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This is our review of the best collar for dogs that pull.
Many dog owners enjoy taking their furry friend out for a walk, but for owners of dogs that pull, it can often feel like the dog is taking their owner for a walk.
In this review, we will highlight the best collar for dogs that pull, what to look for in a collar or harness designed to prevent pulling, and give you some tips to help guide training your dog not to pull.
Hours of research from dog owners, customers, trainers, and other experts were completed to offer our recommendations so you can make the best choice for purchasing the collar or harness for your furry friend.
When it comes to the best collar or dogs that pull, our overall pick is the PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness.
While several no-pull collars have desirable features, the PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness stood out among the others for its use of the martingale loop and optional double leash that gives dog owners more control on walks.
Since every dog owner is looking for different designs and benefits when purchasing the best collar for dogs that pull, we reviewed 6 different collars and harnesses that led the way in training dogs not to pull.
Overall Best in Show Harness: PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness
Runner-Up: 2 Hounds Design Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
Overall Best in Show Collar: Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar
Best for Small Dogs: Metric USA Comfort Fit Soft Vest
Best Headcollar Design: PetSafe Gentle Leader Head Collar
Best Comfort/Padding: GoodBoy Dog Padded Head Halter
Let’s take a look at what collars and harnesses best fit your dog’s training needs.
PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness
While many harnesses and collars offer some similar features, there are a few benefits to the PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Harness that many dog owners find valuable when training their dog not to pull on walks.
Product Info: It’s made from a durable nylon material and uses reflective materials for evening or night walks. The PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness comes in 4 sizes and can be adjusted at 5 different points on the harness. The grey seat belt loop on the harness is designed to help restrain your pup for safer car rides.
There is a Martingale-style section near the front of the harness (by the dog’s chest, not neck) that tightens to apply gentle pressure when the dog pulls.
Dog Owner Info: The design isn’t too bulky, although some owners have mentioned this harness seems to be a better fit for medium or larger-sized dogs. Make sure to measure your canine and follow PetSafe’s sizing chart before ordering.
Many owners also like the option of bundling this harness with the double leash for added control while training their dog not to pull. Owners are able to clip the leash to the front of the dog, and on top. This design helps direct the dog’s focus and maintain control when the dog pulls.
Customers also like that the leash handle is padded, although that’s strictly a perk for the human.
Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar
After reviewing several martingale collars with similar features, we selected the Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar for its design simplicity and durability.
Product Info: This collar is made from a heavy-duty nylon and slips over the head (no buckles). It has the added benefit of being easy to wash or spot clean as needed. Owners describe it as well-made and durable, but not bulky. They also like the color and size options available.
Dog Owner Info: Dog owners like using martingale collars because of the approach is simple and gentle. There is limited tightening if the dog pulls while wearing one on a walk. If the dog doesn’t pull, no tightening happens.
While the Country Brook Petz Martingale Collar may look similar to regular collars, martingale collars should only be used for training purposes. Be sure to measure your dog and read the product sizing information to purchase the appropriate fit for your canine.
2 Hounds Freedom No-Pull Dog Harness
This is another training device with a simple, durable design, only the style is a harness instead of a collar.
Product Info: The 2 Hounds Freedom Harness is made of nylon straps and stainless steel hardware. We liked the front and back clip attachment options. Owners can also clip both front and back clips together by using a double-connection leash. The double clip option gives the dog walker more control.
Dog Owner Info: We also like that the 2 Hounds Freedom Harness uses a martingale-style loop on the back-clip. Martingale collar loops provide a gentle tightening when your dog pulls and relaxes when your dog isn’t pulling. This feature adds an extra training benefit for getting you dog’s attention, while still using a harness.
Another feature that many dog owners appreciate is the velvet backing on the chest strap to provide more comfort to your dog while training.
While the 2 Hounds Freedom Harness is adjustable and comes in several sizes, make sure to follow the sizing chart and take the proper measurements before purchasing.
PetSafe Gentle Leader No-Pull Dog Headcollar
The headcollar design of the PetSafe Gentle Leader can also be an effective training tool, but there are a few things to know before making the purchase.
Product Info: While the design might look simple, the safety and benefits of a head collar rely on the owner or walker. Head collars work by wrapping around the dog’s head and muzzle. There is some light tightening when the dog pulls.
This headcollar comes in 5 sizes, so make sure to look at the sizing chart – it looks at weight and breed – before purchasing.
Dog Owner Info: While headcollar training gives more control of the dog’s focus and direction of their head to the owner, it is also up to the owner to use the halter correctly. Owners need to make sure the dog’s neck and head are not pulled too fast or aggressively.
Many owners find the Gentle Leader an effective training collar, but it might take some time (or a lot of time) for your dog to get used to the feeling of pressure on and around its muzzle.
Metric USA Comfort Fit Soft Vest
While some of the collars and harnesses we reviewed have small and extra small sizes available, there are a few challenges that small dog owners need to be aware of when looking for a good harness.
Product Info: Because of their smaller shape and size, finding a product that fits properly and doesn’t pull on their neck or arms is important. Small dog owners like the Metric USA Comfort Fit Soft Vest‘s extra padding for tiny dogs.
The vest has a quick-release buckle and two rings to attach a leash for added control. Many customers like how easy it is to take on and off, although some owners mentioned the importance of a good fit so the dog can’t wiggle or back out of the vest when out for a walk.
Dog Owner Info: This vest comes in several sizes and colors. Be sure to measure your dog’s chest and review the product sizing chart so you can purchase the best fit for your furry friend.
GoodBoy Padded Head Halter
Many dog owners have been asking about products with a little more padding to help with skin irritation for their furry friends.
Product Info: It’s made from soft neoprene materials and padded to provide a little more comfort to your companion. The straps are made from durable nylon and the GoodBoy Head Halter also has reflective stitching to help with safety in low lighting. It is adjustable and features a quick-release buckle.
The GoodBoy Head Halter comes in 4 different sizes, and like all collars and harnesses, it’s important to measure your dog and take a look at the product sizing information to make sure it’s a good fit for your specific canine.
Dog Owner Info: This head halter is designed to be used as a training collar for dogs that pull on walks and owners will need to take a careful approach when redirecting the dog’s head. It is not meant to be a regular collar. It comes with a security strap to attach it to a regular collar, although some owners have mentioned that it doesn’t attach well to all types of regular collars.
The GoodBoy Head Halter is not a good fit for short-nosed dogs or smaller toy breeds.
Buying Guide For The Best Collar For Dogs That Pull
When shopping around for the best collar for dogs that pull, there are several features to consider like materials, quick-release buckles, durability, comfort, and most important, safety.
Safety
Keeping your dog safe is a top priority and when in comes to the best collars for dogs that pull, we looked at several safety areas including size, proper fit, and training.
Size and Fit
We reviewed many no-pull collars and harnesses and there are several different designs – some which fit specific dogs better than others. As many dog experts, trainers, and owners point out, finding the right size and fit for your dog is the first step to safely training dogs that pull.
To make sure you purchase the right size, it’s important to get the tape measure out and take a close like at the sizing charts. The individual product sizing charts can show you exactly where to measure and if you should round up or down if your dog is between sizes. Some charts may also look at your dog’s weight or breed.
Proper Training
Adding to the safety considerations, once you have a properly fitted no-pull collar, you’ll want to understand how to use it effectively without causing discomfort. For example, dog owners should understand how to use a head collar to provide training without using aggressive movements that could be unsafe for the dog’s neck.
Material
While researching the best collar for dogs that pull, pay close attention to the durability and comfort of the material used. Some collars and harnesses have light padding which can be less irritating to your dog’s skin and more comfortable as you work on training.
Closures and Clips
We also looked at features like closures, clips, leashes, and other no-pull collar accessories. Since dog owners are looking for strength and durability in a no-pull dog collar, it’s important that the buckles and clips are strong and made from heavy-duty metal. Clips should also be strong enough for leash attachments without being too bulky.
A Word About Pronged Collars
While some owners use pronged collars for no-pull training, it’s important to understand the discomfort risks for your dog and expectations for training. Many dog trainers suggest using another type of collar first, like a no-pull harness or martingale collar, to see how your dog reacts to training.
Why Dogs Pull
Each dog has their own reason for wanting to pull you along on the walk. Some dogs are simply naturally excited to be outside on an adventure with you or understand the final destination is something desirable like a lake or dog park.
If you are experiencing discomfort with holding onto the leash when your dog pulls, you may want to consider the Leash Boss Short Padded Handle to help you with control and comfort while working on no-pull training.
Whatever the reason for their pulling behavior, finding the best collar for dogs that pull will not be completely successful without some focused training.
Training Tips
Finding the best collar for dogs that pull can help change your dog’s walking behavior, however, the process still relies on setting aside time, and patience, for training. Without proper training techniques, you could develop behaviors that are only corrected when wearing certain products, aggressive behaviors, or products that aren’t safe for your particular dog.
Successful no-pull training isn’t just about finding the best collar for dogs that pull, it’s also about training your dog’s behavior so you are able to enjoy walks with your furry friend when you aren’t training or wearing a no-pull collar.
Here are some training tips to help you and your dog be successful:
- If the collar or harness is new for your canine, you can use verbal praise and treats to help develop a positive association with the no-pull product.
- Since you are training a dog that pulls, use a traditional durable leash instead of a retractable leash. Retractable leashes can be easier for some dogs to pull out of your hands.
- One technique is to stand still, like a statue, when your dog begins a pulling behavior. As long as you are able to stay still, your dog won’t be able to pull you. Reward your dog when the pulling stops and continue your walk.
- Another technique is to stop when your dog pulls and command them to sit. Use positive redirection and rewards when your dog stops pulling. Resume the walk once your dog is focused and repeat as often as needed.
- While you are beginning no-pull training, avoid busy places like dog parks or events. Stick to quiet times in neighborhoods until your dog understands the expectations.
- Some dogs catch on to behavior training faster than others, but the more consistent and positive you are with training, the faster success happens.
The Value of Treats for Training
Most dog owners are very well aware that dogs like rewards and treats. And timing matters when you are training. Providing treats immediately after the behavior helps the dog associate the reward with the desired behavior.
Quick access to training treats can make the entire no-pull training go faster and be more successful. Check out our review of the best dog treat fanny packs to look at some options for treat carrying that are hands-free so you can be in control of the leash and focus on no-pull training for your canine.
Our Final Thoughts
Our staff at Dog Training Boss were pleased with many of the products we researched while looking for the best collar for dogs that pull. Several available designs provide dog owners and trainers with quality options for choosing the best fit for their dogs.
Our favorite pick is the PetSafe 3-in-1 No-Pull Dog Harness. Its design includes a martingale loop and the optional leash provides value in control and comfort. Overall, it’s well-made, functional, and isn’t too bulky for most dogs.
As always, safety should be the top priority with any dog product or training. We hope this review has helped you find the best collar for dogs that pull and we encourage dog owners to consult their vet with any specific questions or concerns regarding their canine’s needs.
