Jean, Josie's Mom Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Has anyone tried the Premier Easy Walk Harness? Our Josie has a real desire to pull. When I took her to obedience classes the trainer suggested a pinch collar temporarily and instructed me how to use it properly. This has worked but if ever I go back to a regular collar she goes back to pulling. A friend told me about the "easy walk harness" and claims it works like a miracle. It is a bit pricey but I would be willing to try it if it would be comfortable for Josie. I would appreciate any comments from people who have had experience with this when used on their border collies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sue R Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 Our training classes use the "Sensation No-Pull Harness" very successfully. It can have an almost miraculous effect on pulling dogs and it's very humane. The obedience commitment chose the Sensation over other alternatives as being the best made, most effective, etc. But, like the pinch collar or any other tool like this, it doesn't solve the original problem but just avoids the symptoms. It takes training rather than a "crutch" like this to solve the problem. I have seen this work very nicely for committed handlers who are willing to put in the time to use it properly and then wean to the flat collar sensibly. Using the harness along with the collar (clip your lead to the ring on the collar AND the ring on the harness) is helpful in two ways. The collar helps to stabilize the harness in the correct position (which can be more of an issue with heavier-coated dogs) and "prepares" the dog to be weaned from the harness back to the collar. It is important to make sure the harness is fitted correctly - snugly but not tight around the barrel, with the chest strap running horizontally across the chest. If the harness is too loose, it won't be effective, but avoid it being too tight. That said, my dogs pull on lead because I don't put the time and effort into better training. Actually, they are often better off lead than on. If I were you and could afford trying this alternative (since your dog has already developed and become accustomed to pulling), I would consider it worth a try. Just remember that, without training along with the use of the harness, you won't be any better off if you take it off than you were before you began. Best wishes! This is an irritating problem and takes a lot of thoughtful patience to solve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaggieDog Posted March 3, 2007 Report Share Posted March 3, 2007 I've used it and like it, but I don't recommend it for very strong pullers; moderate pullers won't pull through it, but the strong ones don't seem to care and it just ends up twisted to the side. Another idea if the prong is working - try turning it inside out so it's really just a funny looking martingale collar. This works like a charm on my parents' rottie mix - even inside out he won't pull on it like he does w/ a regular buckle collar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shetlander Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I've used it and like it, but I don't recommend it for very strong pullers; moderate pullers won't pull through it, but the strong ones don't seem to care and it just ends up twisted to the side The sensation or sensible harness (which ever one is cheapest) worked great with Quinn who is a moderate puller. It was an instant fix. His obedience instructor also convinced me to try a very loose prong collar with rubber covered tips. I've had some bad experiences with prong collars, but this one has worked well with no bad side effects that I saw before. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordercentrics Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I have used both the Easy Walk and the Sensation and they both work. I currently use the Easy Walk on my full-of-issues Bouvier and am very happy with it. I use the Sesnsation on Ruby because even with the in-between sizes of the Easy Walk, I could not get it to fit properly. It won't do it's job if not fitted properly. Ruby is tall and thin with a very deep chest. The Sensation just barely fits her, well enough to do it's job. If your Border Collie has normal proportions, the Easy Walk will probably fit fine. All of these things are temporary fixes to calm the dog and give you a chance for more training. Using them will not actually teach loose lead walking, but they will give you a break from the struggle so you can enjoy some walks together. Kathy Robbins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordercentrics Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I have used both the Easy Walk and the Sensation and they both work. I currently use the Easy Walk on my full-of-issues Bouvier and am very happy with it. I use the Sesnsation on Ruby because even with the in-between sizes of the Easy Walk, I could not get it to fit properly. It won't do it's job if not fitted properly. Ruby is tall and thin with a very deep chest. The Sensation just barely fits her, well enough to do it's job. If your Border Collie has normal proportions, the Easy Walk will probably fit fine. All of these things are temporary fixes to calm the dog and give you a chance for more training. Using them will not actually teach loose lead walking, but they will give you a break from the struggle so you can enjoy some walks together. Kathy Robbins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordercentrics Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I have used both the Easy Walk and the Sensation and they both work. I currently use the Easy Walk on my full-of-issues Bouvier and am very happy with it. I use the Sesnsation on Ruby because even with the in-between sizes of the Easy Walk, I could not get it to fit properly. It won't do it's job if not fitted properly. Ruby is tall and thin with a very deep chest. The Sensation just barely fits her, well enough to do it's job. If your Border Collie has normal proportions, the Easy Walk will probably fit fine. All of these things are temporary fixes to calm the dog and give you a chance for more training. Using them will not actually teach loose lead walking, but they will give you a break from the struggle so you can enjoy some walks together. Kathy Robbins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bordercentrics Posted March 4, 2007 Report Share Posted March 4, 2007 I have used both the Easy Walk and the Sensation and they both work. I currently use the Easy Walk on my full-of-issues Bouvier and am very happy with it. I use the Sesnsation on Ruby because even with the in-between sizes of the Easy Walk, I could not get it to fit properly. It won't do it's job if not fitted properly. Ruby is tall and thin with a very deep chest. The Sensation just barely fits her, well enough to do it's job. If your Border Collie has normal proportions, the Easy Walk will probably fit fine. All of these things are temporary fixes to calm the dog and give you a chance for more training. Using them will not actually teach loose lead walking, but they will give you a break from the struggle so you can enjoy some walks together. Kathy Robbins Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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