Does your puppy constantly pull on the leash? While being a pet parent is fun, it can be challenging and, honestly, sometimes a little frustrating to teach your dog all the basics and train them for various activities. Not to mention that the process can also be tiring and confusing for the pet. However, you can promote good walking habits in your puppy by using a good quality no pull dog harness. Unlike a leash, which can have several downsides for the pet in terms of the safety or aggression of your furry friend, a no-pull harness is apt for positive training techniques. If you are a new pet parent trying to navigate the walk training tools for your puppy, this detailed guide will help you understand the basics of no-pull harness training. We will explore the various benefits of the harness and how you can buy the right one. Read on to teach your pup good walking habits.
The Basics of Puppy Training
Training your little puppy to walk properly is an exciting and rewarding process. But it comes with its own set of challenges. Once you overcome these challenges, you will have a strong foundation for a polite and well-trained dog. Dog or puppy training has 3 basics: socialisation, obedience, and leash/harness training. Obedience training focuses on training the puppy to follow different commands such as “sit,” “come,” “stay,” and “down.”
Socialisation exposes your buddy to various types of environments, people, and different animals. This helps them become confident and well-adjusted from an early age and can prevent behavioural issues such as aggression or fear.
Lastly, leash training is one of the most critical parts of puppy training. When your puppy learns how to walk calmly, your outing sessions tend to become more enjoyable for both of you. However, many pet parents encounter one biggest challenge during the walk training – puppies pulling on the leash. Since most dog breeds have high energy and are curious, they tend to pull on the leash often, making walks challenging rather than enjoyable. The pull behaviour also creates safety hazards for the dog. This is where a no pull dog harness makes pet parents’ lives easier.
What is a No Pull Dog Harness?
A no pull dog harness is a specialised harness that is uniquely designed to discourage the pulling behaviour of dogs during walks. Unlike traditional leashes or collars and harnesses where leash is attached to the pup’s back or around their neck, a no pull dog harness generally comes with a front clip attachment on the chest. This special design ensures your dog walks with forward momentum, disabling them to pull aggressively.
Design and Features of a No Pull Dog Harness
A no pull dog harness has several special features that make it a suitable option compared to its traditional counterparts. One handy and convenient feature is the front clip attachment. It is strategically placed on the puppy’s chest, which makes it difficult for the dog to pull forward without gently turning back towards the parent. As a result of this redirection, dogs learn to minimise their pulling behaviour naturally.
Another feature people find helpful is that a no pull dog harness has adjustable straps. This ensures a snug fit irrespective of the size of your dog, removing chances of pain or chafing. You can also customise the fit as your puppies grow in size without having to worry about buying a new one every few months.
Moreover, a no pull dog harness is made of comfortable, soft, and breathable fabric. This ensures your dog’s skin does not get irritated during use and they experience maximum comfort when you take them out for walks. Some also come with padded areas for enhanced comfort around the pup’s chest and shoulders.
How to Introduce the No Pull Dog Harness to Your Puppy?
Before any training, remember that becoming familiar with the entire process will take some time for your furry fellow. So, while it can be challenging for you, patience is the key. Gradually Introduce a no pull dog harness to your puppy:
- Familiarisation: Let your pet sniff and assess the harness so they become familiarised and comfortable with it.
- Positive Association: Use your pup’s favourite treats and appreciate them so it associates positive feelings with the harness.
- Short Walk Sessions: Begin short-duration sessions indoors for walk training before starting their outdoor training.
Conclusion
Training your puppy for comfortable, enjoyable, and safe walks can be a challenging task. Many dogs have a tendency to pull on the leash, which can be frustrating and even cause them injuries. Introducing your puppy to a no pull dog harness, combined with positive reinforcement, can make walks enjoyable for you and your dog. These harnesses can direct your dog’s energy in the right way and teach them polite manners over time.