[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by bchgirl

This isn't a leash connected to a collar......a slip lead is physically slipped over the dog's head like a show lead. It's worn higher than a typical collar and not against their tracheas...it's placed under their chin at the top of their throat.

Small breeds in shows don't wear harnesses and suffer no ill effects. I tend to agree a dog obtaining their CGC certification has been trained to heel at your side...not pull on a lead.

I was wondering about that, thanks. My contention would be why test them on a collar that you're not using in everyday life? Unless you decide to switch to a slip collar, it's a false certification.

As for pulling in the tests, the test is all about seeing how the dog reacts to surprises. They might make a loud bang. They have to walk up to another person and dog. They're left with a stranger while you walk away. While the goal is for them not to pull, unless your dog is exceptional, there's going to be some pulling. The ones that get over it quickly are the ones that pass.

And, Stacy. The downside is that harnesses can promote pulling. You have to work harder as a trainer to avoid it.