Besides training using the "Be a Tree" method (click here to read about it), owners can do a few things to encourage their dogs to walk close by. Carrying and dispensing treats frequently should keep at least one of your dog's eyes on you. Talking to your dog may also cause him to pay more attention. Also, walk quickly and change directions frequently. If you keep him guessing it will be harder for him to really get out and pull.

It might take quite a bit of training to make a difference in your dog's level of pulling. By using some of today's specially-made collars and harnesses, you may reduce or eliminate pulling while your dog is wearing the item. Many of these items are more for management than for training, but as long as you and your dog find it a comfortable option, there is no reason why you can't use these no-pull harnesses and collars for the life of your dog.

There are now tons of products available - just enter "no-pull collar" into your search engine and watch all the options appear. I'm only going to address the items that I personally have used or that I have seen and heard about from other dog training competitors. That doesn't means the others aren't good - I just can't recommend them.

One of the first no-pull harnesses on the market in my memory was the Sporn Halter (available at sporn.com). This harness has restraints that go under your dog's front legs (through his "armpits"). When the dog pulls, these retraints tighten. Some dogs reduce their pulling when doing so becomes uncomfortable. I tried this product on two of my own dogs and my mom used it on one of hers. It worked on two of the dogs but not on my strongest puller (he didn't even blink). An advantage of this harness is that you don't have to train your dog or acclimate him to it's use. For hairy dogs the retraints can knot hair. All in all, I think you can find something that works better, but you can't really do any harm trying it.

After the Sporn was introduced, head collars exploded onto the market. Based on horse collars, head collars control the dog by the head. There are several brands, including Halti, Gentle Leader, and now a new all-in-one leash and head collar called the Gencon-All-in-One. See the Gentle Leader and the Gencon All-in-One here. See the Halti here.

Head collars really reduce pulling. They do have some disadvantages, though. The Halti and Gentle Leader require precise fitting and may not work with all breeds. If you have more than one dog they may each need their own head collar. The Gentle Leader may be difficult to put on for the average user, especially in the beginning. The Gencon head collar is adjustable, so one size should fit most dogs (some of the flat-faced breeds might not be able to wear head collars at all). It is also very easy to put on.

Head collars require training - you can't just put one on your dog and go. You will need to accustom your dog to wearing it over time by putting it on, rewarding your dog with treats, and then removing it. Some sensitive dogs may have a very difficult time becoming acclimated to a head collar. My Vizsla actually scratched up his nose on the concrete every time he wore it because he was trying to get the Halti off. In hindsight, I can see I should have spent a lot longer acclimating him to the product.

Another disadvantage of head collars is the fact that the general public often think they are muzzles. I've had people take a wide path around my (now deceased) mixed breed dog, Gabby, because "That dog's wearing a muzzle! It must be mean!" Head collars are not allowed on the grounds of an American Kennel Club competition either.

Finally, dogs with neck problems or possibly spinal problems may need to avoid head collars. Breeds with predispositions to neck problems may also be at risk. Check with your vet if your dog fits into this category. Also, never correct with a head collar. Don't jerk on your dog's head for any reason.

The lastest in no-pull developments is a harness that has a spot to hook the leash in the front rather than between the shoulders. The SENSE-ible and SENSE-ation harnesses are becoming very popular among agility competitors whose high-drive dogs are anxious to drag their owners to the equipment. These harnesses claim to "prevent the signals that cause dogs to pull." I'm not exactly sure how they work, but they do, without causing discomfort or restricting movement. Check out the SENSE-ible harness here.

Again, none of the devices suggested in todays entry are meant to be used to correct pulling dogs, so no jerking is allowed. Remember that there may be an adjustment period while your dog gets used to the new item. Then let the harness or head collar do it's job while you enjoy a stress-free walk!