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. The first consideration when exercising puppies is the closure of the growth plates; growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. Until the growth plates close, they are soft and vulnerable to injury. In puppies, this closure is normally completed by approximately 18 months old and until this time, exercise should be carefully monitored. This is important as unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly and are likely to be problematic for life! As a rule of thumb puppies should have 5 mins of exercise, per month of age twice daily. For example, a 5 month old puppy can have 2 x 25 minutes. 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.

They have also shown that, not only do aversive collars cause fear and pain, but dogs can start to associate the presence of their owner with pain and punishment, rather than the action of pulling. The HALTI Harness is designed to stop the dog’s pulling and to give maximum control. The ideal alternative to headcollars applies the same principle as the HALTI Headcollar but by steering the dog from his chest rather than by his head. It is comfortable for the dog to wear and ideally used with a double-ended lead to give maximum control. 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. 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. Leaving a Halti on your dog long-term can be cruel, as it is only designed for short periods. Leaving it on long term can cause fur loss and other injuries.Once you have a harness (and collar!) in the bag, the next important item is the leash. Dog leashes come in a variety of styles and lengths and are essential accoutrements for the welfare and protection of your dog, especially if walking near traffic and areas that require a tether. Some leads are made from cheap nylon webbing and cost only a few pounds while others are hand-made out of premium leather for maximum parkland prestige. What is the best type of leash for an unruly dog? Evidence from studies suggests that positive reinforcement methods are the most effective at training permanent skills.

Some people don’t even get this far, as their dogs desperately paw at their faces and roll around to get the collar off their nose. So, if it doesn’t even work effectively, you may be left feeling disheartened. You could be left with a dog that still pulls, but one that also starts to hate going on walks because of the unpleasant consequences. How to Stop PullingTodd, Z. ‘ Barriers to the Adoption of Humane Dog Training Methods’, Journal of Veterinary Behavior (2018) In the short term, you can use a regular dog harness and leash to keep your dog safe whilst on walks. References and Resources