Now that my Newf is getting older, I find there are times she forgets I am attached to the other end of the leash and pulls a bit. This doesn't happen that often, but I have been pulled through at least one sprinkler and been knocked down after I got my feet tangled up and she decided it was time to move. In her defense, she is very gentle, but she is also a pup. She sees! it! and wants to go, NOW.
In the past, I have used a martingale collar, as well as a training, or "pinch"
collar. (The name is misleading, it does not pinch at all). She was still pulling with the pinch collar, so I tried the Gentle Leader. It is a wonder, is all I have to say. I have to admit, when I first saw it, it seemed...inhumane. Invented by Dr. R.K. Anderson, the collar goes across the nose and over the muzzle, similar to a bridle on a horse. The dog cannot pull, because if she does, her head comes around to face you instead. This is especially important for a strong breed, because the dog cannot get her "back" into the pull, which means you can correct it sooner. Because the collar goes across the nose, you don't jerk to correct, but gently lead the dog around to face you. Does it work? Amazingly. The difference with Poppy is night and day. It really is. In the above photo, she is wearing it, but you cannot tell because it is black, and well, so is she. So here is a picture of a Golden wearing it instead.This video is great, and I challenge you to watch it.
Loose Leash Walking Tips. ABRI doesn't have direct links, but if you scroll to the bottom part of the page, you will find the video.
I highly recommend the Gentle Leader if your dog likes to pull and won't walk with you. After all, we are supposed to take them for a walk, not the other way around!
this post was not solicited in any way. I was not paid, or given free product. I just really like the Gentle Leader and how it improves my relationship with my dog
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