#Middlebury #Dog #Leash #Collar #Harness
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I’d like to upgrade my Lab’s collar and leash, because he’s pretty powerful and tugs against his collar all the time until he starts to choke. What do you recommend? – Sara B., via email
DEAR SARA: I’m a fan of harnesses, especially for dogs that like to pull at the leash. A harness fits around a dog’s front legs and torso, and has a top strap with a clip ring for the leash located between the dog’s shoulders. It’s secure and sturdy, it stays on your dog, and he won’t injure himself trying to pull away from you. (You can also keep his collar on, mainly so his license tag is always visible.)
Some dog harnesses come with a sturdy handle sewn onto the top strap. It’s not so much for picking up the dog but is an additional point of control if you’re worried about your dog bolting or jumping up on other people.
For the long term, of course, your Lab needs to improve his basic obedience skills. He should never tug at his leash, but should walk next to you. Putting him into a harness will give you more control. Dogs tend to respond more often to a tug on the harness, which applies pressure at several points rather than just around the neck. Those multiple contact points disperse pressure around the dog’s torso so that he remains comfortable and uninjured, reducing anxiety and hopefully making him more receptive to training commands.
Harnesses are not as cheap as collars, but they’re well worth the investment, especially when dealing with a strong, independent thinker like your Lab.
Send your comments, questions or tips to ask@pawscorner.com.
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