CockersOnline Forum
Cocker Specific Discussion => Behaviour & Training => Topic started by: max2011 on January 18, 2012, 02:50:42 PM
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After being dragged around the pavements this afternoon I have realised that Max is now very strong and I need a stop pulling type harness. I have tried heel training and he can do it in a controlled environment with a tube of primula!! but it just doesn't work on our pavement walks and sometimes we need to get somewhere rather than keep stop starting or changing direction.
I have looked at whats available and these types of harness look good but not sure how they differ and which is the best. Can anyone recommend either.
Thanks, Kate
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They are very similar.
T-Touch practitioners were using and recommending the Mekuti one until they designed their own.
I think the main difference is that the T-Touch one is adjustable in length from front of chest to midchest, so it is easier to make sure it isn't rubbing in the armpits/against the "elbows". Though I could be wrong.
We have a T-Touch one. To use either as an effective means of decreasing pulling you need a double ended lead as well! :D
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If they are similar I will probably go with the Mekuti as it seems cheaper and comes with the lead. Just realised there is a Halti one too that looks like it works in the same way. Is this basically the same too??
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I don't think the Halti harness has the side attachers which the T-Touch and Mekuti ones have...
It does, however, work on a similar principle if you are intending to use the front attacher...
(I could be wrong, though... never really studied the Halti harness in detail)
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Yes think you are right, Thanks Karma
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Just about to order the mekuti but realised it does not have a front attacher. You pass the lead through a ring on the front and then clip it to an attacher at the side - totally confused now!! Also reviews say lead is too thin but that other double ended leads don't fit it. Looks like the t touch may be best after all even though it is pricier.
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Just about to order the mekuti but realised it does not have a front attacher. You pass the lead through a ring on the front and then clip it to an attacher at the side - totally confused now!! Also reviews say lead is too thin but that other double ended leads don't fit it. Looks like the t touch may be best after all even though it is pricier.
ditto that here too :fear2: :lol2:
I've recently got the Mekuti 'balance' harness & lead set & to be honest, I'm still trying to figure it out :huh: Doing it my way (which isn't quite correct I guess?) Toby's doing OK - will stick with it but may contact Mekuti for a bit of advice ;)
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I had a sporn company of animals one for pepper it was very good, fleece under the front legs as well to stop rubbing. when the dog pulls it seems to stop itself.. really good.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Company-of-Animals-Pull-Harness/dp/B000UVTB4U
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I would go with what fits best. I tried Krumble in both and for once the cheaper one (Mekuti) was the better fit so we went for that.
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Just spoken to my dog trainers and they have recently started using mekuti for their dogs and are very impressed. As I can't see sizes on the t touch website I will try the mekuti for fit first.
Leisl - did you get a medium size harness?
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yes it did but it is down on its smallest size.
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Finally ordered the Mekuti, it's not arrived yet and typically the pulling hasn't been too bad this week! A quick question - does this mean that from now on Max must alway walk beside me? With the current lead and harness he always walks in front even if lead is loose. Trying to get my head around the right way to use it.
Also at the moment I have been letting him walk on both sides as he always prefers to walk on the grass verge rather than the pavement - I guess this will have to stop too and I should keep him on the left?
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Well it arrived so thought we should try it out. No problem putting it on - good clear instructions.
So off we went and for the first time ever Max walked to the side of me the whole time!!! I think it takes a bit of practice alternating pulling either side of the lead but I am impressed with what we achieved. We had a good walk. The only thing I need to work on is slowing the pace - got home shattered don't think I have ever walked so fast.
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Glad to hear you got on well with it!! :D
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Well done, isn't great when you can actually enjoy the walk. We also bought the Mekuti harness but for the opposite reason to yourself our pup would just sit down and refuse to move or really lag behind. From the very first time we used it there was a dramatic improvement and now 6 months on he has no problems walking nicely to the side. Like you though we do walk at quite a fast pace ;).
Deb
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I have failed and given up with this harness :embarassed:
Yes it kept him to the side of me but I got massive shoulder ache in my left shoulder. My husband didn't like it either. He felt that we were treading on Max's paws or pulling him into us. I think the lead was just to short for us. I am disappointed as am sure with the right training it works.
I am going back to basics and going to try with just a collar and lead again as I think he pulls more with a harness. I guess the problem I have is that I don't mind him walking infront as long as he doesn't pull where as the no pull harnesses are designed to keep them next to you.
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One last suggestion. I use the Easy Walk harness that has a front clip. http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-collars-dog-harnesses/no-pull-dog-harnesses/easy-walk-no-pull-harness.html?sef_rewrite=1 (http://www.petexpertise.com/dog-collars-dog-harnesses/no-pull-dog-harnesses/easy-walk-no-pull-harness.html?sef_rewrite=1) No pulling from Fraser after it went on. I'm pretty happy with it. It's a bit of a nuisance from time to time if he steps over the leash, but that can be avoided if you keep the leash up. Works pretty well. I use an extensible leash as I want him to have some freedom to sniff around etc. as all our public area require dogs to be on leash, but he will also walk quietly by my side if I want him too. Certainly eliminates the worrying choking of a collar if a dog suddenly takes off at the sight of something irresistible. It happened a few times before I got the harness and I was really scared the collar would do damage to his neck or vocal cords.
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Following a recommendation at dog training I have bought the K9bridle. Max doesn't really like it - tries to rub it off when we start off but it works. He can sniff, walk in front when I want him to all with a loose lead. When it goes taught a slight tug is enough for him to remember not to pull and when I want him to walk to heel he does it without me stepping on him.
Only early days yet but I think this will be the one that works for us and hopefully Max will get used to it soon. Only negative is I don't like it on him :016:
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I have the T.Touch harness for Ella, but only use it if we are on our own as it is almost impossible to walk three dogs together with one of these on.
after being shown how to use it properly at a workshop, and then trying it at our training nights, it does work, but it is getting your head around NOT pulling back on the lead, Although I do use the halti double ended lead with it.
if your shoulder is hurting then you are walking with a stoop towards the dog, you have to walk upright and not look or twist down and towards them, as before, training the owner is what takes the time!
I have this trouble! :D
hope this helps a little!