harnesses

Question
Hi,
I have a year and a half old female corgi.  She is stubborn as hell.  I purchased a nylon choke collar just so she won't slip out of a regular one.  She walks fine and does not pull.  I don't like chokers, but I feel more secure if she does try to back out of a collar.  My concern is, she will stop dead in her tracks and refuse to walk.  I'd like to buy a harness to kind of prod her a long without harming her throat in any way.  She will just put the breaks on when she feels like it.  She walks really well, it's just that sometimes she does this and it really bugs me to pull her.  What kind of harness can I use?

Answer
Hi Amanda.  It's great that you are getting her out for walks!  Let's see if we can address the harness issue as well as her stopping during walks.

I like the Halti Harness - available online or at the big box pet stores. You can attach it on the back or in the front, whichever works best for you.  It allows you to hook the leash to the buckle collar when hooked in front.  You can see a description and picture of it on this page:  www.petexpertise.com/barbgadola.  

I think the bigger issue is why your girl is stopping in her tracks.  Usually this is a fear issue if she's stopping entirely.  Some dogs like to stop and sniff the grass along the way, but it doesn't sound like this is what she's doing from your description.

Try and determine what might be causing the issue.  Is she a fearful dog in general?  Does she stop in the same place each time?  When she stops, can she "hear" you?  If you call her name, does she respond?

When you walk her, take some really good treats - small bits of cheese or leftover meat.  Occasionally toss a piece of food on the ground in front of her to pick up.  You can use this  to keep her moving if she slows down before her dead stop.  If she's hungry and won't take a treat on a walk, she's too stressed and not really enjoying her walking experience.

Talk to her during the walk, keeping it upbeat and happy.  If you notice she stops in the same places, pick up your pace and toss treats before you get to that place.  Don't always walk forward in a straight line - throw in some U-turns; back up in your tracks and call her to you - and give her a treat when she arrives.  Keep her mind occupied with what you might do next and keep it positive and cheerful.

Please give me some more details on why you think she stopping, and maybe I can offer more suggestions.

Barb