As I've mentioned before, we are keeping an Olde English bulldog (Smedley) for a friend for the next 6 months. He is a big, strong, 65 pound fellow, and he drags me all over the place when I take him out. The guy he belongs to currently has him in a harness that I just attach the lease too, but that's not giving me enough control when he takes off after something. He is a sweet dog, and will usually slow down for me when I ask him to, but a few days ago a neighbor was taking their boxer out at the same time, and the boxer started snarling at Smedley, and Smedley almost pulled me down the stairs trying to get to him. (He wasn't snarling back or acting mean, he usually just likes to sniff other dogs out, so I wasn't afraid, but I didn't want the lady walking the boxer to be scared since she doesn't know Smedley.) Plus, his leash burned my hands as I was trying to hold it really tight. Any suggestions...leash or otherwise?
And a picture, of course:
[IMG][/IMG]
so cute!
How's Stiggy??!!! Pics? nm
He's doing so great! Some new pictures!
Stealing our comforter at the hotel during our move to VA:
[IMG][/IMG]
Stealing Smedley's bed/crate:
[IMG][/IMG]
And....this is what he was doing while we were trying to pack. His food was up there:
[IMG][/IMG]
the problem I have with this style...
the "no pull" harnesses work great for a dog that only pulls you along, but they don't give you control over a dog that plants his feet, ducks his head, and won't walk. You can't pull a dog in that style harness. Others that are constructed the same way are Premier's "Easy Walk" and the "Sense-ation" harness.
Now if your dog only pulls and doesn't refuse to walk, they are probably fine. Just beware that some bulldogs can pull back and out of that harness and then you are left holding an empty leash!
I have the perfect set up for a "tow truck" bulldog...
Martingale collar from Premier. Dog can't pull out of it and it fits loose if the dog isn't pulling. It's the only kind of collar I use on my puller.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B002ZRPKAQ/ref=dp_image?ie=UTF8&s=kitchen&img=MAIN&color_name=2-1
Sure Fit harness, also from Premier (escape proof, easy to put on, and several ways to adjust the fit AND inexpensive)
http://www.amazon.com/Premier-Sure-Fit-Harness-Large-1/dp/B0028Q4GJK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1270133496&sr=1-2
short handle leash attached and hanging from harness (just in case you need to stop and hold him back.)
http://www.amazon.com/Cetacea-Traffic-Grip-Rubber-Handle/dp/B000X8400K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1270133572&sr=1-1
I have a Cetacea woven rope style 6' leash with a sliding foam grip. Can't find it for you, but this one by Insta-Grip looks like it does the same thing. Being able to hold him on a short leash gives him less pulling leverage. You'll never be able to hold a dog from the end of a 6' lead.
Once your dog has all that stuff on, people approaching will see it and walk a wide circle away from you!
I like the Freedom Training Harness
http://www.muttropolis.com/products2.cfm/id/7163/name/Freedom-Training-Dog-Harness
In addition to the standard clip on top - it has a front clip that you can you alone or with the top clip for more control.
Having the leash clip in front gives me much more control with Ike who was/can be quite a puller.
Good luck!