Harness for a DOBIE

smittenkitten · 04-08-2008, 02:26 PM

My husband is a runner which enables him to run our "Nikki" daily. To say she is strong is an understatement & loves to pull. We've heard a harness is a good way to go but the one we bought rubbed her raw because Dobies don't have alot of hair, any suggestions on one that may work.

Smittenkitten

**Red_Storm** · 04-08-2008, 02:35 PM

We had the same problem with Storm. My wife tried a new thing she picked up from Petsmart and it is working great. It's called a gentle leader if I remember correctly. It took her a little while to get used to it but she did and it's working.

Ok, I found it and that's what it is.

Premier Pet Gentle Leader Training Dog Collar - New Puppy Center - PetSmart

**Colorado Dobes** · 04-08-2008, 02:39 PM

I have heard those gentle leaders work well, too, but your goal should be getting Nikki not to pull in the first place. Don't come to rely on a "gadget" for that - teach her that it isn't acceptable. Mine was HORRIBLE about pulling until we worked on it in her obedience classes. She is much better now, and it's nice to go for a walk without having raw hands at the end of it!

smittenkitten · 04-08-2008, 03:26 PM

This is totally my belief but hubby allows this. We've had chats, classes, I think he believes its her nature & it drives me crazy. I will let him read these so he can understand our point of view.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Colorado Dobes

I have heard those gentle leaders work well, too, but your goal should be getting Nikki not to pull in the first place. Don't come to rely on a "gadget" for that - teach her that it isn't acceptable. Mine was HORRIBLE about pulling until we worked on it in her obedience classes. She is much better now, and it's nice to go for a walk without having raw hands at the end of it!

**Colorado Dobes** · 04-08-2008, 03:29 PM

My husband likes it when they pull when he runs because he says it makes him go faster. But when he walks with them, he wants no pulling. My poor babies are confused.

smittenkitten · 04-08-2008, 03:31 PM

There is something called Zuba DreamWalker that looks interesting.

Lexxsmom · 04-08-2008, 03:33 PM

I think that pulling is a training issue, not an equipment issue.

smittenkitten · 04-08-2008, 03:58 PM

I completely agree it is the training. Now are we talking the Dobie or Husband.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lexxsmom

I think that pulling is a training issue, not an equipment issue.

**Red_Storm** · 04-08-2008, 04:09 PM

The equipment, or gadget as it was put, has trained her not to pull whether she is wearing it or not.

**ReDobie4xtina2** · 04-08-2008, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smittenkitten

I completely agree it is the training. Now are we talking the Dobie or Husband.

BOTH!!!! Muahaha... Training and consistency will alleviate your issue. Gentle leash pops combined with NO will help him get the point. Here is what you do if you want to use this method: Slightly pop the leash until he gets close to you. Then reward him with praise.. you can add treats if you like. Give him a firm NO when he pulls and repeat the leash pops.

Your dog just has to learn what is expected behavior and after all you have to do is maintenance training which is so much easier than having to rely on head halters or training collars.

Also, I think harnesses were made for sled dogs, since it distributes the weight of the object being pulled, thus making the job easier. My boyfriend uses a harness when taking Lukas rollerblading, so he can pull slightly but not be choked by his collar from the pressure.

Good Luck!