Dog pulling on lead

[bonzaitree]

Could really do with some wise words on this.

My dog is a nightmare on the lead. She is 2 now and still hasn’t learned not to pull. I feel like I’ve tried everything- stopping when she pulls and waiting for her to come to heel before moving on again. Using treats when she comes to heel/ walks nicely. Walking backwards when she pulls. Practicing walking to heel when she is off lead. Training her to sit at heel.

All to no avail! We have a daily battle with stop- start walks to the park. She is very good otherwise- no other behavioural issues and she is a dream off the lead. Perfect recall. She can learn other obedience such as sit/ stay/ roll over/ turn around/ getting in the car / waiting at the door etc etc.

She really is a very nice dog! She just hasn’t learned to walk at people speed!!!

Any suggestions before I get a dog trainer? Save me some money Mumsnet!

(dog breed is mixed small shi-stu type dog.)

Haltis work because they work on pressure/pain. The nose is the most sensitive part of the dog so yes wrapping something tight and restrictive around it will prevent pulling but it won't make for a happy dog and can actually cause skeletal issues if used long term.
Each to their own.

It’s a harness you weirdo.

No a halti goes around the nose.

My love. It’s a HALTI. It’s a harness. There’s nothing on her nose.

are you ok?

its this one, size small.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professional-Anti-Pull-Adjustable-Reflective-Breathable/dp/B07NSMFPMX/ref=mp_s_a_1_2_maf_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-7ub885KcEE9fxshdPvT_AD_5RPllgf0tpK-dN9oWr3muOHoDlKgiAacqVe_kQEhqYJ9lcRbHMhjXIkz1O3IVy8E5ryeVIc-C6QsEiZT88Tx0BCmbkD4cdKinkmGLKa3uWcpgeYfu4qwu_fklFnXDL1tz3ss6DBHYx4hFyVytrygnNghjUhY4O00bnDGLEzT4Ni5k5ic4icr-SQQG9StdA.MH8plmmOnM0OU11Feb2U3u9eWD1-F9zc6iILSTvmaOE&dib_tag=se&keywords=halti+harness&qid=1708800293&sr=8-2

@bonzaitree apologies I thought you meant a Halti control headcollar, didn't put it together for a harness however no reason for name calling!!!

The original Halti was indeed a control headcollar NOT harness hence my confusion. Again no need for aggression

Haltis work because they work on pressure/pain. The nose is the most sensitive part of the dog so yes wrapping something tight and restrictive around it will prevent pulling but it won't make for a happy dog and can actually cause skeletal issues if used long term

Only someone who'd never seen a halti headcollar would say this. Total rubbish.

We use a halti headcollar for our spaniel. It's not tight or restrictive. Fit-wise it's broadly similar to her actual collar...plenty of give to slide two fingers underneath and all the way around with ease.

It prevents pulling purely because it attaches under the chin, making them look at the ground if they pull...which they obviously don't like.

I’m glad the Halti harness worked! It was a game changer for my dog too.

I always thought a halti went round the nose too.

Why is the op being so rude?

Have you taught eye contact first? Honestly it's the best thing we've done with our girl, all other training has fallen into place since doing it and we had issues with pulling, severe fear responses, recall etc etc. We had a session with a dog trainer a few years ago and he taught us to get eye contact down before trying anything else. Found this that explains it in a similar way to our dog trainer.

https://karenpryoracademy.com/teach-your-dog-how-to-give-eye-contact/

I tried Haltis (the headcollar) on two of my dogs. They both detested them, as many, many dogs do. They loathed them every second they had them on, and I stopped using them.

I now use slip leads, which bother my current two dogs not at all, and I have used them to establish a solid heel. They're a clear communication tool, but are endlessly demonised, despite many dogs finding them much less aversive than headcollars.

This. It's a game changer. Reward her every time she looks at you. You simply can't train a dog, for the most part, unless you have its attention.