What Kind of Collar? Why Some Dog Trainers Don’t Want You to Use a Harness

Should you use a collar or a harness when training your dog? Compulsion trainers don't want you to use a harness because they don’t understand how to communicate with a dog unless there’s something around the dog’s neck 😬 Are you confused about choosing the right collar or harness for your dog? This video is your ultimate guide to selecting the perfect training tool that suits your dog's needs and ensures their comfort.
Discover the secrets that old-school trainers don't want you to know: why harnesses, specifically Y-shaped harnesses, are often the best choice for training. Unlike traditional collars that may restrict a dog's range of motion, Y-shaped harnesses offer flexibility without inhibiting your pet's movement. Learn how these harnesses serve not just as a training tool, but as a safety net that supports effective communication with your dog.
In this video, we break down the myths about harnesses and explore why they're often misunderstood by traditional trainers. You'll understand why they believe something must be around a dog's neck to communicate, and how modern training techniques challenge this outdated perspective. Whether it's a Y-shaped harness or a flat collar for a well-trained older dog, we discuss various scenarios to guide you in making the right choice for your unique situation.
Additionally, you'll get insight into how training tools like harnesses and collars are merely secondary to the underlying training methods. Emphasizing positive reinforcement and understanding your dog's emotional state, we'll reveal how the tools themselves don't teach the dog, but aid in creating a strong bond and effective communication between you and your pet.
Click the subscribe button and ring the bell to stay updated with our latest videos. If you're interested in modern, evidence-backed dog training that focuses on your dog's comfort and happiness, this channel is for you! Share this video with fellow dog owners, and don't hesitate to leave a comment with your experiences or questions about dog harnesses and collars.
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[@JenKirby]

I don’t use collars now. I have used Ruffwear harnesses ever since I discovered them. My favourite is the modern version, the Flagline harness which has 2 straps round the body as well as the one round the neck which means that the dog can’t wriggle out of it. It also has a front attachment, ideal if the dog tends to pull, and a handle on the top which was great when Jasper got old and his legs tended to give way.

[@LeaGalTan]

I agree. Ruffwear harnesses are terrific, especially the Flagline.

[@coastalcoyote]

The flag line looks great, but all the ruffwear harnesses look like the straps are too close to the armpits? I've been on the verge of buying one so many times and end up saying no.

[@JenKirby]

@@coastalcoyote I haven’t found them to be close to the armpits. There is flexibility in the fitting. I particularly like the fact that the Flagline has a fabric piece under the body so there’s no straps pressing against the dog’s belly. It was wonderful for supporting old Jasper when he would stumble on his walks.

[@FOJO27]

Ruffwear 💙💙💙

[@LeaGalTan]

Harness. Definitely. Much safer for the dog. I did all my dog’s basic training in a fenced area without a leash and have very pleased with the results - he thinks it is a fun game:-).

[@erickanorris567]

Ian Dunbar is an advocate of teaching off leash in the 1st place which I have switched too because you don't have to retrain for generalization

[@MizusSparkles]

So glad to hear this. My dog pulls more with a collar and the sound of him choking himself out is awful. My Dog can be a nervous nelly. Most of the time he listens but I don't feel I have full control over him in the cases where he decides not to listen or is so nervous that he's not taking commands well. He can be sneaky sometimes if there's food lying on the ground outside. Plus he has IVDD. I don't need him to have neck or trachea problems too.

[@phillyeaglesbowl5562]

I walk my Cane Corso perfect walk by my side with no pull using a prong collar been using since 3 months just practicing going one direction then another with a slight pull. He quickly learned to stay by my side when I want him too. I walk past people that have all size dogs with harnesses getting yanked over toward my dog walking perfectly. Would not recommend a harness in my opinion. I put my kid in an uncomfortable car seat even though he knows he’s supposed to stay seated in the car maybe a bit uncomfortable at first but after a few times it’s normal and keeps him safe same with a prong collar. I had a guy walking his 120+ lb pitbull mix past my dog and he had to grab onto a fence post because his dog on a harness was yanking him towards my 150lb Corso walking calm and paying no attention!!

[@alexford9583]

Spot on, the majority of dogs I see on a harness tend to pull and are also the ones I see most reactive when I'm walking my collie. Harnesses by design are for pulling if you look at their primary function of pulling a sled, tracking, etc. If you've trained your dog on a harness perfectly then fair enough, but feel it doesn't give you the same level of control as a slip/prong.

[@alexford9583]

@@FitmanFatty if you read my comment it was picking holes in the harness over anything else. Any tool, if used correctly/incorrectly can be good or bad. I agree if people don't know how to use a tool correctly, or are using it purely to tell the dog no then of course it is bad and aversive. I'd suggest a slip lead to anyone (but don't take tips from dog daddy) to teach the dog leash pressure. This all being said, if I see a dog in a harness 99% of the time I know that dog will lunge or bark because there is zero control from the owner as it usually means they didn't spend the time training their dog and felt bad it was choking on the slip/flat collar.

[@tubzilla]

Couldn't agree more about seeing dogs with harnesses that always try to pull towards us. They're also the dogs that are walking well in front of the owners in which there is no way they can control their dog should they lunge at a dog walking by. I think we can all agree they clearly aren't/haven't put in the training to prevent that. I can also say that the harness gives them a "safety net" to not need to spend the time in proper training as long as their dog isn't gonna choke. I will always cross the street with my two American bullies to avoid them. With that said, I am 100% FOR prong collars IF USED PROPERLY. They literally just sit on my dog's necks and they walk with a loose leash. Yes I have tried it on myself before putting it on my dog. Yes I got professional help to teach us how to use it properly. I see it as, it doesn't matter what you use as long as you're not causing harm to your dog and you're able to keep them under control. I honestly see way more untrained dogs with bad owners than trained dogs.

[@alexford9583]

@@tubzilla Every point here is spot on and couldn't agree more. Getting help on how to use tools correctly so your dog has 10-15 years of walking nicely, no fear or anxiousness for me is the win over 'let's use a harness so the dog isn't hurting itself and I don't have to train it to walk nicely'. On prongs they are a great tool if used correctly and you do, so kudos! With two american bullies I'd hate to think what it would be like on a harness 🤣. Balanced training is 99% positive and 1% negative.

[@alebiz7707]

My dog will never like other dogs no matter how I train him. A prong collar is a safety belt that help me keep him under control in emergency situations, like dogs off leash coming at him. If the prong collar is banned I will not be able to take him out again.

[@scottjones6624]

I am beginning to think that my old instruction to train with corrections was just done because it is easier and faster than all the work that it takes to not use "corrections". But I am really beginning to see the wisdom of your viewpoint and why would I not want to do the work? A good question to ask myself. Thanks for these videos.

[@zakgeorge]

Thank you.

[@WhatIfBrigade]

I love a harness for hiking because if our dog were to slip or fall I can lift her with a harness. Also great for smell walks because she can move her head at will. I find our dog takes direction from a harness just as well as a leash.

[@Arlon71]

While working I have my K9 in a Hermspringer prong collar or Dogtra E1900S. Flat Collar is for when my K9 isn't working. A harness is great if you're taking your dog on bike rides. Harnesses encourage pulling, because that's what they were designed for. A prong collar, for example, discourages pulling. Yes it's through discomfort, but that discomfort is far less than that of getting hit by a car. The way prong collars are taught to be applied is a slight flick of the wrist, not a yank of the entire arm. It's a "hey, remember that we don't act that way." A prong collar that is not activated causes my working K9 no discomfort. He loves his Hermspringer and what it means, because it was trained to mean something positive for him, not negative. HE HELPS ME PUT IT ON HIM every morning before work. These positive only myths only hurt dogs. I guarantee you that I could misuse a harness just as badly as I could misuse a prong collar or E-Collar. I can misuse a leash if I wanted to. It's not about WHAT tool you use, but HOW you use it.

[@FenrirAldebrand]

10/10. Some dogs NEED these tools. There's absolutely nothing wrong with them when they're *HIGH QUALITY* and *USED PROPERLY*. I got a HS 2.25mm prong collar for my 6 month old Belgian Malinois and it has been an absolute lifesaver. I was ready to rehome him, now I can actually see a future where he won't need the collar and he'll be a fantastic service dog with more of the right training. I almost gave up on him. In his best interest mind you, as I was convinced it was beyond my abilities to help him with his issues. I couldn't find a trainer in my town that could help me use the collar, naturally, as they're all against these tools, but with the help of several different trainers and their KZbin videos, I managed to work it out, and his behavior has seen a massive shift. He was already a good dog in comparison to most I've seen around my neighborhood, but now he's on his way to being the bestest boy 😂.

[@jagoss45]

We’ve used the easy walk harnesses on our Aussies and they’re great. And you can flip them around so the attachment point is on the back more like a harness for hiking or whatever. Or on the chest for regular walking

[@HipsterSpinster]

I use a collar for ID only, and a Y-shaped harness for walking. The harness gives me so much more control with my strong, large-breed, reactive dog. If we need to change direction or move away from a trigger, the harness (especially with a handle on it) can be very helpful. I also like that it doesn't put pressure on her neck. I walked my first dog with a collar and she always found ways to slip out of it. I didn't discover harnesses until much later in her life and was so grateful, especially step-in harnesses.

[@tiffany02020]

I have a big big dog, a Great Pyrenees and I love her harness. Especially when she was a young pup but still huge. It has a big leather handle on the back and it was so convenient to have a good place to hold onto if i needed control for safety things (like while she was still learning to be around poultry and one of the birds came around unexpectedly). She doesn’t pull and walks way better than a lot of the dogs I dog sit that just have collars.

[@user-et4hz9uj7w]

We use a harness but my dog doesn’t like when I first put it on. I have to put my hand through it and hold out a treat out and she still gets nervous when I pull it over her head. Once it’s on, she’s fine with it. She just doesn’t like it going over her head. My dog is 2 weeks younger than Inertia in her training videos. By the time she had all of her shots and could go to puppy classes, it was February of 2020 and everything was shut down after only a couple classes. We trained by zoom and your videos. We’re not perfect, it’s taken a while but my timing is getting much better and we train every day, I have watched all of your videos since. Dogs are so smart and once we learn to communicate, our relationship is so much stronger! Thanks for all your help!

[@codymerritt9751]

I have tried a slip leash, a regular collar but neither have worked to get a point across. A harness has been my favorite now and is letting her learn a lot quicker

[@justinclemente1772]

I used to put a harness on my border collie, when I was in the prosess of leash training and I didn't have any problems. Although my dog started having issues with it like it was uncomfortable for her. I tried many different harnesses. When she was very good with walking beside me without much pulling or walking in front of me, I decided to just use her collar and clip the leash to that because she was more comfortable seeming, and she didn't have any leash/walking issues so I wouldn't be pulling on her neck. The harness definitely did help a lot with keeping her under control & helping to get her trained into the amazingly obedient dog she is today 💕

[@jfrankcarr]

With our standard poodle puppy I use both, a leash and collar for short bathroom walks and a harness for long walks and exercise. With our older, smaller, dogs, it's always been a harness.

[@ladyliberty5771]

Harness has NOT worked for either of my dogs. I REALLY need to respond to this, as I've watched Dog Daddy as well. I was picking up our 130lb Mastiff/Great Dane/Boxer mix from his daycare, which incidentally is ALSO a training facility for canines. The owners are amazing people who absolutely LOVE every dog they have, and who are in their care. With that said, this one particular day, our dog was a bit 'happy' when I came to pick him up, as he had been other days. He managed to pull me through a fire door, this day, fracturing my elbow and forearm, got me off my feet (I'm on the very heavy side currently) and I flew approximately 7-8ft with my face breaking my fall into gravel. I am now permanently disfigured as my nose was completely ripped through to the inner mucosa, and my lips, mouth (I lost a front tooth) were ripped open, requiring extensive suturing. My arm has NOT returned to normal more than 8 months later. Our Monty was also traumatized as he realized he had done something wrong, and I was injured. Nathan, the owner of the daycare, attended to me, both of us knowing Monty is a great dog, nothing that happened was malicious. He suggested a prong collar, and even gave us one, showing us how to use it. Ever since, Monty has been a dream to walk, (it took me MONTHS to walk him again, for obvious mental/trauma reasons). We now adopted a Rottie/Shepherd mix, and at 5 months, she, TOO, can pull us extremely strongly! She, TOO, will be getting a prong collar. Incidentally, BOTH are and have been trained. Monty is fine with most people (we were his 4th home), had been crated previously up to 14 hours a day and the previous owner described him as aggressive. Well DUH!He is crated, with us, on average, approx. 2 hours a month, if that much! Dog daycare with Nathan and his team have made him a wonderful dog, and now Baya has started and loves it! Prong collars, if used correctly, save lives and prevent injury! Monty doesn't cry out, he isn't fearful, and he is a happy, well adjusted dog. We do not hit our animals or hurt them in any way! We have tried your method, and sorry to say, it has not worked. Dog Daddy and others have been criticized by you b/c why? They dont agree or have a differing opinion? No active attempt to reach out and discuss? Yeah... that just isnt right. We love our dogs and learning the correct way to use certain tools, such as the prong collar, incidentally ALSO recommended by several veterinarians, makes perfect sense. I just wanted you to understand why I will be unsubbing. There is more than enough 'drama' occurring with regard to politics and religion to pick arguments with others of differing opinions. Be well ❤❤❤.

[@user-et9mo8iz8e]

I have actually switched to a prong collar for my dog as well. We had been doing A LOT of work to get my dog to heel and it was not working, and it was because of this channel, which I now realize is garbage. My dog ran after a squirrel when she was on a harness and yanked me to the ground. I held on to the leash and she slid me across the sidewalk and ripped up my knuckles, now there is a permanent scar, and I ended up letting go of the leash and she ran off anyway. (we eventually caught her) I know it is WAY less severe than your situation, but it convinced me that this training was not working, pointless and I needed to change who I was following, and I did SO much research looking at tons of dog trainers and I found American Standard Dog Training and they use herm sprenger prong collars and their method- not kidding - worked in 15 minutes. I still worked on shaping her leash walking, (adding commands to when she has to be next to me and when she can be free, making sure she sits when I stop etc.) but I only use them and a few other dog trainers who are the same way about dog training like the dog daddy, Upstate canine academy and thats pretty much it. I will NEVER be convinced that prong collars are harmful because they are not. Information for people that do think they are harmful : 1. the tips are ROUNDED!!! they do not STAB the dogs neck. They deliver a correction. 2. It is safer than regular collars because it does not put pressure on and damage the trachea, it puts pressure AROUND the neck. 3. It is safer than harnesses because with harnesses you have NO control whatsoever on daily walks, and can't get two dogs apart if they are in a dog fight, AND with front clip harnesses, you can cause structural damage to their chest because it narrows their chest, especially growing puppies also, front clip harnesses can sometimes add pressure to the neck. I now understand that prong collars are the safest and best option for my dog's safety. Thank you for being one of the people that also understands that :) 🥰❤

[@faithmacabre2995]

I'm sorry that happened to you. Big props to you for not giving up on Monty & learning the proper techniques on how to use a prong collar to keep you and your fur fam safe.

[@ladyliberty5771]

@@user-et9mo8iz8e 🥰 Perfectly said and described!!! Thank you!

[@ladyliberty5771]

@@faithmacabre2995 He's a sweet natured dog in an extra large body. He's my baby...

[@brujosol]

I used a collar for a couple of weeks when I first got my pup, until one day he bolted in a random different direction. I am very large and strong, so when it popped, my boy lifted off the ground by his neck (he was fine; just shocked by what happened and then was back to normal). I was so freaked by that, I immediately went to get him a harness. We've been using the harness since, and he even learned to get into his harness during training. I will sometimes clip the leash to his collar, now that he is better trained, when we go on short trips in the car or something.

[@user-yq9pm8ij2m]

I use a harness- finally found a perfect one for my 16 mos cockapoo. I agree with you on the neck stress.

[@alexandradittmann8588]

that's an important point - to use harnesses like yours "that don't block the shoulder blades"; I wish more owners would know about this important distinction.

[@kestaa]

We used a collar for the first couple of days, but switched to a well-fitted harness as soon as we were able to. The one he currently uses has a ring at the front and the back, so we use the front one for his ID tag, but we'll use the collar for tags only once he grows into his other harness.

[@clmetcalf1]

Thanks Zac

[@phoenixgate007]

Our dog LOVES her harness. She loves it so much I have actually seen an uptick in the number of dogs wearing them in our neighborhood. It’s so much safer than her old collar which actually did damage to her neck before we adopted her - she had a pressure cyst that needed to be drained. I love her so much and it’s a simple swap that makes her life healthier and soooo much happier.

[@HannahLawrence-rg3tu]

always a harness! thank you so much for this video!

[@debinindiana]

My dog is generally not pulling when using the “sense-ation” harness. Zak, your thoughts on that style? Do you consider that not comfortable enough for them? Thanks!

[@annehougendobler1316]

Always a harness. My first rescue had a damaged trachea, and the vet assumed it was caused by being choked with a collar. My dog was deaf, so you can imagine the frustration that may have been taken out in her. My latest rescue has only known a harness. There’s absolutely no rational reason not to use a harness over a collar. Thanks Zak for staying at the forefront of the new training.

[@rjaffeux]

You can get collars made better you pretend as if there is only one kind of collar.

[@annehougendobler1316]

@@rjaffeux - Not sure what point you’re attempting to make. It has nothing to do with how well made a collar is. It has to do with the fact that a collar sits on the dog’s neck and whether someone intentionally pulls on the leash or the dog pulls when excited, the neck can suffer significant damage. I choose to protect my dog.

[@rjaffeux]

Style if it's made correctly and training is correct.

[@annehougendobler1316]

@@rjaffeux understand. You don’t like harnesses and you’re upset that I believe the scientific data that collars can be harmful. Apologies for triggering you. Hope you and your pup have a good evening.

[@cjsimundson]

Do you have any recommendations for a harness for a Husky Shepherd Mix? We use 2 different harnesses during different situations. A rough stuff 3 buckle with a handle on top for when I clip him in with his seat belt. I feel like it provides more coverage and would more evenly distribute forces during the occurrence of an auto accident. We also use it when we are doing more intense scrambling and hiking where he might need an assist to get up tougher sections. My concern with this harness is that it has more coverage and during the summer months may contribute to overheating. The other harness is a y type harness with 2 buckles; less coverage equals more breathability however I worry about using it to give him "assists" as the handle is further forward an then the straps may dig under his armpits. He is not a very dynamic little dude and will put his paws up on logs and wait for me to assist him rather than use the energy to jump. He is the laziest 20 month pup I've known 😂.

[@stevecooke6482]

What do you think to the Martindale collar

[@SaveMandy]

I have been watching your videos since I was just a kid with my first puppy. I love your videos and I really agree with this!! We use to have an American Staff that would make himself pass out from his collar. So we switched to a harness and did lots of training with him. He eventually learned pulling was going to get him anywhere and he never had a problem after that. Our main concern was the constant tension on his neck. I wish people were more aware of the problems of a dog getting his neck tugged and pulled. Harnesses are safer and do work with proper training

[@Martina-Kosicanka]

Our first dog used to pull like crazy until the age of 9, basically first half of his life. We were less experienced and he was behaving very dominant towards other dogs (despite his corgie-like stature). What eventually helped with pulling besides him getting older, was showing him trust, by letting him loose occasionally. I was risk welcoming teenager, so it was my "merit". Point is, he was on harness, because collar was making us look like we would been choking him. My current dog is bubbly, calm and friendly. But he has long hair and he used this as his advantage, when he really wanted to escape collar (for example when he was afraid of getting on the train). So he is wearing harness now as safety precaution

[@AyleeRose]

Our 5 month old puppy has a collar she wears at home and for quick trips to the yard for a bathroom break, but we always use a harness for walks away from home.

[@auricgoldfinger8478]

I foster rescue and work at rescues as trainer. Easy Walk harness with martingale loop at front is my go to. Works 90% of the time. I’ve fitted a hundred or more. Next choice is gentle leader with an easy walk, both at once- so no jerking on the snout, but more control.

[@aliceloke2679]

So glad I came across your channel. I was considering getting my Staffy either a prong or E collar to stop her pulling on the leash when she get excited !

[@armandhammer2235]

All you need is hot dogs with Mastiff dogs. 😂

[@LeetaGato]

My little pit bull terrier mix recently passed, but I used a harness when I first got her until I taught her to walk politely on a leash. After that I used a slip lead. I live with my elderly mom, she's 82, and she's had a stroke, but using her walker she could walk our dog no problem. The slip lead was easiest for my mom to put on and take off. Now I have a 3.5 year old American foxhound, that was in a rescue for 18 months before I took him. I am only using a harness for walks. His martingale collars are just to hold his tags or for me to hold when I groom him.

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

I personally use both with the collar for ID though Ive added a tag to his harness He only is walked on a collar when walking around our area which is generally very quiet Hes reactive (come a long way with help from a behaviourist and positive training) so a harness is much safer for him plus gives me more control

[@DPearls24]

Collar ONLY for ID. Gentle Leader Harness for both my 85lb Golden and now my 50lb Mix...

[@caroleshortt2715]

We adopted an untrained pit/mastiff cross a year ago. We went from collar to a gentle leader and now a harness. The front clip harness is best for control. Now that she is trained, we can use the back clip. She likes the harness best, too.

[@janhankins911]

Exactly! This is what I do for Danes and Wolfhounds who come in to rescue who haven't been trained to walk on a leash and are the worst pullers and who pull you everywhere they want to go. We go from gentle leader to front clip harness to "regular" back clip harness. It saves potential injury to those of us trying to teach these dogs to walk calmly on a leash. Stopping, turning around and going the other way, etc. work with smaller dogs. But when you have a dog as big and powerful as a Dane or Wolfhound, that doesn't work very well---they'll just knock you down and drag you along behind them. We're able to skip the gentle leader for a few of the dogs, but most of them start out on the gentle leader.

[@John-lo4xz]

Front clip harness can really f*ck up the elbows if they pull too much beware, learned by experience

[@littleninja71]

My sheltie has a collar for his ID tags, but we walk with a Y harness for many reasons: 1. he hated having a leash on collar from day one and shut down, refusing to walk. 2. he has so much fur its impossible to put a collar on him to accomodate his lovely 'mane' that he wouldn't slip out of (we tried, we failed). 3. I feel like it's more humane (would you rather be led around by your neck or a vest over your back?), like you I wanted a harness that wouldn't impede his gait or cause discomfort. Plus, shelties have very delicate necks and I wouldn't want to risk injuring him. I had a trainer for a specific issue and she pushed the 'no pull' harness rather insistently. I bought one and let her fit the dog, and then promptly put it in a drawer where it remains.

[@spiritualjoy721]

Back in the day,my dog had a thin collar, to attach the rabies tag, and a paper-thin link leash. Currently, I was advised to get Martingale collars for my dogs. More recently I was told to get a harness for walking but keep the Martingale collar as well.

[@Bojambo]

I use a harness because on long walks the leash gets less tangled under her legs. I use both though. My dog is a puller when we first start off, and i prefer her not to have that pressure around her neck. But for quick sub-30 minutes walk, i can do a collar.

[@Motoagnostic]

Gooby neoprene harness. Never used the collar with the leash. 26lb corgi steps into the harness, probably wouldn’t know what to do If I leashed her collar. She was trained with Zak’s vids and book since she was 8 weeks old. Thank you Z.

[@katantoni]

I totaly agree with you. What is your opinion about using a head collar when training a strong pulling dog?

[@johnwoodard8717]

We use a limited slip collar (not a chain, all nylon). Not for correction, but because of her strange body shape. She's a Lab/Spaniel mix, so she's got a bull neck and it's hard to fit a collar properly where they can't slip out of it. Likewise with her barrel chest but short legs her harness can be problematic, but there's a second issue where if she spins just right the leash comes unclipped from the harness. I have no idea how she does it (she's very smart) but she knows roughly how to do it and she knows exactly when it comes unclipped, which is followed by 30 minutes of following her around the neighborhood (her recall stinks and I can't seem to fix it). The limited slip collar is the only thing she hasn't managed to escape from. It doesn't hurt or choke her; she can pull so hard that I have to lean against her (and I weight 188 to her 58) and she's still barking. Admittedly it also didn't help with her leash pulling either, but that's not why we bought it.

[@Charlie_Duz]

Well said, sir! 👏👏 The dogs are often a lot smarter than the owners. 💕🐾

[@dawntrish]

Do you have a technique for teaching the dog to assist in getting into their harness? Sometimes it's just easier to take them out with the leash on their collar, but I just hate to do it. For long walks and play time, I insist on a harness (I don't have a fenced in yard), but getting my boy into a harness is challenging. Thanks Zak - always good info!

[@user-lu5gs2pb1g]

Using harness. Don't like a choke chain 😢 who would?!?!? Appreciate your methods!! Adopted a 10 mo old lab/shepherd mix. We have potty trained & kennel trained her. She is AMAZING !! We purchased a 30' lead and it's made a HUGE difference; thank you SO much! She is a pup-on-progress, but SUCH a Blessing in our retired household. I watch your training videos before sleep & utilize teachings the next day. Merry Christmas!

[@Patsagilitybits]

My dog wears a collar with her id on it. I always use a harness for walking and it gives complete freedom of movement. It's a Y shaped harness but it has thinner straps than the one you showed us. Each part is adjustable to get a good fit. You can also add a belly strap if you want. Some dogs can back out of a harness and an extra strap will stop that. I use a lead with a bungee section so that if the dog does suddenly pull for some reason neither of us gets any kind of jolt.

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

I have mostly used a harness. BUT my new dog - a dutchie - is super sensitive regarding anything that rubs against her skin.. She HATES wearing a harness. So use a martingale flat collar. When she feks. pulls tight it is like a normal collar - when not it just hangs loose .I used a regular flat collar but She is an expert of getting out of the collar so i need one that can stay put if she tries to pull out...Her head shape is also very strange so if i use a regular flat collar i have to tighten it so hard to stop her from sliding the scull out that it gets really uncomfortable. But she is very good at walking on a leash so it is hardly ever a problem but you can never be careful enough .. We have just purchased a new harness - a Y type and it is extra extra soft. Hopefully we can use that...her chest bone sticks out and that has alsio been a challenge but hopefully this is the fight one.. I have purchased 11 harnesses the last 2 years an non of them is good for her.. But as long as we do not use harsh methods, jank or popp.. a collar works fine.. It is all about how you do things.. And in Norway all aversive tools are illegal as well.

[@monkeyking1255]

Could you make a video on training 2 puppies that hate being separated

[@specteriw371]

What if you have a 200 pound Tibetan mastif? Will a harness still work or should we be a little more realistic and use a prong collar for better control of such a beast? Or does harness only work for teacup dogs?

[@carolynvines2027]

Thank you!!! That's how I feel. If a dog is going to pull, I don't want them choking themselves or risking the chance of a collapsed larynx. I'd much rather have the pressure on their chest until I can teach them not to pull. I'm guilty of trying the methods suggested by other dog trainers. I tried a prong collar ONCE.... never again! It DID NOT stop my dog from pulling; and it did cause him to panic. I don't want any dog thinking that I'm going to torture her/him into submission.

[@hepollerin]

There is an astonishing article from Lafuente et al. about harness: Effects of restrictive and non-restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot

[@tracythomas343]

I don’t use a harness. I have balance issues and if my dog ever pulls on the harness I lose my balance and fall. Using a flat collar has worked just fine for me.

[@janhankins911]

I don't know what your balance problems are, but I've got the mother of balance problems. I fell down some stairs a few years ago and suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). My memory wasn't impacted, my ability to speak wasn't impacted. What was impacted was my ability to walk and balance. I spent almost two years in physical therapy learning how to walk and stay upright. I'm successful--most of the time (but not always). I no longer drive (it's too dangerous for me to do so) because my legs don't always respond immediately to what my brain wants them to do and I have to pause and "reset" my brain (when walking, you'll notice a "hitch" in my walk; fine for walking, not fine for driving!). I walk with a cane on good days. On occasional bad days, I have to bring out the walker to get around. I walk my dogs on a harness with no problems.

[@tracythomas343]

@@janhankins911 I have MS. I’m not arguing that others have had success with a harness. I have a service dog and use a flat collar. It works for me. Thanks.

[@ladikmk]

I much prefer a harness rather than attaching leash to my dog's collar (she's 80 lbs). Zak, what is the brand of the Y-shaped harness you mentioned in this video please? Thank you!

[@SDLilly_and_SDITDaisy]

It’s ruffwear

[@Viperinfidel]

I agree 100%

[@Azalecita]

I've used his collar to put on a leash sometimes because he hates the harness, it's itchy for him and even when i take it out of him, he still scratches his side for a long time. I need to find a better harness that will be comfy for him because I hate using the collar, but our walks are pretty short atm.

[@halucca22]

I use collars for ID and style 🥰 and harnesses with clips on the front for walks. Canine Equipment harnesses have rings on the chest and the backs so they’re great for attaching to safety seatbelt straps in the car, and they’re Y-shaped. I’ve used Easy Walk harnesses but they only have clips on the chest, and my pups are in between sizes so I can’t get them to fit properly. I’ve also used bra style harnesses, they only clip in the back, but they’re super easy to put on and off and also work well in the car and under sweaters etc. One of my pups would allow me to put any style of harness on with no issues but turned into Cujo when I tried to take off any harness that went over his head; gradually we worked it out and he’s awesome now. Your book and vids are tremendously helpful to me, a first time dog momma - thank you so much ❤🙏🏻❤‼

[@Kreative_Rainbow]

I'd love to know what brand of harness you recommend? We have used harnesses with our dogs because of the very reason of discomfort around the neck. We have a new to us puppy who was 8 months old when we got her. We figured out quickly the breeder was not a good choice. She had untreated hookworms and hadn't received her rabies shot. She is highly afraid of everything and very reactive. She barks at everything, cannot handle being in a kennel, didn't know how to deal with a collar or leash. She hasn't been well socialized and is afraid of just going to a quiet park without other people or dogs in the area and keeps pulling back to the car. We believe she was part of a hoarding situation as they had 7 dogs who were mostly in kennels all day long. When we got our dog at 8 months, she would pee only twice daily on the puppy pads, which couldn't hold all the pee she produced. We feel we got a very overpriced rescue dog. She is so cute and clings to me and our goldendoodle quite fiercely! We adore her, but need to help her get over so many hurdles. We do have a trainer coming in this week to help me learn the best ways to train her at this point, but I have been learning a lot from your channel. Thank you!

[@hayleybaycreative]

Our biggest issue is our 9month Aussie puppy is super reactive, so if I take her down the street for a walk we use a bright orange harness that has the attachments for “do not pet” flags. Thing is we’re using the extra small version and she is very good at escaping from said harness if we miss a trigger and she reacts. In our reactive class we use a leash on both the harness and a collar. I don’t want to hurt her neck but having a puppy that’s been aggressive/reactive since she was 3 months and incredibly smart is a struggle 😅

[@hannahmiles1324]

My dobermann is harness trained. Well, ive trained him to loose lead walk but have him in a harness. Its taken a lot of training but its been worth it. I was lazy with my old girl who had a dogmatic head collar. She didnt pull on it really very much though, until she knew she was heading home, but even then it wasnt really pulling. I prefer the harness.

[@pureluck8882]

I got a 3 month old, half husky puppy and went to the vet just few days ago to get his 3rd vaccine and micro-chip (not sure about the exact terms you use in English, since I'm from Europe and I'm translating loosely). I only taught him how to walk with a harness and the vet told me that I should use a collar instead because harness is only meant to make the dogs pull. I am considering getting the puppy used with both, at least for a while, white he is little. The internet is filled with so many opinions and means to train your puppy, suggestions about what to feed it and so on, that it becomes frustrating concluding which info/solution is best as a general rule.

[@RIPPEDDRAGON40k]

I only use harnesses for attaching dog tags to and assisting my bulldog getting out lf the car. I use slip leads on my dogs, they work far better for fine leash control than a harness. Light pressure and I can communicate without words exactly where I want my dogs in all situations. This allows me to be close to traffic and other close quarters scenarios and have full confidence in my ability to handle any situation. If I had them on a leash and harness there is just too much slop and the non verbal communication wouldnt be picked up on as easily. I personally wouldnt use a e-collar because that just adds a point of failure I wouldnt want to deal with or be reliant on. I think there are a time and a place for chain and prong collars as long as they are used correctly. I would never use a chain on any dog less than 65 lbs and a solid build and prong for dogs over 100 lbs (maybe less for some people). Anyone who is training with any of these should be treat training for positive behavior or they are doing it wrong.

[@imgeffrey]

After receiving a recommendation from a trainer, I decided to gradually transition my dog to wearing a collar. It is a large and comfortable collar to minimize any discomfort. However, I have noticed that, in the past two weeks, our walks have become more anxious since using the collar. I'm unsure if this is because I am being overly cautious to avoid hurting Loki, or if he genuinely dislikes wearing a collar. As a result, I have returned to using his harness during our walks. The harness provides a sense of security and allows me time to focus on capturing his attention. Instead of relying on collar corrections, I prefer to train my dog to pay attention to me and correct any necessary behavior through verbal cues or introduce an alternative behavior.

[@tirzah9929]

Super interesting, thank you for sharing!

[@afoster3392]

Same here

[@rjaffeux]

Tron callers is absolute best we have a dog that if you look at her him mean he screams like as if you just kicked him in the nuts..lol He absolutely is awesome on his prong collar They don't poke them in the neck They're not made to do that kind of stuff They're blunt all it does is make them not want to pull absolutely all our cavalier went from pulling to not pulling there's a space in the front so they don't do damage to their trachea or anything like that. Are harness our dog pulls I've done all kinds of stuff trying to get him to stop we've had trainers keep training I'm trying to get him to stop with the hardest absolutely nothing I put a prong collar has a full sentence first time we put it on him didn't pull My son has autism we can't have him pulling him because he will get aggressive with him. Harnesses are absolutely not made for the training that you guys are trying to teach your dogs I don't know where the hell this guy came from but he's apparently not very smart

[@christopherstanford3242]

I’m new to dog training and I go through company called train a dog save a warrior. We use martingale collars .

[@vaultchang3651]

Primarily use flat collars for day to day, and harness when training different things that may result in pulling like sudden stop, leave It, loose leash walking or recall training. The collar is usually always on so it's just easier to use the collar for general purpose once trained.

[@meowzard5213]

If anyone is struggling for whatever reason with one type of gear, and haven't tried a different one, please consider a change!! Dogs have preferences too, and often something that works for lots of dogs won't work for yours. Online the other day i found a video of someone's dog who was highly adversed to harnesses, and later his flat collar due to a bad association. That dog was most comfortable with a slip collar (willingly walking into it as opposed to jerking or growling). My dog, on the other hand, prefers her harness. She's a rehome so I have no idea why she has the aversion to neck pressure (inappropriate use of corrections, maybe? She's reactive and a GSD, both factors people often think they need heavy-handed tools for). I struggled finding a harness that fit her (originally wanted one for my preference + she can collar slip) but when i finally found one, she was *instantly* less anxious. Before she'd struggle to get down the block without panicking ; now she was walking nicely and enjoying herself sniffing, even on the first walk with it! She's still reactive but I feel like it's lessened very slightly since the change. She still wears her flat collar for ID purposes, but I only leash it when on short notice or when the harness isnt feasible, like a bath. On the "it encourages pulling" point: it's not the harness itself, but how you use it. Our other dog chokes herself on her flat collar, but once her harness is on, it's work time! She was in training classes with her harness. She doesn't even pull in the harness

[@kyliebrezinski7862]

Do you have a video on how to get your dog to like their harness? Every time we pick up my dog's harness he runs and hides and buries his snout in a corner or under the couch. He's done this since he was little and now he's almost 2. He always lets us put on his leash onto his collar with no problems, but we prefer walking him using his harness.

[@Karrikua]

I use a harness when using a long leash, and a collar for shorter walks. I wanted my dog to understand that it’s ok to pull with a harness, but she doesn’t lol. She is a naturally perfect walker who walks next to me all the time, so I don’t bother to put on the harness. But I’m definitely for it!

[@theresaontheedge]

My 4yo Goldendoodle had a gentle leader and collar but ultimately developed a slipped disc in his upper neck because of my corrections. Never again! He's passed away, but my new puppy will always have a harness.

[@trumpetpunk42]

So many things we learn! There are things I wish I could go back and do better for my boy, but the important thing is he was loved.

[@shereewordell2433]

I use harnesses, love them! I use the joyride harness. I don’t like using collars cause when he pulls, it’ll hurt his neck.

[@pat999x]

Years ago, when my family had our first dog, we had him wear a choke chain collar, but inside out, so it wouldn't tighten, no matter what. Why did we do this? Because he was black and the chain looked really sharp on him. That was the collar that held his ID. Most of the family added a different collar for walking him, except for my dad

[@juliethur5103]

I currently use a harness for my 15lb, 8 mo old doodle, and I have had no issues with training her on leash. however, many years ago, i rescued a rottweiler when she was aprox. 15 mos old and just over 100lbs. I did train her with a pinch collar, and she became the best trained, friendly dog I ever owned. I would do it that way again if I rescued another one. The reason I would is because no matter how well trained a dog is, they still have the potential to harm another animal/human if something scares them and I would not have the same ability to regain quick control of a 100 lb dog if they were wearing a harness. I have seen most times that people do not place their choke/pinch collars properly on their dogs, which def can cause injury to their throat/neck, so it is important that you know where the collar should be sitting(up behind the ears, not around the neck) if you choose to use one. I personally would only consider using them if I do not have the strength to separate my dog from a situation that could cause injury.

[@echanos]

We use a PetSafe 3 in 1 harness. They are very handy!

[@starlightangel1990]

Must have been meant to see this today. That was soo perfectly explained. I have used vibration collars and they seemed ok with my dog. Is your opinion the same with vibration vs shock?

[@janhankins911]

I certainly can't answer for Zak, but I'll put my two cents worth in (if you're interested in my two cents worth). First, it depends on the dog. Some dogs are perfectly fine with vibration collars (it doesn't frighten them). The vibration collars frighten other dogs. If your dog isn't frightened by the vibrations, my opinion is that it's fine. We've used vibration collars to work with Danes in rescue that are both blind and deaf (no those dogs aren't "miserable", most have been blind and deaf since birth and don't know what they're "missing", they tend to be very happy dogs and make wonderful pets, with certain common-sense safety protocols in place--like don't "sneak up" on them--stomp the floor so they can feel the vibration and know you're approaching them, don't just appear and touch them, that could startle them and they could snap as a result of the startle; don't put something down in the middle of the floor and leave it for them to run into; etc.). Obviously, if the collar frightens the dog, don't use it. Just my own opinion.

[@starlightangel1990]

@janhankins911 thank you. I totally appreciate your two cents. I haven't used mine in a while. She didn't seemed bothered. She would look at me and I would reward her. I do want to get it back out bc she no longer looks at me when I try to get her attention bc I've been lax. My own fault. Lol But as long as she gets treats. The collar never bothered her.

[@coastalcoyote]

I saw a video once of a guy who trained all his dogs that the vibration meant "come," so that no matter where they were he could call for them. I think that's a great use for a vibration collar. I've not heard of a collar that only does vibration though?

[@annekabeard9357]

We use both a collar and a harness. Collar is more for quick in and out trips and harness for longer walks.

[@user-tr1tw9ud2r]

What kind of harness did you use on Inertia during her training?

[@childofcascadia]

I am a dog trainer. I use a front attach harness, and if Im working on stopping pulling and lunging of a big dog I use a front attach with a martengale like an easy walk. My own 55 lb pit bull uses a wonder walker front attach. I weigh

[@user-et9mo8iz8e]

What brand or brands of collars/leashes/harnesses do you use? Also, can you do an equipment tour as one of your videos? I would love to see all of what you use to train your doggos! :)

[@sebg2086]

dont use what he use....he cant heel walk his own 3 years old dog lol ....he cant even trust her in a fence park when theres a drone......

[@belebele1982]

I think is Ruffwear. Ruffwear also had one with what looks like a handle on top. The from buckle is not very strong though.

[@RetroSoulGirl]

There's a balance to this. No, harnesses do not cause dogs to pull, but they encourage them to pull because they are designed for pulling, evenly distribute their weight and are the most comfortable of all options. Using a harness definitely brings you less control IF you are not a skilled trainer already. If you and your dog are well trained, then of course, a harness is okay. However, the e collars, prong collars and choke collars are definitely more destructive and unnecessary. They're over the top. People use those tools when they aren't good at teaching a dog how to walk themselves, so they rely on these tools to stop the leash pulling/reactivity. The best option for walking a dog is using either a slip collar (like the leashes they use in the show ring) or a regular leash on a collar. If you place the collar around the top of the dog's neck, this will put the dog in a follower-state of mind and it will be the most comfortable. Having the collar around the base of the neck is where more of the choking occurs when they pull. A gentle lead around the head is also a good option. Notice how humans can control giant horses by walking them with a bridle around the head/neck, and when it's time to make the horse run, we use the saddle around the horse's body to encourage them to pull? Much like a harness. Think about it this way: When your dog is about to lunge at another animal, having it on a harness makes it very easy for your dog to move it's head around in any direction to snap at the animal. When the dog is wearing a slip collar or a collar around the top of its neck, now you have control of the dog's head, so if it tries to snap at someone, you can quickly stop him from doing so. It's so much safer than a harness this way. Also, wearing any sort of collar, leash or harness is going to be more uncomfortable than wearing nothing at all. So your job as your dog's owner is to train it to the point that you wouldn't need these tools to walk your dog. In the end, it's all about commands, which is why a well trained dog can be on a prong collar or harness, it doesn't matter, none of it will hurt/effect the dog if it's not pulling in the first place.

[@whiteeagle8140]

I use a y harness with back and breast ring. The leash goes on the back when my dog is free, and on the breast when training. She has a collar, but only for the tickless and a ID penning. And I make my own paracord collars.

[@flii87]

I use the easy walk harness. I know, I know. it's bad for shoulder joints. but I find my dog doesn't pull AT ALL when i put that on her, versus her regular Y harness. I figure if she likes that harness enough to not pull, then it might not be hurting her shoulders since she isn't applying any pressure. I only use the collar when I'm taking her potty in the backyard, not on a real walk. I use an e-collar for off leash adventures, I know, I know I am a terrible person. she's on a 13/100 setting and I never really use it unless she's going after a squirrel/deer and won't recall. I think its important to find the tool that works best for you and your dog, but to also train yourself and the dog to not rely on the tool. it's there to help. but you shouldn't be relying on it 100% to fix whatever issue you are having with your dog

[@17germa]

My boxer dog wears a collar for her ID Tag and her tracker. The leash is exclusively fastened to her harness.

[@maureenmccurry9482]

I use a front attaching harness for my GSD’s.

[@roccothefox3604]

Just letting you know if you use that harness if you dog pulls and you constantly pulling back It can cause the front bones in their chest to slowly shift whatever way you’re pull in from you can do whatever you want tho don’t let what I tell you effect you have a nice day or night byeee❤

[@JenKirby]

@@roccothefox3604 they don’t pull if you use a front attachment. If they try to pull they get turned round towards you and give up!

[@jamesmahoney1868]

I haven't been able to get my dog to accept his harness, I've tried different types and all the fun assocation tricks, but not matter what everytime i grab it he acts as though hes being punished. Coats are the same if not worse. His collar however, i pick it up and he goes bonkers. I have worked really hard to keep him from pulling but every now and then he still does, i stop and as gently as possible get him to sit and then come back to me. If he doesn't i turn around and tell him we're going this way, and he often straitens up and follows close knowing he may lose the chance to get that smell if the leash stays taught. ABSOLUTELY NEVER JERK OR PULL HIM, i felt so bad the first time he tried to take off, but he hasnt bolted since then and is doing a remarkably good job with recall. My two dog challenges make ot hard to work on the more advanced skills.

[@grt49er]

The goal for loose leash is based on quick communication to remind dog. I tend to limited slip leads just for ease and quickness. I put harnesses on all dogs. It’s rare that I train with them leashed to it. I consider them off leash in a harness leash system. It’s cool if dog is off leash trained.

[@cameliavera]

Great video! Harnesses are great to protect their necks until they slow down in old age. Then a harness isn’t necessary. At that point its only so people don’t think we don’t have them on a leash. 😂

[@erickanorris567]

front clip harnesses are great especially for dogs whose human is about the same weight. However my personal Border Collie hates harnesses she flips out despite months of conditioning. We have come to an agreement LOL that she can walk on the flat collar but the walk is over as soon as she gets rowdy .

[@LAWLSUP]

You should know where and when to use either, but one of them is much more of a training tool than the other. Communication with your dog should be consistent even under stressful and other distracting situations. Good luck correcting with a harness.

[@m1stak3en]

I use a harness because we cant be bothered getting a collar thats the right size and we have this collar but its a bit to big so we use a harness

[@indojeep2623]

I use the collar just for the i.d tag. I use a harness for both my babies. Archie is pretty strong so I think it's safer for him to use a harness. Lily is deaf and her harness has reflective badges on it saying so.

[@RandThompson-dd3sk]

New replacment Border Collie. Ive never used a harness before , nor has he worn one. I didn't like the collar he came with (tight) so I hot him a Kong harness. He's 9 months old now and still in training (had him 2.5 months). When a leash is attached to the harness, its like a natural for him. But only when he's leashed. Works in progress.

[@richardalbury]

Harness, always. Our last dog passed from complications from a collapsed trachea: never again.

[@goymedhundDogtrainingBehavior]

i am so sorry to hear that ;(

[@kimberthegsd_615]

What did you do to the dog to give it a collapsed trachea? Did you pull it hard or something? Dang that takes a lot. I’m a dog trainer and I personally use collars (specifically prongs and choke sometimes e collars) tho I have nothing against people using harnesses. I just don’t use them because with a collar you have more choke control. Like if you are me and you work with aggressive dogs that you are socializing them to humans dogs other animals or really anything, it’s good to have a collar on them just in case they do bite or attack. The only way your going to stop a bite is by choking the dog of oxygen. It is simply by cutting off their oxygen supply and they release the bite. Once they release then you stop choking them and they cough and go back to breathing normally. And before you say anything, it is not literally choking them. It’s a training mechanism. It’s a tactic I use in the very beginning just in case of a bite since I work with very under socialized dogs. This is the only reason I use collars

[@suzannetaylor6285]

I use a martingale collar.. can’t slip out of it.. great for potty runs. If I take the dog on a longer walk I use a harness.

[@thewanlorn]

Harness harness harness. My gsd pulls like a maniac on her collar but doesn't pull at all with a harness. Like it took zero training, I switched and she just... stopped pulling. Absolutely wild. My acd doesn't give a hoot about what he's wearing, in terms of pulling. Big pullers gonna pull until you train them vibe with him.

[@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa]

I use harnesses because otherwise my dog would wring his own neck lol. I understand I'm supposed to teach my dog to walk nice, but he just doesn't understand the concept of not going full speed when we are outdoors, at least not for extended periods of time. He just has this strong association of "outside = full speed." He listens very well off the leash, but after about 45 seconds of heel you can see him getting ancey, and at that point he either shuts down from frustration and starts ignoring me, or I quit while we're ahead and let him go free. We've been working on it off leash for about a year now, we go to the park every day and I have him heeling by my side, but something is preventing him from progressing beyond the 30 second mark. My boy has long legs, he's enormous, and once I get him into a field where he has enough space to move, "slow" just does not compute... I tend to just try to get low and plant when I need to contain him lol

[@trumpetpunk42]

That was my boy too. Like a doggy Forrest Gump, if he was going somewhere then he was running

[@maryr7296]

My dogs are the same way lol. What type of harness do you use? Thank you for your help.

[@trumpetpunk42]

@@maryr7296 when I need more control, I'll use a Freedom Harness (martingale-style, double-clipped front and top). It's not a magic cure, but it helps. For dogjoring/canicross style runs (my favorite) I use a Mighty Paw Sport, clipped only in the back to a Neewa tug line. I like the fit and convenience of Mighty Paw, but not as strong/durable - I'm on my fourth one in 3 years. If my dear pup was still running on my side of the rainbow bridge, I'd consider upgrading to something like a Saker Ascension.

[@maryr7296]

@@trumpetpunk42 thank you sooo much for your help. I found out I need abdominal hernia surgery... It'll be a bad outcome if mine pulls on the leash. I've been working hard trying to get them to walk slowly out the door lol They sit and wait to go out but after that first step hold on. Thank you again. I'll check those out.

[@Aaalllyyysssaaaaa]

@@maryr7296 My favourite one is called a Y front harness. It doesn't restrict their legs or chest, so it's really great for dogs who pull, and if you find one with a ring on the front as well as the back, you can clip your leash on in the front, and that will pull him off balance when he pulls, which is really helpful if you are teaching him not to pull on leash. It's nice because if it's hooked up on the back, it is fairly comfortable for them if they pull, so if you want to teach your dog to pull you when you're going up a tough hill or to have some wild fun while cross country skiing or something, you can do that. Some people use the front and the back at thr same time, and teach their dogs that when they feel tension on the back of the harness that means go, and when they feel tension on the front that means stop. It's cool how flexible you can get with it.

[@roccothefox3604]

I use a slip leash to walk my dog is that good for a dog that slightly pulls?

[@LilFoxyCosplay]

A harness gives more control Slip leads can hurt a dog and also choke them if the stopper is not used

[@roccothefox3604]

@@LilFoxyCosplaywith a harness my dog seems uncomfortable even with any I don’t pull on the slip leash hard enough to harm him!

[@brendabolin7178]

I use a gentle leader until my pup learns not to pull. I fall easily. Can you please help me 😊

[@cal2302]

I have a big male gsd, he doesn’t pull on the lees but considering he is the same weight as me I use a head collar so if he was to pull for whatever reason lets say he got spooked by something then I know that I can still hold him without him dragging me.

[@KS-yv7tw]

I use a collar for normal walking with 3 meter lead, because she knows how to loose leash walk, but a harness with a long line. Collar is definitely unwise with a long line. And a head halter if I know my dog is going to pull because we’re walking with a group and another dog.

[@leodegas7731]

I like zak and I agree with his training, but I disagree with his use of absolutes. I used to train my dogs and help others with a slip or what others call choke collar, but I don't want others not to train like zak. I want others to train like zak, if they choose. But I don't put others down if they don't. To accuse others in absolutes like he just did makes me not appreciate him as a person. Unless he apologizes then at least in my mind then, I think he is untrainable. Maybe he misspoke and I can understand that but if he paints everyone with a wide brush like that then I will just choose not to watch his videos and choose another person to teach me something new. I saved a dog that mauled the foster dog parents daughters leg and the woman still wanted the dog saved. The dog even bit me badly. I took the Malinois, slipped a slip collar on the dog and walked him. After a few months I had the dog doing well on a leash. He stayed at long time and distance, jumping of tall benches, climbed tall pedistals and was well-behaved on walks. But only on a long leash 20 ft or longer lead. Never off leash. I'm not a professional dog trainer and only learned from books in the 80s. I did find the original dog trainer who trains for commercials and movies. The dog was found with it's dead master, guarding the body. That's why the foster parent wanted the dog saved. So that's why I take offense to Zak's statement. I want all dogs to live a good life, no matter what method is taught, as long as it's done humanly. ✌️😊 Ps My personal dogs did everything off leash and I only used praise and a slip collar and long leash. 100 percent recall when chasing rabbits in the desert or playing with other dogs. City walks with out leash were common in the old days b4 the leash laws. Just saying. Edit. 1:19 you took down your reply to my comment. That says a lot. You can't admit that you are wrong, by what you said. Second, I challenge you to make a honest video of you training a malinois or German shepherd that is coming into adulthood and not fixed and has bitten it's owner or another person or killed another dog. Use only treats and no negative reinforcement as you say it's possible. And do so consistently. I haven't seen a video from you yet that has an owner that lovers her cane corso or other like working dog that has bitten people or killed another dog. Please do that, if you really believe what you say. If you don't, then I guess that says it all. One last thing, dogs and puppies communicate by putting their jaw on another dogs neck. They do so in play or to establish dominance in the pack. If there was a better way to live in the pack, they are not doing so by positive reinforcement. God bless you and yours.

[@SBOK41]

Y shaped has been fantastic for my dog! He also has a proper bungee leash, so there's no impact on him or me, if he gets startled by something. And if we're passing a trigger, I have a traffic handle to keep him close. Zak, since the pandemic, the dog population where I live has EXPLODED and most are not even using leashes anymore on footpaths. Help! If you're seeing the same horrifying trend where you are, could you please make a video discussing it? I have developed the skills to safely deal with anything else we encounter. My dog & I have worked so hard together but this is too much for us 😔

[@whiteeagle8140]

There are also, so called dog trainers here on KZbin encouraging people to have there dog off leash. Stupid advice. Some of these guys belong in jail.

[@SBOK41]

​​@@whiteeagle8140Agree 100%!