A long time ago, I was a pet sitter as well as a writer. It took some of the dogs about two minutes to size me up and know exactly who was in charge.
They pulled me into bushes and across fields and streets. One pulled me into the side of her house as she was bolting out the door. I would have given anything for a no-pull collar.
Eventually, I stopped walking dogs and became a cat sitter. But there are some things I learned along the way. Never use a retractable leash, especially if your dog pulls. The dog can easily tug it out of your hand if they see something they want to chase.
Secondly, invest in a no-pull dog collar or harness. They come in many styles, from prong collar to Gentle Leader head harness, so you might have to experiment until you find the right one. But with patience or advice from a certified dog trainer, you’ll find one that stops the dog from pulling.
If you can, use an anti-pull harness instead of a collar. Pulling against a collar can injure your dog. If the dog starts to pull, stand still. If you don’t move, the dog won’t be able to move either.
Product
Details
Best Overall
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
- PATTERN:MULTIPLE COLORS
- MATERIAL:NYLON
Best Design Choices
Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Collar
- PATTERN:MULTIPLE COLORS
- MATERIAL:WOVEN NYLON
Budget-friendly
Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar
- PATTERN:MULTIPLE SOLID COLORS
- MATERIAL:WOVEN NYLON
Fashionable Accessory
Country Brook Petz
- PATTERN:RED
- MATERIAL:HIGH-STRENGTH POLYMER
Best Versatile
Sporn Dog Halter
- PATTERN:SOLID RED
- MATERIAL:SOFT NYLON WEBBING
Best Adjustable & Sturdy
2 Hounds Design Dog Harness
- PATTERN:MULTIPLE SOLID COLORS
- MATERIAL:NYLON
Best Unique Design
Coastal Pet Walk ‘n Train Dog Head Halter
- PATTERN:BLACK
- MATERIAL:NYLON
Best Value
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
- PATTERN:MULTIPLE SOLID COLORS
- MATERIAL:NYLON
Best Dog Collars For Pulling – Our Top 8 Choices
We took a close look at the top-rated anti-pull collars and harnesses and paid special attention to professional dog trainers and people who could provide veterinary advice. We also read all the reviews.
After much thought, we came up with this list of the best no-pull dog harnesses and collars.
1. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
If your light to moderate puller’s leash manners needs a refresher course, this could be the harness for you.
Developed 15 years ago by a veterinary behaviorist, it controls pulling by resting across the dog’s chest, not the throat.
It is an ideal option for those looking for style as well as function. There are several fun colors available for your fashion-forward pups.
It is easy to put on/take off. This harness boasts quality construction with 4 points of adjustability for a good custom fit. However, adjusting straps can take some time when you first put it on.
The patented Martingale loop and front chest leash attachment gently steer the dog in the direction you’re going. This is a legacy harness with millions of sales behind it.
Pros
- Safe. The harness is very gentle and won’t harm your dog.
- The snap buckle is secure and easy to close.
- Their website includes video tutorials and instructions for measuring your dog, so the harness fits correctly.
- The harness is easy to clean.
Cons
- Can be used only for small and medium dogs.
- There’s no padding.
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
The price of “PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
2. Frisco Solid Nylon Martingale Dog Collar with Buckle
This is one of Chewy’s high-end private label products, and it gets favorable reviews online.
The martingale-style collar is made with durable, high-quality woven nylon. A collar slide makes it easy to fit, and a side-release buckle makes it easy to put on and take off.
Martingale collars are especially helpful for dogs who have narrow heads or can slip out of their collars.
The auto-tightening aspect ensures uniform pressure distribution and adds ultimate comfort to your dog’s walking habits.
This martingale dog collar offers plenty of room to adjust the diameter of a growing dogs neck. So you won’t need to buy a new one any time soon!
Pros
- The collar comes in multiple sizes and colors.
- It’s made of sturdy woven nylon.
- This training collar is easy to get on and off and fits correctly.
- It also has 2 d-rings; one for leash and the other for ID tags, so no more overcrowding.
Cons
- The collar won’t control an aggressive or restless dog.
- Some dog owners found it oversized than expected.
Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Collar
The price of “Frisco Solid Nylon Dog Collar” varies, so check the latest price at
3. Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar
At just under $10, this is the least expensive of our top choices.
The Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Collar is made of high-strength polymer and also comes with a safety backup loop.
The prongs of the collar provide a gentle correction when the dog tugs or lunges. It’s a safer choice for a prong collar with plastic pinch that is not as intense as metal prongs.
These correction collars primarily help to stop pulling behaviors along with controlling excessive barking, play biting, and hyperactivity.
Its unique “watchband” design lets you add or remove links to achieve the perfect fit for any size dog.
Pros
- Pocket-friendly.
- The unique design allows a perfect fit for both large and small dogs.
- This collar is designed for training dogs who pull or lunge.
- It comes with plastic prongs and does not look like regular prong collars.
Cons
- This training collar is available only in black.
- Might not work as well on dogs with thick neck pads like Rottweilers and Bulldogs.
Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar
The price of “Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar ” varies, so check the latest price at
4. Country Brook Petz – Martingale Heavyduty Nylon Dog Collar
This is a traditional martingale dog collar and has no buckle. All you have to do is slip it over the dog’s head. The collar tightens as you pull the leash.
This collar has a strong texture to it and stays in place once adjusted. All the metal parts are very robust, and it is very well-made.
It’s easily adjustable with no loose ends to stick out to fray and curl. It’s light, durable, sturdy, and yet not bulky for a small dog. Plus, it’s convenient to wash too!
The Country Brook Petz collar measures one inch wide. It adjusts from 15-21 inches. Measure your dog before you buy!
Pros
- Comes in 20 different colors.
- No buckle to struggle with.
- Made from nylon webbing.
- There is a sizing chart and an instructional video on the website.
Cons
- For training purposes only.
- Doesn’t come with a buckle which could be an issue for some people because of the adjustments they would have to make.
Country Brook Petz
The price of “Country Brook Petz” varies, so check the latest price at
5. Sporn Dog Halter
The Sporn Company is a pioneer in anti-pull collars. It introduced its first in 1989.
Today’s version is a choke collar, but it tightens around the dog’s front legs, not the neck. The inner elastic straps work with the natural movement of the dog’s body by pulling and releasing in a criss-cross pattern.
Sherpa sleeves cover the straps to prevent discomfort and irritation.
The Sporn harness is designed for medium to heavy leash pullers. Once the dog has learned not to pull, you can remove the restraints and use it as a regular collar.
The harness comes in three adjustable sizes and three colors, black, red, and blue.
Pros
- Unlike choke and prong collars, this harness tightens around the dog’s front legs, not the dog’s throat or chest.
- Sherpa sleeves cover the straps.
- The harness can be converted to a regular collar when the dog learns not to pull.
- There are a sizing chart and instructions online.
- Recommended by veterinarians.
Cons
- There’s no size for small dogs.
- Price. The harness is expensive.
Sporn Dog Halter
The price of “Sporn Dog Halter” varies, so check the latest price at
6. 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness
Veterinarians, trainers, and dog behaviorists all consider this martingale collar one of the best dog collars for pulling and dog training.
It’s made in the US with stainless steel hardware and strong nylon mesh. If your dog manages to chew through the mesh, 2 Hounds Design will give you a replacement collar.
The martingale loop is at the back of the collar and tightens gently around the dog’s chest, directing the pup back to you if they pull. For better control, the collar attaches to the included leashes in the front and back.
The gentle nature and control of this harness can help to calm down your fur babies. It seems comfy for dogs even on long walks.
Pros
- Multiple colors and sizes with velvet padding.
- Replacement collar if yours gets chewed.
- Comes with both front and back leashes for better control.
Cons
- The price point is slightly higher.
- Can be tricky to adjust for proper fitting.
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness
The price of “2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness” varies, so check the latest price at
7. Coastal Pet Walk ‘n Train Dog Head Halter
Brothers Jim and Tom Stout Started Coastal Pet Products in 1968 and quickly became pioneers in the pet collar and leash industry by using nylon webbing instead of the traditional leather.
The Coastal Walk ‘n Train harness is made of sturdy quick-drying polyester webbing with a quick-release snap closure. The noseband is padded for comfort, which prevents fur from being pulled out on short-coated breeds.
It fits like a regular collar and applies gentle pressure to the snout to correct improper behavior. A safety loop attaches to the regular collar, so you still have control if the dog manages to slip out of the head harness.
Because it has side straps, it fits over more areas of the face which prevents sliding. The harness doesn’t interfere with your dog’s breathing or ability to drink water.
Pros
- This no-pull dog headcollar doesn’t interfere with the dog’s ability to breathe or drink water.
- A safety loop attaches to the dog’s regular collar for security.
- This head collar provides a gentle correction.
- The noseband is padded for comfort.
Cons
- The harness comes in just one color, black.
- The price varies by seller.
- Some dogs will continue tugging and jumping, although they may do it less while wearing this halter.
Coastal Pet Walk ‘n Train Dog Head Halter
The price of “Coastal Pet Walk ‘n Train Dog Head Halter” varies, so check the latest price at
8. PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
The Gentle Leader first went on sale on Amazon in 2004. Years later, it’s as popular now as it was then.
Designed by a trainer and recommended by vets, the head harness fits well above the dog’s snout and behind the ears.
It allows the dog to eat, drink, play ball, and do everything dogs do outside besides pull and lunge.
The Gentle Leader is made of nylon. A padded neoprene nose loop puts pressure on the dog’s neck, not the throat. A gentle tug on the leash guides the dog back to you instead of the way they wanted to go.
The head harness comes in a variety of colors and is designed for medium and large dogs.
The dog owners should be aware that they need to allow time for the dog to get accustomed to the new feel of the lead. Follow the given instructions carefully and remember patience is the key!
Pros
- The head harness fits well above the dog’s nose, so it allows for eating, drinking, playing ball, and even barking.
- Comes in multiple colors.
- There’s a sizing and training video on the website.
Cons
- The Gentle Leader won’t fit small dogs.
- Not recommended for very stubborn dogs.
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
The price of “PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar ” varies, so check the latest price at
Buyer’s Guide: How To Choose The Best Collar For Your Pulling Dog
When you’re shopping for no-pull collars and harnesses, think first about your dog’s safety. Is the fabric strong and durable? Do the harnesses and collars have quick-release buckles with soft plastic points that fit together securely and easily? Do the straps adjust enough that the collar or harness will fit the dog perfectly?
Worry not, I’ve tried to list down and simplify things that you need to consider before buying a training collar or harness for your dog pulling behavior:
Material
The best dog collars and harnesses are made from sturdy nylon or leather.
When cared for correctly, leather collars last longer than nylon and buckle rather than snap closed. A leather collar can cost between $48-60, while prices for nylon usually range between $15-$47.
Correct Size and Adjustability
To measure a dog collar put a tape measure around the middle of the pup’s neck a few inches from their head. It should be snug but not so tight it’s uncomfortable and inhibits breathing. It shouldn’t be loose enough to slip over the dog’s head.
If two fingers fit between the dog and collar, you got it right.
Even when fitted correctly, pulling against a collar can cause skin irritation and hair loss. And collars that are too tight can be responsible for thyroid damage and damage to the tissues around the neck,” Barbara Hodges, an advisor with the Humane Society, told Pet MD.
“The neck is a very sensitive area,” she says.
Collars that are too loose can also cause physical harm. A leg can get caught in the collar while the dog is scratching. Or the dog’s teeth and tongue can get stuck in the mouth, leading to broken teeth.
Many dog owners now prefer harnesses to collars because collars can be so damaging. To fit a harness correctly, start by measuring your dog’s neck with a tape measure about an inch below Pup’s ears.
Then measure around the widest part of the dog’s chest.
When shopping for no pull dog harnesses and collars, comfort is an important consideration, too. Some padding will make the collar or harness less irritating to the dog’s skin.
Dog’s Temperament
Also, think about your dog’s temperament. If your dog pulls and/or is aggressive around humans or other dogs, a dominant or prong collar might be best.
A dominant dog collar is a very strong slip collar. It’s fitted right below the jawline and just below the ears, not down further on the dog’s neck like a regular collar.
When the dog becomes aggressive, pull straight up on the leash. The collar will tighten and cut off the dog’s air supply. It can lift the dog off the ground if necessary.
A dominant dog collar should be used as a training tool only and shouldn’t replace the dog’s regular collar. It’s safest to use it with help from a professional dog trainer.
FAQs
Why does my dog pull so much when walking?
Dogs don’t pull on their leashes because they want to be dominant or “lead the pack.” They pull because they’re excited to be outside, or they want to get where they’re going now. Either reason encourages pulling.
Dogs love rewards, and the reward for pulling is not only getting where they want to go but seeing you run full speed ahead, trying to keep up.
But there’s another reason, too. Just one bad experience, like a fight at a dog park, can turn a dog into a puller, lunger, or jumper.
Try to avoid the dog park or go when no one else is likely to be around. And plan your neighborhood walks for quiet times when most people and other dogs are inside.
For dogs who pull out of excitement at being outside or because they just can’t wait to get where they want to go, You can use the “tree” approach.
When the dogs start to pull, stand still. If you’re not moving, the dogs can’t either. Dogster also recommends no-pull harnesses and collars.
Is a collar or harness better for a dog that pulls?
A harness is best because it’s less likely than a collar to harm your dog. Choke collars and prong collars are considered too harsh by a lot of pet owners.
Training collars that are too tight can damage the dog’s thyroid and the tissues in the neck. A collar that’s too loose can get caught in the dog’s mouth and pull out teeth.
That said, what works depends on your dog’s temperament. Dog collars for pulling like Martingale collars are safe and stop many dogs from pulling.
What’s the best thing to stop a dog from pulling?
Every dog is different, and what stops one dog from dragging you down the street won’t even phase another.
Do your research and learn as much as you can about why dogs pull and how to stop them. A vet or trainer can advise you, too.
And observe your dog. See if you can figure out what causes the lunging and pulling and try to avoid those situations.
The one thing you should never do is punish your dogs. Never yell at them or hit them.
Dogs like rewards. If you reward yours with praise, treats, and love, the dogs will learn to stop pulling. And don’t forget the no-pull harnesses or collars. They can help a lot.
Tying It All Together
There’s no denying it. Chasing dogs who are hell-bent on getting where they want to go as fast as they can be annoying and even dangerous.
But the dog’s not the one who’s in charge. You are!
With research, knowing your dog’s behavior patterns, advice, and the right tools, you and your dog can enjoy long, peaceful walks together.
