Finally. A harness that rocks my socks off.
As you might have read in my collar debate post, we’ve had quite the experience with ‘tools’ for dealing with Lola’s pulling. This one pretty much solves all of our problems and this is what we used when teaching her how to walk on a loose leash. Until this harness (the Freedom No-Pull Harness from 2 Hounds Design), we had been making due with our other harness known as the Easy Walk. While it did help the pulling – if she became squirmy, she could squirm her way right out of it. Not to mention it was somewhat restricting when she was running, so it was really only good when we were walking. Then there was that time that she tried to jump into the back of the car…she almost landed on her head because of the loss of movement in the front shoulder/chest area.
But this harness literally solved all of our issues. It has an option for a front attaching leash (I typically walk Lola using the front attachment with a two or four-foot leather leash), or you can use the D-ring attached to the martingale style loop on the back of the harness (which tightens to a certain point when the dog pulls), OR attach a leash to both. Plus, it does not restrict her movement so she is even able to jump up in the back of the SUV and we even wear it to flyball class! The ‘handle’ on the back works perfect ;).
This is probably one of my favorite features – a velvety padded strap that goes under the belly and front legs. Your short haired dogs will thank you.
Another one of the features that you won’t find on other similar harnesses: the martingale loop which tightens to a certain point if the dog pulls.
I also love that you can get just about any color combination you want. I’m totally lovin’ the turquoise and silver one!
You can add this training leash to your order: it is a one-handle leash that has two straps: one attaching to the front of the harness and one to the back. I took Rio out on this and while it was nice to have it attaching to the front and back of the harness for additional control points, I found myself fiddling with the leashes, tightening up one while letting the other a little looser – so I ultimately ended up having to hold onto the actual leash part vs. the handle. (But that was just with Rio at a public event where he was very interested in everything going on around us.)
Just an added bonus, Alisha was awesome to work with and 2 Hounds Design is all about giving back by donating & raising money for adoption groups!
(Read: 10 Signs You Should Not Adopt a Pit Bull)
Check out the Freedom No-Pull Harness and while you’re at it…the amazing collar collection from 2 Hounds Design.
Okay, I think Lola is beginning to get a little bored of our mini photo shoot, hah.
*Make your own dog treats -> Small Batch Peanut Butter Banana Dog Biscuits!
I received this harness from 2 Hounds Design at no charge for my honest review of the product. All opinions are my own.
Such a cute model! We LOVE this harness! It is so sturdy and it makes it possible for me to walk both of our German shepherds by myself. Glad that it’s been helpful with Lola!
I’ve recently switched Ruby to the Freedom harness – hers is navy and royal blue! I use primarily the back leash attachment, and have not tried the double leash. Overall it’s the best option I’ve found so far – I liked the Sense-ible harness but wanted an back-clip one for running. We love the velvet, too!
I defiantly want to try this with our dog. She does pull a bit and based on the reviews this look amazing! 🙂
Just came here from your other dog collar post. I literally gasped when I read that it has a velvety lining for under the dog! This is definitely something I am going to have to try for my dog’s poor naked puppy belly/chest. hahah Thanks for sharing!
Hi Adrienne,
I love this harness. We wear them practically everywhere and what I love is that they can RUN and PLAY in them without it rubbing raw. This and the easy walk have been the perfect no-pull harnesses but I have to admit, we always wear this one now! Let me know if you get one, I know you’ll love it:).
Thanks for reviewing this! After reading lots of reviews, including yours, I’ve decided to go with this harness. We just got a dachshund-pit mix and he’s a huge puller! I can’t wait to try this harness out on him.
Hi Nichole, awesome! I know you’ll like it! And a dachshund-pitty? That sounds like an interesting mix! Have a great weekend 🙂
WE had the easy walk harenss and several others but our dog Zoey, A Treeing Walker Coonhound, always managed to get out of them. We resorted to her wearing her Ruffwear harness, the WebMaster. BUT it does not help with her pulling. It is the only thing she cannot get our of, but it is very bulky to wear all the time. I am happy to see that your dog Lola couldn’t wiggle out of this. Excited to try this!! Thanks for your review!
Good luck, Beverlee! I love the option of hooking the leash to the front (best for pullers) and then you always have the back loop, too. Enjoy!
I found this on Pinterest and I’m so glad I did! I recently rescued a pit-mix puppy. He pulls incredibly hard on the leash. After checking out local pet stores nothing seemed like a good option for him. Most were very uncomfortable for him or didn’t allow full mobility. This harness looks perfect for my little Frankie! I’m definitely going to try it out, as soon as I can decide on a color! lol Love your blog and your dedication to this extra special dog breed!
Hi Chelsea,
Thanks for rescuing! Best of luck with your new pup and harness!
We loved it too, then we put it on Spanky to leave, took to long and in 10 minutes he chewed through it in 2 places! Whoops, l now we know only in way out the door!
Oh no!!!! Spanky, you naughty boy – lucky you’re so cute ;).
He sure is! But we knew that was something he might do so it was our mistake.
The freedom harness looks awesome. I actually just got rid of my easy walk harness. We stopped using it because it made my dog’s armpits bleed when I was first LLW training her.
oh my gosh! Good reason to ditch it…thanks for stopping by!
This is my favorite harness ever. I must’ve gone through at least 6 before finding it. When I first heard about it and Googled reviews, I remember one reviewing saying that it was the “Rolls Royce of dog harnesses,” which is so totally true! The velvety lining is the icing on the cake for my pup’s naked armpits. He has an odd body shape that other harnesses don’t fit, and this one does. I don’t think I would ever buy a different brand.
Agreed! I (like you) just wish we would’ve found it sooner, haha. Thanks for stopping by!
Would you suggest buying the training leash? Or would you suggest just using a regular leash?
Thanks!
Honestly, I never use the training leash now. Regular leather leash is my favorite 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
sarah, do you find using the back clip with the martingale loop by itself helpful for a pulling dog? i have two amazing 15-18 lb mini aussies 6 month olds that sometimes get a bit happy about their adventures : )
Hi there 🙂 I’ve found the front clip to be better for a dog that pulls a lot, although yours are just little guys so the slight tug of the back strap tightening may cause them to pay attention. Either way, you have options – front only, back only, or both!
Good luck with your pups!
I’m confused. I thought the martingale was meant to be at the chest.
I have a 16 lb Bichon mix, Maggie, who is very sweet, but is so excited to meet every person and dog, and to get to the dog park, she pulls like mad. I currently am in a cast with a broken right wrist and must walk both my dogs with my left hand. Fortunately my other rescue is a 22 lb Lhasa mix who walks very nicely on a leash.
I need a truly no-pull leash that is easy to clip on and can be used successfully right out of the gate with no special advance training. Maggie has had several bouts of Cherry Eye, whick always seem to be brought on by leash pulling. I’ve tried Walk Your Dog With Love (she walks sideways and still pulls) and Sense-ation (straps too narrow and clip was so small iy couldn’t manage it with one hand).
Do you think the Freedom might do the trick for us, and could you clarify where and how the martingale is used?
Thank you.