For some reason, pet owners insist their dogs must wear a special Collar and Harness for Training when teaching polite leash manners, but that’s not true. Collars don’t teach dogs polite manners, pet owners do. Plus, collars can cause injury when dogs pull against them. Instead, reach for a comfortable dog harness, six-foot leash, and lots of super yummy treats. Now, it’s time to get busy teaching your dog polite leash manners.
What are Polite Collar and Harness for Training Manners?
Before teaching your dog a new skill, it’s important to understand exactly what it looks like upon completion. Polite leash manners are when a dog walks on a leash without leash tension. During walks, dogs can walk to the end of the leash and circle around without their humans feeling any leash tension. When teaching this behavior, humans must rely on their sense of touch instead of vision.
Polite leash manners are different than “heeling.” “Heeling” means a dog walks precisely next to her human’s left knee for an extended period, which is hard work for the dog.
Asking a dog to “heel” during a walk is impossible and not fair. Dogs need access to sniff and explore during walks, which is vital for mental stimulation and as important as physical exercise. Polite leash manners offer both for dogs.
Choosing a Collar and Harness for Training
Choosing a comfortable, yet reliable, the harness is key. Select a harness that allows free front leg movement without rubbing or chaffing of a dog’s chest or armpits. Comfortable harnesses should offer a minimum of four adjustable straps for a perfect snug fit. Harnesses should also fit snugly—a pinky finger should be able to slide between the harness and the dog’s body. Loose harnesses will rotate and shift during a walk, which causes chafing. Plus, some dogs learn how to take off a loose-fitting harness within seconds.
Body harnesses have come a long way! By far, my favorite harness
GAUTERF’s Pet Universal Front Range Harness. As professional dog product reviews, We’re extremely picky about dog equipment. Our standards and expectations are demanding.
This harness is well made and offers two leash attachments for ultimate control of strong-pulling dogs. When strong-pulling dogs pull on the leash while wearing this harness, the front chest attachment redirects the dogs’ shoulders sideways. Once a dog is taught how to walk politely on leash, attach the leash to the top harness attachment.
How to Teach Polite Collar and Harness for Training Manners
Many dog owners avoid body harnesses because they’re unable to control a strong-pulling dog. This concern is completely understandable, but controlling and teaching a dog are two different behaviors. Owners require easy control of strong-pulling dogs until dogs are positively taught how to walk politely on leash. Of course, this behavior can be taught positively and super quickly without force or pain.
Treats Make Learning Easier
Once your dog is fitted snugly into a body harness, attach a six-foot leash to the chest attachment of the harness. Remember, treats aren’t bribery. Treats are your dog’s paycheck for choosing to release leash pressure. Also, giving your dog human food won’t cause begging. Feeding your dog from the dinner table or your plate will.
