What gear should I use for walks?
- Devin Blankenship
- May 13
- 4 min read
Updated: May 13
Below, I discuss my thoughts on gear and provide some of my preferred products at the end.
Lots of leash-walking products make big promises. How much of a difference does our dog's gear really make? Let me start by saying gear does NOT enable loose leash walking on its own. Any products that try to sell you on instant loose leash walking are misleading and can be detrimental to your dog's safety, health, and happiness. Loose leash walking is taught with time and patience. Reinforcement enables loose leash walking, not just the gear we use. With that said, here are my three considerations for choosing the appropriate gear for your dog: safety, fit, and support.
First, let's talk about safety. Our dogs deserve to have an enjoyable walk without the fear of pain or suffering. Gear such as prong collars, choke chains, or pinch collars all work by causing pain or discomfort to your animal when they pull on the leash. People will often say these tools are needed for large breed dogs in order to control them and keep them safe. I argue the opposite. Whenever we use punishment-based methods (positive punishment) on our dogs, we are creating an unsafe environment. Imagine every time you were allowed to leave your house you had a constant pain in your neck, and that pain worsens when you try to walk at your normal pace or look at something interesting. Most animals (and people!) would build a negative association with the outdoors over time. This growing negative association would inevitably lead to unwanted behaviors. For most large breed dogs, we can establish safety by using a rein system of two leashes attached to a flat collar and a well-fitted Y-shaped harness without the need for any pain or discomfort. There is no need to compromise between our dogs' ability to feel safe and maintaining control over them.
Next, let's discuss fit. Whether we are discussing collars or harnesses, we need to ensure we are picking the right fit. The right fit prevents our dogs' discomfort and prevents orthopedic issues and injury. For harnesses, we want a nice Y shape across their chest. A Y-shaped harness comes up the chest, splits at the neck, and travels up and around the shoulders (image and link below). While harnesses that cut straight across the chest can prevent pulling, they do so by limiting the shoulder movement. Limiting the movement of our dog's shoulder will eventually lead to orthopedic issues and discomfort. The strap on the chest should not be right up in their armpits, where it will pull and rub. Now, with the proper harness type selected, we need to ensure it fits safely and comfortably. The harness should be tight enough that our dog can not wiggle out of it, but loose enough for two fingers to fit under the straps. As for collars, we want to ensure the width of the collar is the same as two of their neck vertebrae. If you are having issues with your dog slipping out of their collar, a martingale (see link below) helps prevent the collar from coming up over their head. With the proper gear, our dogs can be both safe and comfortable.
Lastly, let's talk about support. Different dogs and handlers have different needs; walking a 10 lb dog comes with different considerations than walking a 140 lb dog. Regardless of the dog, we guardians have to have the correct support on our walk. For smaller dogs, having a lighter leash and an easy way to pick up our dog is important. With larger dogs, traffic handles, handles on their collar, or even a second leash for added control might be necessary. The activity we do with our dogs also changes the support that is needed. For example, on a hike or sniff walk, a longer leash is beneficial to allow our dogs to roam and sniff as they need, but on a walk around town, we would want a slightly shorter leash. In some situations, such as running with our dog or during a training session, we may want to be hands-free, where a waist leash can come in. Figuring out the right (and wrong) gear for you and your dog is something I can help with.
To summarize, the right gear for you and your pup has a lot of factors, but the promise of instant loose-leash walking should not be one of them. Instead, focus on safety, fit, and support, and how those factors work into the activities you are planning for you and your pups. If you want to learn more about what gear is right (or wrong) for your pups and how to teach loose leash skills, send me a message or book a free consultation!
Gear I love and why:
Disclaimer: contains affiliate links
Harnesses
Blue K9 Buckle-Neck Balance Harness
One of my favorites. Fits most dogs well, has lots of points to adjust the fit, is Y-shaped, and fits at or around the rib cage. Has straps that buckle around the neck, so no need to put the harness over your dog's head.
Ruffwear Harnesses
Lots of options for outdoorsy people. As well as a three-strap harness that works well with our senior dogs. These harnesses don't always fit our deep-chested friends well.
Rabbit Goo
A great cheaper option, I especially like to use this with puppies who have not finished growing yet.
PetSafe 3 In 1
Another cheaper option. PetSafe has a lot of other products I do not recommend, but their 3-in-1 is a good, cheap harness option.
Leashes
Waist leashes
Great for running with your dog or training sessions where you need to be hands-free.
Rope leash
My personal favorite to use with my dogs on quick walks.
Long lines
An essential for recall practice and sniff walks.
https://amzn.to/4nokNfT -Biothane, great for easy cleaning
https://amzn.to/4u8TZ5U - Rope leash with carabiner clip, great for large dogs
https://amzn.to/4tt4D6p -Nylon leash, Cheap option
Collars
Flat collar with handle
Good for large dogs and dog sports
Martingale Collar
Good option for dogs who can slip out of their collars
this is amazing information! thank you for all the links too!
Interesting information, it’s awesome to know there are plenty of options for different needs!
Very well written and informative, thanks for sharing!