I’ve heard of No-Pull Harnesses, but what is a No-Pull Leash?
A no-pull leash is typically a leash with clips on both ends and a floating leash handle. This type of leash can convert any harness with both a front and a back connection point to a no-pull harness. The ones that I’ve designed can also be converted to a regular leash once you’ve achieved loose leash walking with your pup.
Is a no-pull harness good for dogs?
Typically a “no-pull” harness works by restricting the shoulder movement of the dog, it doesn’t actually reduce their desire or ability to pull!
Think of it as tying a child’s shoelaces together as a way to stop them from running in the house - does that really work?
I’ve used various styles of no-pull harnesses on a number of different dogs at the shelters I’ve volunteered for. For some dogs this restriction is aversive and can inhibit their willingness to pull, but most dogs aren’t phased at all by how uncomfortable the harness is, their motivation over-rides any discomfort.
A no-pull harness isn’t escape proof either!
Long term use of a no-pull harness also has the potential to create joint issues, so I recommended a well fitting “Y” front harness with both front and back connection points - and TRAINING!
The only thing that will effectively reduce pulling is training!
How can I stop my dog from pulling on the leash so much?
First - identify WHY your dog is pulling so much.
- Are their walks motivated by sniffing, by chasing, or do they just have so much energy that they can’t contain themselves?
- Is their natural walk much faster than yours?
- Do you give in and let them pull you, reinforcing that pulling gets them what they want?
- Are there just too many distractions during their walk that they aren’t even aware you're along with them?
- Did you leave your treats at home, or not reinforce check-ins?
Identifying why your dog pulls is the first step in reducing their motivation to pull.
How does a no pull leash or a double ended leash reduce pulling?
The double ended leash connects to both the front and back clip on a "Y" front harness. In an ideal situation the leash that connects to the back functions as a regular leash, with the front clip allowing you to gently guide or "steer" your dog in a "C" curve away from what they are pulling towards.
The use of the front clip and re-directing the dog is for use primarily for short instances of control, and should be used in addition to training techniques such as putting a "U-Turn" on cue.
How are these no-pull leashes unique?
Many double ended leashes consist solely of the leash, but I've included two leash handles for more safety and flexibility.
These No-Pull Dog Leashes can be used with the snap bolt handle connected to the floating D-ring, allowing you to ensure the leash can't accidentally be pulled out of your "control" hand. This frees up your other hand to use in guiding your dog as needed, and then delivering treats to further encourage engagement.
The D-ring leash handle can be added when you are ready to convert the leash to a standard handheld leash, or you can always clip the leash into a waist belt for hands-free control.
Is a No-Pull Leash good for a Reactive Dog?
Typically I would say that a no-pull leash or double-ended leash is great for working with a reactive dog, as long as you ensure that you can't accidentally drop the leash or your dog can't physically pull it out of your hands.
Having worked with large and reactive dogs - it's definitely a possibility!
That's why I include a leash handle to give you that option for better control, I want to keep both you and your dog as safe as possible!
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