16/06/2026
This prong collar might be kinder than a harness.
I know that’s probably not what you expected to hear.
If your dog pulls on the leash, drags you towards every smell, or turns every walk into a battle of strength, keep reading.
Most dog parents start with a harness because it feels like the safest and kindest option. And in many situations, it absolutely is.
If your dog already knows how to walk properly on a leash, or has a medical condition that makes pressure around the neck unsuitable, a harness can be a fantastic tool.
But here’s where things get tricky.
If your dog has never actually been taught leash walking, a harness often allows them to keep practising the behaviour you’re trying to stop. Pulling gets them forward. Lunging gets them closer to what they want. Chasing smells takes them exactly where they want to go.
And every time it works, the behaviour gets reinforced.
Over time, pulling stops being a mistake and becomes a habit.
Now let’s talk about the tool everyone has an opinion on: the prong collar.
Before using one, I always recommend seeking professional guidance. Any training tool can be misused.
But contrary to popular belief, a properly fitted prong collar isn’t designed to hurt your dog. What it does exceptionally well is provide clear feedback. It helps a dog understand when they’re making the right choice and when they’re making the wrong one, making the learning process much clearer.
Personally, though, my preferred tool is a slip leash.
Why?
Because it provides more distributed pressure while still offering clear communication. For teaching leash walking skills, I find it simple, effective, and easy for most owners to use.
But here’s the most important part:
Harnesses, prong collars, and slip leashes are just tools.
No tool teaches a dog how to walk.
People do.
So if your dog struggles on walks, don’t blame the dog.
Ask yourself whether you’ve actually taught them the skill.
Because more often than not, the problem isn’t the dog.
It’s the education.
What are you currently walking your dog on, and why? Comment below 🦮
