GTHS Recommended Dog Walking Tools
The GTHS recommends 4 types of equipment for safe and comfortable dog walking. The GTHS does not condone harsh or aggressive methods of dog training.
MARTINGALE COLLARS
A Martingale is a type of dog collar that provides more control over the animal without the choking effect of a slip or flat collar. They are also known as humane choke collars. These collars are designed so that dogs are less likely to slip out of them. They are very popular with breeders, shelters, trainers and rescues.
INSTRUCTIONS: A Martingale collar is made with two loops. The larger loop is slipped onto the dogs’ neck and a leash is then clipped to the large metal ring. The collar should be fitted so that you can fit two fingers in between the collar and the dogs’ neck. When the tension on the leash pulls the small loop taut, this makes the large loop smaller and tighter on the neck. This is what prevents the dog from making his/her “great escape”.
SOFT BODY HARNESS
Soft Body Harnesses are ideal for puppies, small breeds and dogs that are susceptible to a damaged trachea.
Soft Body Harnesses are easy to put on and take off. They greatly help to prevent choking. Soft body harnesses resemble a dog t-Shirt or coat and are easy to work with.
INSTRUCTIONS: Gently place neck hole over dogs head. Take strap with buckle and place under dog’s belly and snap into attachment. Attach leash to loop on back of Bib. You are ready to go!
EASY WALKER HARNESS
Easy Walker Harnesses are ideal for dogs that pull and/or dogs that will not tolerate a tool on their face/muzzle.
This harness gently discourages dogs from pulling on the leash and makes for a more enjoyable walk for our dogs and volunteers. The front-chest leash attachment helps you to steer your dog to the side and helps with redirecting their attention to you. The chest strap rests across the dog’s chest instead of putting pressure on the delicate throat/trachea. It also allows you to lead the dog instead of the dog leading you!
INSTRUCTIONS: The Easy Walk Harness comes in three pieces – the Top Strap, the Belly Strap and the Chest Strap. Place Top Strap on dog’s back and put Chest Strap over head and place on chest. Take contrasting coloured Belly Strap and place under belly and snap into buckle holder. Adjust all straps so that you can fit only one finger between body and each strap. Attach leash to front chest loop. With a very reactive or skittish dog, attach leash to front chest loop AND Martingale collar for added safety.
CANNY COLLARS
Canny Collars are an excellent tool to help a dog learn to walk politely. Canny Collars are specify useful for reactive or skittish dogs as well as large breed dogs without walking manners.
The Canny Collar is a simple dog training collar that helps to stop pulling on the leash and make your dog walks more pleasurable. This tool is comfortable, kind, safe and effective. The Canny Collar clips to the leash behind the head rather than under the chin, this means it will not ride up into the dog’s eyes or yank the head to the side. Dogs can still breathe freely and open their mouths when wearing this tool.
INSTRUCTIONS: The Collar piece, the Muzzle piece and two Thin Slip Lines that you attach the leash to all make up the Canny Collar. Begin by fastening the collar securely around the dog’s neck. Collar should be fit higher up the neck with room for one finger to fit between collar and neck. Pull the slip line through the small yellow plastic guider. The plastic guider MUST be under the dog’s chin. If not, the Canny Collar will not function correctly. Lastly, attach the leash to the 2 D rings on the end of the slip lines and you are ready to walk!
**Please note that some dogs may resist this tool initially by trying to paw the slip line off of their muzzle. You must continue to walk and lift the dog’s head by raising the leash. Picking up the pace of your walk can also help to refocus the dog on walking.