Please or to access all these features

The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Slip lead advice

15 replies

MargoisanA1arsehole · 30/09/2026 11:38

Am looking for recommendations for a reliable slip lead please.
I have two young dogs (a staffy x and a boxer x mastiff so you can imagine both are quite strong) and they both pull on the lead hugely.
At present I’m using BullyBillows slip leads, and when it’s in the correct position, they work brilliantly.
But the stopper keeps working its way down, the lead gets out of position and I’m back to square one.
Please help!!

OP posts:
averylongtimeago · 30/09/2026 12:01

Slip leads can seriously damage your dogs throat and vertebra- they can stop pulling by causing pain and discomfort yes, but do you want to risk that?

Try a well fitting harness with a front clip (not just a back clip). With a front clip it is much easier to redirect and stop pulling. Using one with my dog (who without it pulled my 6’ husband over) has transformed walks.

CoubousAndTourmaIet · 30/09/2026 12:12

I have a 50kg livestock guarding dog breed and I use an Ezydog check mate martingale collar https://ezydog.co.uk/products/checkmate-training-collar It does have a tightening action, but unlike a slip lead, it can be adjusted so it won't tighten or loosen beyond a certain point. It's a much safer option and won't damage the dogs trachea. I would highly recommend it.

I use the checkmate in conjunction with a Haqihana hound harness and a double ended training lead. That is the best combination for me, with a massively strong and heavy dog.

Checkmate Collar

Checkmate martingale training collar: gentle control without choking, escape-proof design and reflective trim. Free UK Delivery £30+ & 1-Year Warranty.

https://ezydog.co.uk/products/checkmate-training-collar

21ZIGGY · 30/09/2026 12:13

Slip leads are only for dogs and owners who are slip lead trained.

Ylvamoon · 30/09/2026 12:16

For pulling, don't get one! Get a no pull harness - much kinder to the trachea!
then start working on walking to heal. It takes a long long time, but can be achieved!
(One of mine sometimes pulls, I stop walking and she'll look at me and then placed herself right by my side so we can continue the walk .... DDog is 5....)

BarbarianBabs · 30/09/2026 12:21

21ZIGGY · 30/09/2026 12:13

Slip leads are only for dogs and owners who are slip lead trained.

Yes, I was jumping on here to say this.

if you’ve not been properly shown how to use one, please do find a good dog trainer to show you and they can also assess if your dogs can be trained.

Also be aware that not all dogs can be slip lead trained! I have used slip leads fine in the past but currently has a very enthusiastic and exuberant Labrador who we tried to slip lead train but once we realised she would continue to pull through anything if something excites her, we stopped. Even if they are walking better, depending on what better looks like, it could still be damaging if they are still pulling to some extent.

we now use vocal commands and food to get her attention and back under control when things are too exciting! But others will have success with a harness (an harness made our girl even more powerful!)

Dartmoorcheffy · 30/09/2026 12:29

We got the parapet harness for our two dogs that were really bad pullers. From the first time using them I have to say its a complete game changer and the reviews on there are definitely genuine. Its a harness that clips on the chest so if they pull it simply turns them around. Cant recommend it enough.

Spaniels4Eva · 30/09/2026 12:31

I've got a slip lead for my sprocker and use it in a figure of 8 over her nose. She really doesn't like it but it completely stops her pulling. She's 20kg and pulled me over more times than I'd ever admit to.

MargoisanA1arsehole · 30/09/2026 12:56

We have tried harnesses (halti, Ezydog) but they just seem to make the pulling worse. I am going to consult a trainer (one dog has had lessons, but got overstimulated by the other dogs-so it ended up counterproductive and the other is a rescue). I really didn’t want to use a slip lead, but had heard such differing reports on their efficacy I thought I’d give it a try. .
We do have a Paropet harness on order, so was interested in your comment @Dartmoorcheffy
Thank you all for your help.

OP posts:
Dartmoorcheffy · 30/09/2026 14:00

I guarantee the paropet will completely change your life

MargoisanA1arsehole · 30/09/2026 18:19

@Dartmoorcheffy 🤞🤞🤞🤞

OP posts:
EdithStourton · 30/09/2026 22:34

If you decide that you want to use a slip lead, get one made with good-quality rope with an antler stopper. The stopper will work whether the lead is wet or dry. Then go to an experienced gundog trainer who will explain exactly how to use it and how to train the dog to understand it.

These are very good:
www.muntjactrading.com/collections/mystique-leads/products/german-field-trial-lead-8mm

ACynicalDad · 05/10/2026 23:49

I saw a harness on fb with a ring on the chest and it's brilliant, my dog never pulled much, but by having him clipped there if he pulls a bit he spins himslef towards me, took about 10 days and he walks beautifully now.

MyDuvetDay · 05/10/2026 23:55

Watching with interest.

I have tried training our Viz on a slip lead with a professional trainer but couldn’t get the hang of it (and always felt it to be too cruel). We’re using a standard harness now but the pulling continues…

Littlejellyuk · 06/10/2026 21:15

I use a Halti harness but never have it where its attached to a handheld lead - as my dog is strong and it felt like he nearly pulled my arm out of the socket. It was painful. 😫

I use the wraparound lead, that wraps around me (my midriff) so that was if the dog pulls, then I have my core strength to just stand and the halti harness will gently squeeze and he will stop, he cannot go anywhere etc.
🐕

I will try and find a picture to show you what I mean
@MargoisanA1arsehole

Littlejellyuk · 06/10/2026 21:19

Hope this image works 🐕

Slip lead advice
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Swipe left for the next trending thread