Experience with Walk In Sync harness?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

In light of Stella's recent discussion about harnesses such as the Easy Walk, and the damage they can do from long term use I am off to find a new one! I used the Easy walk to train Loki and it worked like a charm and I have continued to use it even though he doesn't pull, more of a "just in case". He's a big strong dog and I like that a harness gives me more control if he decided to go chase a squirrel suddenly. But, I want one that won't cause damage. And I would like to use one that won't cause damage for Moose too since he's even bigger/stronger/wilder than Loki. Since reading the article it really makes me cringe watching that harness catch right at his shoulders when he pulls, which is almost all the time.. Have you guys used this one?

https://www.store.dogwalkinsync.com/products/walk-in-sync-harness-a...

It was one of the recommended ones that I think I like best from reading the articles that Stella attached in her discussion. From what I can see, it seems to be a quality harness that will also promote no-pull walking but will still give me the comfort of a harness, and not hurt their joints.

Thanks a lot guys!

Jess, Loki, and Moose!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have never used a harness, so I can't give any guidance on which one would be less harmful.  I am wondering whether you have tried training the heel or even loose leash walking.  Harnesses are more about restraint than training, and that may be fine if it's what you're looking for. 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

In Loki's case I'm looking for a harness that provides restraint, not even that really it's more me than him I think. He does really well with loose leash walking so it's just a matter of me feeling more confident and comfortable having a harness on him, that sounds really weird I know! I was trying to work on loose leash walking with Loki prior to finding DK and it had really gotten out of control with him, so when I found DK I used the easy walk and things I learned here to train him. I only use a harness on him when we go on long walks, when he does his therapy visits he is fine in a flat collar. Moose and I are still working on loose leash walking and he is getting much better but every now and then he will decide to bolt and at 100lbs I feel that I need the control a harness gives me, especially with the ice and snow. We will do potty breaks in just a flat collar so he doesn't become dependent on using a harness to walk calmly. I'm not sure if I explained that well at all... I guess it more boils down to when I'm on long walks with the two of them, I like to have harnesses on them because combined they both weigh much more than I do. LOL

Would you recommend something besides harness for long walks? If there's something that could be better I'm open to that!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I have been thinking about this and I guess it is important that you feel confident, so if the harness gives you that sense of control maybe it would be a good alternative for you.  I would continue to do your training though, as I think that is really the key to knowing that they will listen to you and do what you want even when distracted.  I use a Gentle Leader for my reactive 70 lb Doodle.  He just knows when that is on he's in "working mode" and will walk by my side.  I do think his compliance on our walks is more due to the training than the actual collar, but just putting it on him gives ME confidence and also sends a message to him that there are "rules" and he needs to be focused on me.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I think that's the same boat I'm in as far as confidence. I know 110% that Loki will behave and listen perfectly and Moose is getting better everyday, but in the back of my mind I know that I weigh around 140lbs and the boys together weigh around 200 so the logical side of me wants to be sure that should anything happen,nI have a little extra "control". Nothing has ever happened to make me fearful that it would, but Im weird and like to be prepared for every tiny thing. We will absolutely continue to train! My goal is for Moose to eventually be a Therapy Dog so having that as a goal gives me something tangible to work towards, which is great for frustrating days. Eventually, I would love not to use harnesses with the boys, although currently they are a sign of big long walks so they long them and get excited when they come down off the hooks, so maybe they will stay around. :) thank you for your thoughtful responce :)

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Some of our members us a prong collar.  We used one on our Springer for longer, multiple-dog walks because he constantly gave little jerks - he was soooo attention deficit, he 'forgot' he was connected! :-}.  He was fine off-leash, but those little jerks. . .

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Yes! It's the little jerks that really kill me!

[Nicole and Teddy]

Hi Jess! I use the Easy Walk harness, but am thinking of making a switch as Teddy doesn't seem to like it much and I'm wondering if it's uncomfortable. I searched for the discussion you mentioned with Stella but couldn't find it. Would love to take a look at it- do you by chance have the link? Have you made any decisions on a new harness? I saw a previous discussion about the Freedom harness but don't know much about it or the one you mentioned, but I'm going to take a look! Thanks!

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/do-you-use-an-ez-walk-or-s... Here it is! And I think I'm going to get the one I posted above. I really probably don't need a harness but I like having them for "just in case" situations I guess.

[Nicole and Teddy]

Thank you- I just joined that group too! :) 

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Jack pulled like a freight train when I first got him. I was actually injured a couple of times, dragged across a street once on my hands and knees. I used the Easy Walk harness much longer than I should have because I was afraid of not having that control. 

The truth is, he needed training. Once we got truly serious about that, the switch to a plain old flat buckle collar was easy. Even now, he is occasionally reactive to another dog on a walk, but I know how to control him now. Even at 64, with ice on the ground, I don;t worry about his pulling me. It really is all about training. 

[Cynthia Shoe]

One of my trainers was talking about the Freedom Harness. I am not sure how all of these compare. I have an EasyWalk harness now. Can someone send me the link about how/why they do harm? thanks! 

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

I posted the link just above in responce to Nicole and Teddy's comment! I have easy walks right now too but will probably switch to this one I posted about... It seems no one has experience with them but they have a 100% guarantee so I might just try it anyways :)