Poll question on the GL verses the harness

sparkle · 11-07-2009, 08:55 AM

If you only had the below 2 choices of tethering devices/tools to use in teaching a dog not to pull/heel on leash which one would you use or recommend?

1. GENTLE LEADER

2. HARNESS

Thanks for any written opinions also.

Cracker · 11-07-2009, 09:04 AM

I choose harness, but not a traditional back attachment harness. I prefer the front attachment ones for dogs that pull (like the Sensi or Easy walk).

I do use the GL on some of my dogs that are already using it, but many people use it incorrectly or on some dogs they haven't been conditioned well and get stressed when it is on.

jesirose · 11-07-2009, 09:28 AM

It depends on the dog. And by harness, I'm assuming you mean the Easy Walk no pull harness. If it's a regular harness, NO. That will make them pull MORE.

99% of the time when I reccomend one of these for a dog, we start with the easy walk. If we need to later, we move to the GL. I use a GL on Hadley and occasionally still use Sadie's Easy Walk (like on the way to the park) but for most of my students I recomend the harness. Some of them we have tried the GL first, like the 100lb coonhound who practically broke my thumb. (of course, a week later we switched him to the harness, silly boy.)

railNtrailcowgrl · 11-07-2009, 02:24 PM

I really think that it is a per dog decision. For example, my mother has two dogs a 18lb JRT and a 25-30lb mini aussie. JRT does wonderful in the GL, perfect little angel, hates the harness. The mini aussie, despite all our efforts to desensitize her, hates the GL and does much better in Sporn Pull Stop Harness. My JratT needs neither as I worked very hard to teach her loose leash walking with a Choke Collar in our obediance class, and now I can walk her in a regular harness, collar, or choke with no problems at all.

scottvt · 11-08-2009, 01:17 AM

I have used both a front attachment harness and a Gentle Leader. My dog is much better on the GL than the harness.

BellasMommy513 · 11-08-2009, 01:22 AM

Bella and Bruno know that when they have a harness on, its time to pull, either on a bike ride or skates.

Bruno is a great walker, no pull.

Bella has the GL and a choke chain on with a dual end leash. We usually have slack in our walks unless she sees a kid or a frog, then I have to make sure I have a great hold. Hopefully this will work out through training and time.

2houndsdesign · 11-08-2009, 06:32 PM

Have you seen or tried the Patented No-Pull Harness by Wiggles Wags & Whiskers? It has a martingale loop on the back and a connection on the front, allowing you to control your dog from the front and back at the same time. It is made with stainless steel hardware and has a swiss velvet belly strap to prevent rubbing and chaffing. You can check to see if any of your local pet stores offer it or find it online.

Alisha