Any experience with the Easy Walk Harness?

[Flora Wan]

I've been trying to teach my 4-month-old GD puppy to walk nicely on a leash and I've tried everything from treating while we walk, stopping if she pulls, walking backwards, walking in random directions, you get the idea. I've also tried the Gentle Leader head halter which she absolutely hated and made her depressed and miserable.

So finally, I came across the Easy Walk Harness by Premier and tried it for the first time today. I wasn't expecting much but it worked!! Whenever she started pulling, the strap in front of her chest would tighten and she would slow down or stop. This was the first walk where I didn't feel like my arm was going to get yanked out of the socket. She also didn't seem to mind having it on since the strap wasn't on her nose.

My only concern after reading some reviews is that the straps might rub too much on her armpit area and cause welting. Have any of you had experience with this harness? Do you know if it's safe to use? By the way, she's only 21 lbs and already pulls like a horse! I can't imagine what I would do if she's still pulling like this when she's full grown at 50-60 lbs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated... thanks!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Here's the review from our DK members:
http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum2/topics/2065244:Topic:83572

I have used the Easy Walk harness with my 80 lb doodle for 3 years now, and it is the absolute best! I would be lost without it. It was recommended to me by a trainer & behaviorist when I first adopted Jackdoodle, and I will never use anything else. It is completely humane, and the dog self-corrects without associating any discomfort with you. And my dog has a severe skin condition, so I can assure you that if it is fitted properly, there is no chafing, welts, etc. It stops the pulling almost immediately.

[Flora Wan]

Thanks for the link, it's great to know that other doodles owners have had success with this! Now I'm actually looking forward to going on walks! :)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I plan to get that to walk Peri after she has her 16 week vaccinations. We get those in 2 1/2 weeks and I could not be MORE EXCITED for some walks! Thx for the suggestions.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

If you were near me I would give you mine!

[Yvonne N]

This is the most amazing "tool" we have found to date. You put it on your dog and it is liked he/she is a trained professional. Our first walk with our puppy was a nightmare. Our second walk with the Easy Walk was amazing. He doesn't even attempt to pull....just walks along. It is the oddest thing I have ever seen. Astro now sits every time I stop while walking. While it isn't the most attractive "lead" it is now a pleasure to go on a walk. Fitting it correctly has been a bit of a challenge, but even when loose, it still works. Highly recommend!

[Linda Karell]

At my trainer's recommendation, I got the Easy Walk Harness, too. It made a huge, immediate difference, and Chervil walks like a dream on it. She has chewed through two of them, though (and three leashes). That could be my fault; I might have had it too loose. But anyway, something to watch out for if you have a chewer. Otherwise, it's ideal and works wonderfully.

[Christine + Ellie]

I currently use the Puppia Harness with Ellie and she loves it. I can't say she's the perfect walker right now but it's nice and soft so it doesn't hurt her. Just about every dog I see in NYC has the Puppia Harness.

I also have the Easy Walk Harness for when she gets larger since I purchase a medium and it doesn't fit her at the moment. (She's close to 11 lbs now)

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

That is what Taquito uses and I like it a lot. Puppia - cute colors too!

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Ya my Abby has a Puppia too. She also walks well with it on.

[Sheri ~ Oliver & Ginger]

I have this Easy Walk Harness. LOVE IT!!! I was to the point of dreading having to walk my Oliver. He is 66 lbs of muscle so when he pulls, you go whether you like it or not. It was quite embarrassing to appear to not have my dog under control. Even my husband was not a believer in this wonderful harness until he walked Oliver with it for the first time. I now enjoy my walks with Oliver as much as he does. Oliver has not had any rubbing or welting problems. Hope this helps.

[Sam]

We have one and it is great. They were recommending them at our obedience class and I couldn't be more thrilled. Ollie is a pleasure to walk. I don't use it if I am taking him somewhere where I will be taking him off the lead as I find the front drops down when it is not hooked up with his collar. We haven't had any trouble with it rubbing him.

[LuvMyAbby&Kaela]

Ugggh!!! I had the opposite experience. That harness made her actaully pull like a sled dog! I dont know why! I went to neck collar and she walks nicely for me now. Funny how things have the opposite effect depending on dog.