HELP For Owners and Their Dogs That Pull

Tired of your dog taking you for a walk? When you see another dog walk by or squirrel run across your path do you widen your stance, grit you teeth, and hang on tight? Here are some training tools that might help your sore arms and choking dog.


The Gentle leader Head Collar
PROS:
-Allows direct control of the head (kind of like a horse halter and this can help divert their attention towards you and away from what they are looking at)
-Helps stop pulling because when the dog puts tension on the leash his head is pulled back towards you and he doesn't get where he wants to go. 
-Doesn't put tension on the neck or the trachea which is especially important in brachycephalic breeds or dogs with respiratory issues.
-Makes even the strongest of dogs easier to handle.
CONS:
-Some dogs really hate this head collar and will spend the entire time trying to get it off.
PRICE:
-Around $12 on amazon but probably more in your local pet store

The Easy Walk Harness

PROS:

-The unique frontal leash attachment reduces pulling because when the dog puts tension on the leash he is pulled directly back towards you.

-Allows more freedom of the head and is more likely to be accepted by your dog than the gentle leader.

-Also doesn't put tension on the neck or the trachea which is especially important in brachycephalic breeds or dogs with respiratory issues.

-Makes strong dogs easier to handle.

CONS:

-It doesn't fit all dogs correctly and may slip off or cause discomfort

-Does not control the head and where the dog is looking which might be difficult if you need the attention of a distracted dog.

PRICE:

You can buy it on amazon for about $12 but it is more expensive in stores.

The Illusion Collar by Cesar Millan

PROS:

-Keeping the main part of the collar high on the neck helps because the lowest part of the neck is the strongest and the most resistant to pressure where as the higher part of the neck gives you more control.

CONS:

-Doesn't fit every dog (not made for small breeds)

PRICE:

Cesar sells this product for around $40 and you might be able to find it a little cheaper on amazon, but not much.

My Opinion:

Price wise, I don't think you need to spend $40 on a collar. I think the best collar to get would be the gentle leader and if you start training with it early enough and spend a lot of time associating it with positive things (especially food) your dog will learn to accept it more and more. If your dog absolutely hates it you should try the Easy walk harness which usually does the job as well. Both of these collars together are still around half the price of the illusion collar. If your dog hates the gentle leader and you aren't getting enough head control with the easy walk than try the illusion collar or work on more desensitizing with the gentle leader. In most of Cesar's episodes he uses a very simple collar and leash in one like a cheaper version of the Just a Cinch leash. Let me know what works best for you!