My dog still pulls on leash with a harness. What can I do to stop it?

Question

PULLING: Off-leash, she walks alongside me. Outside, she wears a comfortable harness(pictured). •I stop and use sit command. If I verbally praise her, she jumps right back up and back to pulling. She doesn’t do treats. If I don’t praise her, she’ll stay until I begin to walk again and she’s back to pulling (repeating steps during entire walk). •Gentle leader. She will not walk and acts too ashamed. Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Female | spayed | 4 years old | 60 lbs

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

Harnesses actually make pulling a lot EASIER for your dog, which could be making the situation worse. If Abby doesn't like head collars (many dogs don't), Gentle Leader also makes a harness version called the Easy Walker that is great (I use it for my own dog). It doesn't go around the neck so you don't have to worry if they do pull, and the leash attaches to the front of the harness on the chest. When your dog starts to pull, it puts pressure on the chest, and also redirects them back toward you like a gentle leader headcollar does. This can help mitigate pulling and may make your loose leash walking training go a bit easier. Another thing you can try when you resume walking again from a sit and stay position, is to walk backwards a few steps! Many dogs will either be confused at first, and thus stop pulling in their distraction, or think it is a fun game and will come toward you instead of pulling away. Once the leash is slack, you can then walk forward again. You may look silly walking backwards and forwards in the same spot for a bit of time, but it can help with stubborn pullers.

My dog still pulls on leash with a harness. What can I do to stop it?

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