When it comes to dog walking products, the sheer amount of variety on the market might leave you feeling a little dizzy. The other problem is that without the correct training aid, walking your dog can be a nightmare instead of the happy experience you envisioned.
Because not all dogs are the same, you have to be very careful when choosing a walking aid, something that benefits you and your four-legged companion. Some of these dog walking products will make sense to your dog while others might a complete waste of time or perhaps even have detrimental effects.
We’re not about to tell you how to train your dog. We’re simply pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of some lead systems out there. So without putting it off any longer, let’s dive right into it!
Options for dog walking products
1. The basic collar and lead
Perhaps this is the most conventional of all the dog walking products and it also has a bunch of advantages. The collar and lead system is widely available, convenient and super cost-effective. Rogz, for instance, offers a wide variety of colours and sizes, plus it’s a proudly South African organisation.
The downside of this option is the injury it can potentially place on your dog’s neck if it isn’t used correctly. This becomes even more dangerous if you’ve got a dog that loves pulling on the lead.
2. Dog harness systems
Dog harnesses work well for a lot of dogs because the pressure isn’t placed on the neck but is instead placed across the back or around the chest. We like these dog walking products because they allow for a bit more control over particularly excitable dogs that love pulling on the lead.
The cons of these products are that the amount of control you have is limited and won’t help or dogs with behavioural issues. Also, using harnesses on smaller breeds are tricky and not always the best idea.
Halti Head Harness System
Halti Head Collars were designed by Dr Robert Mugford to assist in the training and management of dogs that pull too hard on their leashes and pooches that are a little more difficult to control. These collars look a lot like the ones you use to lead a horse around, and yes, some people still confuse it with a muzzle, but it’s definitely not a muzzle. Halti head collars provide better control around your dog’s head because it reduces pulling. It’s almost like “power steering”, but just for your dog.
Of course, like with all things man-made, there are some drawbacks to this product. Getting the collar fitted correctly can be a battle in itself and it’ll take a while for your dog to get used to it.
