Sporn No-pull harnesses

[Shamas mom]

I was in the dollar store today, and I saw the Sporn no-pull harnesses for a couple of bucks. This happens occasionally, they'll stock a few of a name brand items.

So I figured it didn't hurt to look at the items for that price. I'd browsed them in the pet stores but wasn't willing to spend real money on what looked to be potentially a gimmick.

So as it goes.....

There are two harnesses.

Sporn Stop Pulling harness:
I would not recommend it. It's easy to put on and take off, and yes, it DOES get the dog's attention---by tightening around the ribcage/under the armpits. I can see a determined dog trying to chase a squirrel and hurting itself on this one. I didn't even leave the house with it on Trixie. I tested it in the dining room and noticed that every time she came to the end of the lead, the harness snugged on her ribs, and she stopped dead and shook off the stress. This is an aversive product.

Ultimate control harness
I honestly don't see much difference between this and any other front and back clip harness. I'm not impressed at the location of the adjustment buckles--I can see the potential for chafing. I might use this for trail walks as Trixie grows. I won't expect any kind of control over her while wearing it. First trip out, I found the front clip too low on the chest to make any difference. Perhaps we can adjust that...there's room for adjustment. Walking on the back clip, I have 0 control. I'm simply holding her as she meanders down the street and tries to jump on people to say hello. NOT for city walking if your dog is overly friendly or reactive in any way.This harness would work best if used with both front AND back clips. But I'd honestly recommend the 2Hounds no pull harness and leash if that's your goal. I used that set and liked it so much that I bought it again for my dad's dogs

Sporn Training Lead
is comfortable, with lined handles for the handler. It has a regular handle and a traffic handle. Also, reflective stitching. I like the clip. I DO find 6' leads entirely too long for city sidewalks...but I need longer leads for trails, so it's nice to have found these for $5 each.

 

[Stacia]

I just don't like harnesses! The training lines look good.

 

[edzbird]

Belle used to wear that first one, the one that tightens under the arms. Before I knew any better. However, when we put it on her and took her out she seemed to really not mind it. She was a frightful puller on a flat collar, to the point of almost choking. When we got the Sporn harness she still pulled, but it wasn't against her neck - so it didn't actually work, but it did protect her neck. I don't think it hurt her, it had fleece padding around the thin cord straps and she was always so keen to put it on (but that was probably because it meant WALKIES and she LOVED that). We bought one for Scooby - it did NOT suit him, a great big Labrador, and so we came to The Other Forum and found the Perfect Fit Harness, which was his Perfect Harness.

 

[Shamas mom]

Belle used to wear that first one, the one that tightens under the arms. Before I knew any better. However, when we put it on her and took her out she seemed to really not mind it. She was a frightful puller on a flat collar, to the point of almost choking. When we got the Sporn harness she still pulled, but it wasn't against her neck - so it didn't actually work, but it did protect her neck. I don't think it hurt her, it had fleece padding around the thin cord straps and she was always so keen to put it on (but that was probably because it meant WALKIES and she LOVED that). We bought one for Scooby - it did NOT suit him, a great big Labrador, and so we came to The Other Forum and found the Perfect Fit Harness, which was his Perfect Harness.

I love the Perfect Fit. If Trixie were a little more in favor of harnesses in general, I'd invest in the parts to make a grow with her system. (medium and large parts to interchange as needed) but that would cost me a good $200 to build.

I have found that even tools labelled as aversive can be taken well by some dogs. It's all in how you use them. Take Shamas and the slip lead. In my hands, he happily puts his head in, and if given a choice wants the slip rather than a flat collar--he can feel the movement of the leash, and therefore knows where I am and what I'm telling him through the lead. I don't use it to issue corrections. In the hands of a certain trainer, it was extremely aversive and he learned quickly not to trust it or a handler using it.

given what I've read from your posts, edzbird, and the advice you've given me over the years,


I would guess that your Belle had nothing but good experiences on the Sporn

I just don't like harnesses! The training lines look good.

Same. I find that my dogs have a longer pace than me, and end up in front. With a harness, I feel like I am simply holding them while they do their thing. I like that on a trail walk...but in the city I need to be in control. With a collar, I lead. I keep a short leash, and the dogs know which way I'm walking.