[Dailydrool] Pulling

[saraberry at aol.com]

Some bassets cannot wear head harnesses.  When your dog is being fitted for a no-pull device, you need to make sure that the facial skin is not pulling up into the eyes if the dog should decide to pull.

The chest harnesses can also restrict shoulder movement and must be correctly fitted.  Some will fit the basset anatomy better upside down, others will not fit.

I recommend the Sporn Harness to many basset people because it does not restrict the shoulder movement or ability to sniff the ground, which is natural for a scent hound.  The problem with the Sporn is more of teaching the human how to correctly put it on and take it off, it has a lot of components.  I have found that you set the chest lines in place and then you only disconnect at the wide collar, let them walk out of it, and then when you put it on, you put the collar on first, and then pull their legs into the chest lines without disconnecting them, then you slide the litte plastic securer down to the right position.

Another note.  All no pull devices are temporary if your dog really wants to pull, they will work it out and pull.  So training for loose leash walking is important while this is going on, which can be difficult for the basset because their natural movement is reaching and driving with the head down.  So consult with a trainer to see how realistic it is for your dog.

Because of this, I also recommend leashing the dog at your waist with a cabin clip to a belt buckle, not to a belt loop because they can pull that out.  But with the pulling at the waist, it is easier to walk the dog and won't hurt your arms or shoulders.  Do NOT do this if you have back issues.

And make sure you have a longer line leash, so that when you do get to areas for scenting, that your dog has plenty of room and time to do that.  Then walking home, you can practice loose leash walking with your treats.

Sara
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