So, ultimately, this product is no replacement for proper heel training. How is a Halti Different to a Body Harness? Remember, these head collars work by pairing the pulling action with an uncomfortable, unpleasant consequence. The Gentle Leader is another brand of head collar that is very similar to the Halti. It aims to redirect your dog’s head towards you whenever it tries to pull on the leash. Yes. Although we extol the virtues of walking your dog with a harness, a collar is still essential attire for any dog (even when wearing a harness). Aside from being a legal requirement in the UK, a collar also tells others that the dog has an owner and isn’t a stray. A collar also allows you to attach a name tag – extra peace of mind that compliments the mandatory microchip underneath the animal’s skin between the shoulders. Ostensibly designed for active dogs accompanying their owners on long outdoor runs in the countryside, the Hi & Light is constructed from light Ripstop nylon material and features slim nylon straps, a single top-mounted aluminium leash clasp and a sealed Velcro pouch with integral cord for attaching a name tag. The pouch is also big enough to store a few emergency poo bags.

But, until then, you can choose to manage the problem with a body harness and leash. How do Haltis Compare to Gentle Leaders? The IDC Powerharnesses is available in nine sizes – from Baby 1 (teacup dog) to Size 4 (Newfoundland) – and is available in 25 colours. You can also replace the Velcroed side patch with a customized label of your choice. An excellent everyday option for top wags. Another handy feature is the traffic handle – a split section of non-stretchy webbing positioned very close to the dog’s harness. It’s imperative that you use this handle when approaching a road or walking on the pavement. The most effective solution to a dog pulling on the leash is to train the heel command with positive reinforcement methods. The HALTI Walking Range boasts the same quality and expert design that our customers have come to expect from The Company of Animals, the makers of the world-famous HALTI Headcollar. Bringing together style and functionality, the range comes in four vibrant colours with a smart two-tone webbing.If you are really struggling to manage with a puppy pulling on the lead we would recommend speaking with a vet recommended dog trainer or behaviourist to get some advice on how best to train your young dog not to pull. This is because the Halti doesn’t train your dog to heel. It just gives your dog an unpleasant consequence when he tries to pull. A Halti is one of many aversive training tools. Evidence suggests that aversive methods like this can actually be detrimental to the physical and mental health of our dogs, as well as less effective. This harness fits supremely well without restricting the dog’s movement in any way. It’s also a doddle to put on and one of the easiest to adjust. Granted, it’s not the cheapest model here, but it’s very well designed and a great option for both energetic dogs and hot sultry summers. The main reason most people want to learn ‘what is a Halti’ is because they’re suffering with a dog that pulls on the leash.

The Julius-K9 provides a reassuringly snug fit that doesn’t get in the way of the dog’s movements; the lower chest strap sits just behind the forelegs and doesn’t rub against the elbows. However, it does seem a bit over-engineered. The chest webbing on the Size 1 model we tested is about 5cm in width and strong enough to pull a train. It’s also difficult to adjust. This is an aversive tool that can cause distrust, and will not be as effective as positive training methods. The ThinkPet is designed with rough and tumble in mind, and also works well for dogs that like to pull. It evenly distributes pressure across the body to protect your dog’s body and avoid the dreaded choking.Blake, S. (et al), ‘ A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Harness and Head-Collar Use in Dogs’, BioRxiv (2019) Leaving a Halti on your dog long-term can be cruel, as it is only designed for short periods. Leaving it on long term can cause fur loss and other injuries. IDC Powerharnesses are far and away the easiest of all models to fit and remove: simply slip the large opening over the dog’s head, clip in the chest strap, attach the lead to the top-mounted D-ring and go. Do bear in mind that a harness of this nature won’t necessarily prevent your dog from pulling; it’s simply a kinder, more convenient, safer and comfier alternative to walking with a dog collar and leash. But, they aren’t inherently as cruel as other punishment-based methods people may use to try and stop their dogs from pulling on the leash.

The Halti head harness describes itself as giving the owner full control by gently directing and steering your dog from the front. If you have a puppy pulling on a leash, our Halti Training range can help! We recommend that walking-on-the-lead training is only done for a short period each day, and within the overall scope of your puppy’s recommended daily exercise allowance. It is important to note that lead walk training should only be a part of your puppy’s daily exercise which should also include a wide range of activities to aid mental stimulation and early socialisation. A common guideline for estimating a daily exercise level for your puppy is 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. So for example, a 5-month-old puppy could have 2 x 25-minute walks daily. However, you should consult with your vet on the appropriate number of minutes per day as a puppy’s breed and development stage will also play a role in the overall exercise time.If you have a puppy or a small dog up to 15kgs in weight that you’d rather not let off the lead, consider one of these extendable auto-rewind models from Flexi. Available in two lengths (3m and 5m) and three sizes, the Flexi’s tape is neon coloured so others are less likely to get tangled up in it when your dog’s doing its mad dog stuff. We would suggest the 5m version simply because it’s a good thing to have an extra two metres to hand. The HALTI Walking Harness is the perfect combination of style and practicality for everyday walking. The great thing about this leash is that there’s at least two feet of stretch in the webbing and that’s extremely useful when running because there’s less chance of the animal pulling you over if it suddenly veers off to chase a rabbit. If you have a large powerful dog or one that pulls on the lead, you will know how exhausting walks can be. Dogs of all sizes can pull on the lead to the point of choking themselves. If your dog always pulls like a train, consider a double-ended training leash like those supplied by HALTI (see below) and Mekuti. Training leads consist of one extra-long strap with a clasp on either end. They are suitable for use only with front-range harnesses equipped with an attachment on the chest as well as on top.