count go through pieces of it and get tangled up.

KatieToth

· #12 · Nov 17, 2015

I think it will eventually just come down to training. You will have to just give it time. While you're working on that I would recommend using a harness that will lay lower on the chest instead on the upper neck part. We have an IDC harness, and that is what helped us to learn how to walk nice and calm. Good luck!

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Maiabean

· #13 · Nov 17, 2015

I have the easy walk and like it.

Every once and a while if I don't tighten the piece that goes in front of her chest, she can wiggle an elbow out and slip out of the harness. I would never leave it on her unattended or with someone who isn't that attentive or knowledgeable about dog behaviour (ahem, my boyfriend's parents).

As with anything, there is no fool proof or dog proof or perfect item. You sometimes need to try a few options and variations to find what works for you (walking with a harness, or perhaps another way to get the dog to walk nicely)

mathilda

· #14 · Nov 17, 2015

call me conservative, but i think, training proper leash behaviour can be done without causing discomfort to the dog (that's how the EW works).

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TruckersMom

· #15 · Nov 17, 2015

Trucker has the TrueLove Harness now. It is great for when he goes catatonic on me, because it i can get him standing/sitting (not laying down in a tiny ball the size of a toy poodle) I can get him moving and focused on me again

Amazon.com : Chai's Choice Best Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness. 3M Reflective Outdoor Pet Vest with Handle. *New 2015 Model* (Orange, Large) Fits Chest Size 27-32 Inches : Pet Supplies

TruckersMom

· #16 · Nov 17, 2015

TruckersMom said:
Trucker has the TrueLove Harness now. It is great for when he goes catatonic on me, because it i can get him standing/sitting (not laying down in a tiny ball the size of a toy poodle) I can get him moving and focused on me again

Amazon.com : Chai's Choice Best Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness. 3M Reflective Outdoor Pet Vest with Handle. *New 2015 Model* (Orange, Large) Fits Chest Size 27-32 Inches : Pet Supplies

I realized my link didn't work :-(
This is the Harness he has, it is wonderful.

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