Whether your dog is a small, medium, or large breed, pulling on the leash can be a difficult behavior to deal with.
At best, a dog pulling on a leash can be annoying and stressful. At worst, it can be dangerous. If a dog constantly pulls on their leash during walks, they can injure themselves. Choking injuries, nerve damage, hypothyroidism, and death are all reported consequences of excessive pulling.
If your dog pulls too hard on the leash, you could even be injured yourself from the strain on your arm or being pulled over.
There are many collars available on the market that claim to stop dogs from pulling on the leash. However, many of these collars are either ineffective or use painful methods such as prongs to deter dogs from pulling.
We’ve tested dozens of collars for dogs that pull and have chosen the top 5 highest quality, most humane no-pull collars to recommend. So, without further ado, let’s take a look!
PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar
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Our top pick out of all the no-pull dog collars on the market is the PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar.
This headcollar has a strap that goes around the dog’s face as well as the neck, with the leash fastening under the dog’s chin at the front.
This method means that gentle pressure is exerted on the back of the dog’s neck instead of the front, so the collar is painless and does not present a risk of choking.
Thanks to the neoprene padding on the undersides of the strap, the PetSafe Gentle Leader Headcollar sits comfortably on your dog’s face and neck without chafing or digging in.
PetSafe’s Gentle Leader Headcollar features a quick-snap strap with a clasp that can be fastened quickly and intuitively, which is ideal when you’re trying to fit it on a dog that’s excited for their walk.
However, you may notice that the clasp is quite stiff initially, so you’ll need to exert a fair amount of force to close it for the first few uses. It should become less stiff over time, though.
This headcollar comes in sizes petite, which is for dogs weighing under 5 lbs, to x-large, which is suitable for dogs up to 130 lbs. Therefore, the PetSafe Gentle Leader is a good option for dogs of all sizes that pull.
Pros
- Gentle pressure – Painless
- Presses back of neck – No choking risk
- Neoprene padding – Comfortable
- Quick-snap strap – Easy to put on
- Sizes petite to x-large – Suitable for all breeds
Cons
- Stiff clasp – Hard to fasten initially
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Country Brook Petz Martingale Nylon Dog Collar
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The Martingale collar is a popular, humane collar design that tightens (to a certain degree) when a dog pulls on the leash, preventing them from pulling too hard.
This Martingale Nylon Dog Collar from Country Brook Petz is one of the best on the market, and it’s also budget-friendly!
Country Brook Petz’ Martingale collar is made of soft, nylon webbing that is comfortable for dogs, and thanks to the 1-inch width of the collar, there will be no uncomfortable digging from the strap.
This is an adjustable collar that doesn’t have a buckle. In a sense, the slip-on nature of the collar is an advantage because it’s easy to slip on and off.
However, some users find the adjustable straps more difficult to work with than a traditional buckle.
The Country Brook Petz Martingale collar comes in sizes micro (for dogs with necks 5 to 7 inches in diameter) to extra large (23 to 31 inches).
It also comes in 21 different colors, so you can easily match the collar to your leash.
Pros
- 1-inch width – No digging
- Nylon webbing – Soft and comfortable
- Slip-on – Easy to put on and remove
- Sizes micro to extra large – Compatible with all breeds
- 21 color options – Stylish
Cons
- No buckle – Difficult to adjust
Also available at:
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Sporn Store Non-Pull No Choke Collar Halter
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Sporn Store’s Non-Pull No Choke Collar Halter combines a traditional collar with elements of a dog halter. This is one of the best designs for stopping dogs from pulling.
This halter works by gently restraining the dog’s front legs from underneath when the collar is pulled, limiting the dog’s ability to pull hard.
The thick cord material is high-quality and durable, so it remains comfortable without compromising on durability.
Thanks to the nickel-plated fasteners on this collar halter, the chances of your dog escaping from the collar through sheer force are greatly reduced.
The collar is machine washable for quick and easy cleaning, but what’s even more convenient is the fact that the halter is fully adjustable, making it easier to ensure a perfect fit for your pooch.
With that being said, the smallest size available is small, with no extra-small or mini size. This means that very small dog breeds with necks smaller than 9 inches will not be able to use this collar.
Pros
- Thick cord material – Durable and high-quality
- Restrains under front legs – Stops pulling painlessly
- Nickel-plated fasteners – Reduces escape risk
- Machine washable – Convenient
- Fully adjustable – Easy to fit properly
Cons
- No extra-small size – Not for very small breeds
Also available at:
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GoodBoy Dog Head Halter with Safety Strap
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If you’re a relatively new dog owner looking for help in training your dog not to pull on the lead, the GoodBy Dog Head Halter with Safety Strap is a good option.
Like the PetSafe Gentle Leader, this headcollar works by putting pressure on the back of a dog’s neck when the straps are pulled rather than on the front of the neck.
This is an effective method of preventing pulling without choking or causing pain.
This headcollar is made even more comfortable by the neoprene padding, which is soft and breathable and won’t feel too restrictive.
The straps are adjustable so you can make sure that the collar fits your dog properly. There are 4 available sizes ranging from 10.8 inches to 25.8 inches in neck size.
This means that the smallest and largest dog breeds will not be able to use the collar, but it’s compatible with most small to large dogs.
Meanwhile, the reinforced stitching on the headcollar ensures that even the strongest pullers won’t break the straps.
What makes this collar such a great option for new dog owners, however, is the fact that it comes with a helpful training manual with instructions on overcoming the habit of pulling.
Pros
- Adjustable straps – Ensures snug fit
- Neoprene padding – Comfortable
- Reinforced stitching – Suitable for heavy pullers
- Quick-release buckle – Easy and safe to use
- Includes training manual – Great for new owners
Cons
- 10.8 – 25.8-inch size range – Not for very small or very large breeds
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Haapaw Martingale Dog Collar
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Haapaw’s Martingale Dog Collar is another excellent Martingale collar for dogs who habitually pull on the leash.
This Martingale collar is made from high-density nylon webbing, so it’s both soft and highly durable. Your dog will be comfortable wearing this collar, but they won’t be able to break it.
Additionally, the collar features a safety lock to prevent accidental release and escapes. There is also reflective stitching on the material so that you can walk your dog at night without worrying about being invisible to traffic.
The quick-release buckle on the collar means that you can quickly release your dog at any point. Taking the collar off is never a struggle, so you can easily unclasp and relax after a walk.
This collar comes with an included leash, although the leash handle is quite quick to show wear and tear and isn’t as durable as the collar itself.
Pros
- High-density nylon webbing – Soft and durable
- Safety lock – Escape-proof
- Quick-release buckle – User-friendly
- Reflective stitching – Safe at night
- Leash included – Good value for money
Cons
- Leash handle shows wear – Not as durable as the collar
Also available at:
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Buyer’s Guide to Collars for Dogs That Pull
If your dog has been pulling on their leash for a while, it’s understandable that you want to fix the problem as quickly as possible.
However, you should take your time to weigh up the different features of collars for dogs that pull. This is so that you can make a purchase that truly benefits both yourself and your dog.
For advice on which features to prioritize and factors to think about, read on! This buyer’s guide will cover collar designs, materials, sizes, and more!
Collar Design
First, you will need to decide what kind of collar you’re looking for. You have several options to choose from.
Martingale collars are some of the most popular collars on the market for dogs that pull. They work by tightening up to a certain point when a dog starts pulling, preventing them from pulling further.
Some dog owners worry that Martingale collars might choke their pets by getting too tight. However, as long as you get a Martingale collar in the correct size, this should not be an issue.
Most well-made Martingale collars are adjustable, allowing you to set a certain allowance before the collar starts to tighten. The collar also should not get any tighter than the size of your dog’s head, so they should not be able to choke themselves.
Headcollars are also an option. These have a strap that goes behind the dog’s head as well as around the muzzle (note: headcollars should not be used as muzzles).
Instead of putting pressure on the front of the dog’s neck, headcollars put pressure on the back of the neck to prevent excessive pulling.
You could also use a halter collar. These are not full-body harnesses. Instead, they have a strap that goes across the dog’s chest, slightly lower than a collar would sit, and straps that pass behind the front legs.
Halter collars work by restricting the front legs from underneath when the straps are pulled, making it difficult for dogs to pull too hard.
Your decision should be based on the collar design that you feel best suits your needs and that will be most effective and comfortable for your dog.
Material
Nylon is a popular material for dog collars, and it’s an especially good choice for dogs that pull. Nylon is durable, but it’s also soft, breathable, and easy to clean. This means that your dog will be comfortable and happy and you won’t need to buy another collar for a while.
Cord is another durable choice of material, especially for halter collar designs. However, you should ensure that the cord material isn’t too coarse or stiff since this might be uncomfortable for your dog.
Where a collar such as a headcollar has a strap that goes across the dog’s muzzle, padding is important. The skin of your dog’s face is sensitive, so some neoprene padding will go a long way towards preventing chafing and discomfort.
Size
You need to be sure that you’re getting the right size collar for your dog. This is crucial regardless of the collar design you’ve chosen, but if your chosen collar puts any kind of pressure on the front of the dog’s neck, getting a collar in the wrong size can be dangerous.
Manufacturers will usually provide size guides to help you measure your pet and find the perfect size. Please don’t rely entirely on the size name (‘small’ or ‘large’, for example) in relation to the size category of your dog’s breed.
You need to look at the specific neck and head measurements given in the size guide. These measurements will normally be in inches.
User Friendliness
Of course, you’re buying this collar for your dog, but you’re the one who’s going to be putting it on and taking it off, so it needs to be friendly for you as well.
Make sure that you’re comfortable using the system of adjustment if you’re buying an adjustable collar. Some collars use buckles for this, while others have different systems in place for adjusting the straps.
While collars without buckles can be more comfortable for dogs, they can also be more confusing for their owners.
Some collars for dogs that pull need to be fastened with a clasp, while others are slip-on designs. Slip-on collars may be more user-friendly as they’re easier to put on and remove quickly.
If you’re worried about a slip-on collar coming off unexpectedly, don’t be! Since these slip-on, no-pull collars are usually also Martingale collars, they will tighten when your dog starts to pull, so this shouldn’t be a problem.
Safety Features
You and your dog should feel safe using your chosen collar. Therefore, it’s a good idea to choose a collar with some safety features.
These collars for dogs that pull shouldn’t cause your dog any discomfort or harm because they are designed to gently restrain your dog without pain or choking.
However, just in case your dog does manage to pull hard enough or persistently enough to hurt themselves, it’s a good idea to have a quick-release buckle on the collar. This will allow you to quickly open the collar in an emergency.
Reflective strips or stitching are always ideal if you sometimes walk your dog at night. The reflective material will help vehicle drivers to see you even when it’s dark, keeping all parties safe.
A safety lock feature can also give you peace of mind if you’re worried about your dog breaking free from the collar, or the collar opening unexpectedly. The lock will provide some reassurance if your dog is a heavy puller.
Additional Features
If your current leash is looking a little worn out, you can find collars for dogs that pull with a leash included.
This inclusion is usually good value for money, but sometimes the leash is not as high-quality as the collar itself, and it’s good to be aware of this beforehand so that you can make backup arrangements.
If you’ve only recently become a dog owner, you may be wondering how to train your dog to stop pulling on the leash.
After all, a no-pull collar only superficially addresses the issue. You can find no-pull collars on the pet training market that come with instructional training manuals to get you started.
Final Thoughts
All of the collars featured in this article have been proven to minimize pulling. They are all of high quality and use humane, pain-free methods to discourage dogs from pulling at their leashes.
Before you purchase a no-pull collar for your dog, remember to consider what kind of collar design will work best for both of you. You should also check the material, the size, and the safety features built into the collar before you buy it.
Finally, remember to combine your use of the collar with regular training so that your dog stops pulling on the leash in the future.
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