You love your daily walks with your pooch for all the benefits they bring you both: they keep you fit, healthy, give you a good dose of vitamin D, and strengthen your bond as owner and animal. But if your pup has got into the habit of pulling on his leash, these daily walks quickly become a nightmare.
And a pulling dog is not only unpleasant, but it can also be dangerous. By dint of pulling, your dog’s leash could end up breaking and if this happens on a busy street, the consequences could be dramatic.
So, whatever your dog’s temperament or size, he should learn to walk alongside you and let himself be led obediently, without pulling like crazy. And it is possible, thanks to the anti-pull collars. But how do you make a well-informed choice among all the myriad of collars available on the market?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’ve reviewed and selected the best, safe, and well-designed collars so you and your beloved dog can rediscover the joy of walking together.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
Image Product Details
PetSafe Gentle Leader headcollar
Easy to put on
Works well even for large and powerful dogs
Recommended by vets and trainers
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Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar
Great tool for obedience training
Doesn’t choke when sized properly
Gentler than the metal pinch ones
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2 Hounds Design No Pull Dog Collar
Easy to put on and take off
Made in the USA
Comes with a chew warranty
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PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
No pressure on the dog’s throat
Easy to put on
Comfortable for the dog and for you
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Country Brook Martingale Dog Collar
Good value for money
Limited closure prevents it from becoming too tight
Beautiful colors and patterns available
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The 7 Best Collar for Dogs That Pull
The PetSafe Gentle Leader Dog Headcollar is an incredible tool for quickly improving a pulling dog’s behavior. This collar was designed by a veterinarian and is also recommended by many trainers and veterinarians. It comes in five sizes and eight colors, although the design is very simple. But the important thing is that this halter gives results very quickly, almost immediately in some dogs. It’s worth a try, and its affordability is another big advantage of the PetSafe Gentle Collar.
Material: Nylon
Features: Waterproof
Closure Type: Quick release
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However, it is very important for you to know that some dogs are resistant to anything that passes over their face or overhead, which could make it more difficult to adapt to this collar. Some dogs just can’t get used to it, no matter how long you spend desensitizing them. Nevertheless, while this dog collar won’t be right for all dogs, it will do a great job of preventing pulling for the majority of pooches.
Pros
Easy to put on
Works well even for large and powerful dogs
Affordable
Recommended by vets and trainers
Headcollar helps remove pressure from the dog’s throat
Cons
May not be a good fit for dogs that don’t like collars passing over their face
This prong & pinch collar type is not for everyone and it is not an everyday collar. It is intended for training purposes only, so you should never leave it on your dog when training classes are over.
Easy to put on
Works well even for large and powerful dogs
Affordable
Recommended by vets and trainers
Headcollar helps remove pressure from the dog’s throat
- Easy to put on
- Works well even for large and powerful dogs
- Affordable
- Recommended by vets and trainers
- Headcollar helps remove pressure from the dog’s throat
May not be a good fit for dogs that don’t like collars passing over their face
- May not be a good fit for dogs that don’t like collars passing over their face
Material: Plastic
Features: Training
Closure Type: Trigger Snap
That being said, the Starmark Pro-Training Plastic Dog Collar is effective in controlling your dog’s unwanted pulling behavior, but you also have to work with your dog. Simply putting this collar around his neck won’t do! However, it does provide effective control for obedience training and is softer than the collars made with metal spikes. Indeed, the soft plastic points are unlikely to cause your dog any pain in the process. Overall, it’s not the sturdiest collar out there, but its other benefits make it the best dog collar for pulling for the money we’ve found.
Pros
Great tool for obedience training
Developed by certified professional training and behavior specialists
Doesn’t choke when sized properly
Gentler than the metal pinch ones
Cons
Large and powerful dogs may not even feel it
The nylon strap looks like it could break easily
2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog uses two different no-pull methods to help improve your dog’s walking habits. It offers a unique dual connection, where your dog is attached to the leash at the back of the shoulder blades as well as the front of the chest. This double point of contact allows you to exercise more control over your dog without causing him pain. It also features a martingale-style buckle, which places gentle pressure on your dog’s chest and ribs as he pulls, instead of putting pressure on his throat.
Great tool for obedience training
Developed by certified professional training and behavior specialists
Doesn’t choke when sized properly
Gentler than the metal pinch ones
- Great tool for obedience training
- Developed by certified professional training and behavior specialists
- Doesn’t choke when sized properly
- Gentler than the metal pinch ones
Large and powerful dogs may not even feel it
The nylon strap looks like it could break easily
- Large and powerful dogs may not even feel it
- The nylon strap looks like it could break easily
Material: Nylon
Features: Dual clip, leash, harness
Closure Type: Bolt snap, quick release
However, two drawbacks are that the leash tends to twist during walks and the harness may not withstand the energy of enthusiastic large dogs. This can cause it to break faster. However, this tool would be suitable for the majority of small and medium-sized dogs and will allow you to regain the pleasure of walking together quickly.
Pros
Easy to put on and take off
Leash attached to both the front and back hooks provides great control
Comes with a chew warranty
Made in the USA
Cons
May not be tough enough for large dogs
The leash tends to get twisted during walks
PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Anti-pull Harness is a harness that makes walking much more comfortable for you and your dog. It was designed by a behaviorist veterinarian to respect the integrity and comfort of the dog. It’s easy to fit around your dog’s neck and chest and won’t cause pressure on their fragile throat when the animal pulls, unlike choke and prong collars. And since the strap that goes on the stomach is of another color, it makes it easier to put on.
Easy to put on and take off
Leash attached to both the front and back hooks provides great control
Comes with a chew warranty
Made in the USA
- Easy to put on and take off
- Leash attached to both the front and back hooks provides great control
- Comes with a chew warranty
- Made in the USA
May not be tough enough for large dogs
The leash tends to get twisted during walks
- May not be tough enough for large dogs
- The leash tends to get twisted during walks
However, although the material is made of durable nylon, it is not indestructible, and some particularly restless dogs may manage to break one of the harness straps by constantly biting it. Thus, as with any dog accessory, it is important to introduce your pooch gently to this new collar to avoid unnecessary stress. This way, he is less likely to try to escape at all costs and break the straps by chewing on them.
Pros
No pressure on the dog’s throat
Chest martingale loop prevents twisting
Easy to put on
Comfortable for the dog and for you
Cons
Some dogs may chew the harness and break it
Country Brook Martingale Dog Collars are humanely designed to ensure the comfort and safety of your beloved dog. These affordable and stylish models gently tighten around the dog’s neck when he starts to pull, but without choking him or causing unbearable pressure on his throat. He quickly realizes that he needs to stop pulling on his leash, although some more stubborn dogs will take longer to obey.
No pressure on the dog’s throat
Chest martingale loop prevents twisting
Easy to put on
Comfortable for the dog and for you
- No pressure on the dog’s throat
- Chest martingale loop prevents twisting
- Easy to put on
- Comfortable for the dog and for you
Some dogs may chew the harness and break it
- Some dogs may chew the harness and break it
Material: Polyester
Features: Training
Closure Type: Buckle
However, the main problem with this collar is the lack of a buckle, which is a major drawback for many dog owners. Indeed, it is more complicated to put it on around your dog’s neck, especially if he is restless and does not like to have things passed through his head. Also, although the colorful designs are beautiful and machine washable, the color fades over time, making the necklace look dull and boring.
Pros
Good value for money
Can be used as a training collar or as a daily walking collar
Limited closure prevents it from becoming too tight
Beautiful colors and patterns available
Cons
Not as easy to put on as models with buckles
Machine washable but the color fades faster
- Walk ‘n Train Polyester Dog Headcollar
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Material: Polyester
Features: Training
Closure Type: Buckle
The Walk ‘n Train Dog Headcollar fits like a normal collar but functions like a halter, releasing pressure on the dog’s throat. This type of design works great on some dogs, especially those that don’t have a problem with having a strap around their muzzle or head. Unfortunately, other dogs simply cannot tolerate this kind of halter with a noseband (which looks a bit like a muzzle) and you will have to use a lot of patience and training to reduce your pet’s anxiety around it. And that’s obviously not the goal you’re looking for, which is to get your dog to stop pulling on his leash quickly. However, this type of collar works wonders on some dogs, but you are the only one who knows his pooch well enough to determine whether this collar will be a good fit or not.
Good value for money
Can be used as a training collar or as a daily walking collar
Limited closure prevents it from becoming too tight
Beautiful colors and patterns available
- Good value for money
- Can be used as a training collar or as a daily walking collar
- Limited closure prevents it from becoming too tight
- Beautiful colors and patterns available
Not as easy to put on as models with buckles
Machine washable but the color fades faster
- Not as easy to put on as models with buckles
- Machine washable but the color fades faster
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Pros
Easy to put on
Padded noseband for extra comfort
High-quality material
Cons
A bit pricey compared to its competitors
The strap tends to migrate towards the eyes
Some dogs just can’t get used to it
The PetSafe Nylon Martingale dog collar is very inexpensive, made of durable nylon, and prevents dogs from backing out of it. It tightens when the dog pulls and loosens when the dog stops, making obedience training safer and more comfortable for your pooch. But this is not an everyday collar and should not be left on your dog at all times, especially not for tie-out use. The main reason is if your dog is left unattended and tied up, he could choke and injure himself from pulling on the leash while trying to escape. However, if you use this training collar correctly, you should get very good results. Be sure to measure your dog properly before deciding on the collar size though, as it doesn’t offer much wiggle room.
Easy to put on
Padded noseband for extra comfort
High-quality material
- Easy to put on
- Padded noseband for extra comfort
- High-quality material
A bit pricey compared to its competitors
The strap tends to migrate towards the eyes
Some dogs just can’t get used to it
- A bit pricey compared to its competitors
- The strap tends to migrate towards the eyes
- Some dogs just can’t get used to it
Material: Nylon
Features: Waterproof
Closure Type: Slip-on
Pros
Safer than a choke collar
Inexpensive
Dogs can’t squirm out of it
Cons
No buckle so harder to put on
Not size adjustable
- See Also: 10 Best No-Shock Training Collars: Reviews & Top Picks
Safer than a choke collar
Inexpensive
Dogs can’t squirm out of it
- Safer than a choke collar
- Inexpensive
- Dogs can’t squirm out of it
No buckle so harder to put on
Not size adjustable
- No buckle so harder to put on
- Not size adjustable
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Collar for Your Pulling Dog
There are certain features you should look for in a dog collar that pulls to ensure that it is safe and works as intended.
Material
A plastic collar will not be as durable and comfortable as a collar made of nylon or polyester. It is true that some dogs manage to break the nylon straps by biting them, but several manufacturers offer chew warranties for at least one year.
Adjustable
For a harness or anti-pull collar to be safe, they must fit properly. For example, a puppy wearing an ill-fitting harness could develop problems as it grows.
Besides, some collars or harnesses are not suitable for all body types and can move a lot on the dog’s body. Also, if you have a dog that pulls a lot, or if you have an ill-fitting harness, your dog may develop chafing in his armpits. Ill-fitting collars and harnesses could also hamper the dog’s mobility.
Quick Release Buckle
A quick-release buckle allows you to quickly remove your dog’s collar, which is useful in an emergency and easier to put on.
Your Dog’s Temperament
If your dog is anxious by nature and doesn’t like having straps around his head or muzzle, then headcollars with nosebands might bother him. A martingale-type collar will probably be more appropriate. On the other hand, dogs with a more laid-back personality generally don’t have a problem with headcollars.
Tips
If you have a short-haired dog, prefer a padded collar or harness for more comfort.
If you plan to walk in the evening, consider also getting a harness with reflective strips.
In short, keep in mind that a no-pull collar or harness is not the only way to teach your dog not to pull. They are simply additional tools. However, combined with obedience lessons and the help of a certified dog trainer, collars and harnesses can be very effective and are a valuable asset to make your walks more enjoyable.
If you have a short-haired dog, prefer a padded collar or harness for more comfort.
If you plan to walk in the evening, consider also getting a harness with reflective strips.
- If you have a short-haired dog, prefer a padded collar or harness for more comfort.
- If you plan to walk in the evening, consider also getting a harness with reflective strips.
A Quick Note About Correction Collars
Correction collars, such as chain, prong, or choke collars, are not universally accepted tools.
For one thing, these types of training collars need to be used with care, to avoid hurting your dog.
In addition, many canine educators deplore the use of choke collars and prong collars, because they believe it is a method of training through punishment that has no place to be. These are coercive tools that only hurt the dog, without correcting their behavior. Worse still, they alter the bond of trust with the dog, because the animal that feels strangled has absolutely no understanding of why its owner reacts in this way.
But, if you absolutely insist on using correction collars, you should do so under the supervision of a certified canine trainer, to avoid causing pain to your pet.
Conclusion
Choosing a good collar for the walk is essential for the comfort and well-being of your dog, and also yours. And since a dog is not naturally inclined to walk on a leash, it is normal for him to need a learning period beforehand. However, it is true that some dogs are more likely to pull on the leash than others, which makes anti-pull collars excellent learning tools.
Also, collars and harnesses are preferable to coercive tools such as choke or spike collars. PetSafe Gentle Leader Padded No Pull Dog Headcollar is a great option for dogs that don’t have a problem with halters, while 2 Hounds Design Freedom allows you to exert more control over your dog, without causing him any pressure or pain.
If you are still undecided, we strongly advise you to seek advice from your veterinarian or a certified dog trainer, who will be able to direct you to the tool that is best for your pup.
See also: 16 Reasons You Should Never Chain or Tether a Dog
