Freedom No-Pull Harness

[Donna, Emma, Bender & Busby]

Hi, All!  I've never posted before, so I hope this comes out all right.  I was recently at our local mall and stopped in to a USA Dog Shop.  While talking with the proprietor about Bender, (my 90lb labradoodle who thinks he can pull me anywhere he wants while we're out walking), he told me about the Freedom No-Pull Harness (on which they have a patent) and said he was SURE this would work.  Does anyone have any experience with this and is it worth the money ($30 - $40)?  Thanks!

[Carol and Banjo]

The Easy Walk Karen.   Sorry for not being clear.    In a sitting position, he was able to lower his chin to his chest and nibble away at the loop in the front.   Now that he's bigger I don't think he could do it if he tried.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Neither do I. For one thing, he hasn't got those razor blade puppy teeth any more!

[Jarka, Monty & Auggie]

Monty did the same thing. We were on a walk and met some friends so we chatted for a while. In the meantime Monty got his mouth under the chest strap while laying down and chewed almost all the way through. But that was when he was maybe 1 year old.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Just in case, I'd also like to mention that there is absolutely no way to stop pulling if you are using a retractable leash. And there are lots of other problems and dangers with retractable leashes; they just should not be used for any dog under any circumstances, period. So if anyone reading this is using a retractable leash, throw it away today.

[Carol and Banjo]

Karen,   I have always resisted the retractable leash....for all the reasons we know....they break, they can be dangerous to yourself and others.   But I just bought one to use on the beach when we go down to Florida.   I got so tired of a wet, sandy leash.     I've used it here along with the Easy Walk Harness and it's worked very well.  Banjo's not much of a puller anymore and it's a nice easy way to allow him a little bit of "freedom" when he wants it.   I should say, I wouldn't even consider using it with him when he was younger.....now that he's mellowed out it is going to be a great asset on the beach.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Carol, you know I love and respect you, but I absolutely hate retractables, lol. In addition to being really dangerous, they teach the dog to pull. How about a long line instead?  Are dogs allowed off leash at the beach?

[Carol and Banjo]

I just bought the retractable leash Karen.   I only plan to use it on the beach.  (Just tried it out a few times here at home to see how it works)   You can "lock it" so the dog has stay close.   Last year I used the long line and was sick of having sandy hands everyday.   He gets to be off leash in the early  mornings and in the evenings.    Banjo, overall is pretty good on leash.   We don't have a regimented "walking style".   He sometimes walks next to me, sometimes walks behind me and sometimes walks ahead of me.   We live in the country so I never feel like he has to be at heel.   In town he's next to me.   I wouldn't be using the retractable in town....it's strictly for the beach.

That said,  I would not recommend anyone using the retractable it they are working on teaching their dog to walk on leash.   You're correct, it's useless and the dog learns nothing.     I would also not recommend using it when walking anywhere there is traffic.    Too dangerous!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

The traffic hazard is the biggie for me.  I know two dogs at the Bridge who would still be alive if they'd been on 6 foot fixed leashes instead of retractables. :-(

[Camilla and Darwin]

I second the retractable leash issue. I have seen a lot of problems caused by owners using these. Some of them...

-The dumb owners will have their dogs walking 10' out in front of them, then the dogs (usually toy breeds) will lunge at people or dogs and the owner will act all shocked and try to wrangle their dog back towards them all while spluttering apologies. How about you keep your dog next to you rather than way ahead of you out of your control?

-They don't seem secure, at all, like they can be easily broken.

-If your dog reaches something that could be a danger, you don't have the power to stop them. What if they run out in front of a car before you can reel them in?

-They are horrible for leash manners. 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Even with it locked, the dog can still move a few feet away from you, and there is no way you can just grab a retractable leash next to the collar or the harness without slicing your hand open. You don't have enough force to pull them back quickly either. Even two feet can make a life or death difference when you have just stepped off a curb and the dog is in the middle of the street as a speeding car turns into the street.

[Camilla and Darwin]

When I say "keep your dog next to you rather than way out ahead of you" I mean "buy a normal leash". :-) I didn't know they could slice your hand open, how scary.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

People have actually lost fingers. :-(

One company that makes it actually admits this in the product safety info, along with the other risks of cuts, burns, broken bones, etc.: http://www.flexiusa.com/operation/safety-advice.php

I knew what you meant, lol, I was just elaborating.