Yes. Although we extol the virtues of walking your dog with a harness, a collar is still essential attire for any dog (even when wearing a harness). Aside from being a legal requirement in the UK, a collar also tells others that the dog has an owner and isn’t a stray. A collar also allows you to attach a name tag – extra peace of mind that compliments the mandatory microchip underneath the animal’s skin between the shoulders. Straps are attached via a slider, designed to adjust to tension and therefore correct pulling. The harness is lightweight, with soft but durable webbing that sits beneath your dog’s arms and helps to keep them cool during walks. The softness of the harness allows for a full range of movements, too, so your dog shouldn’t feel unnaturally restricted either.

If your dog always pulls like a train, consider a double-ended training leash like those supplied by HALTI (see below) and Mekuti. Training leads consist of one extra-long strap with a clasp on either end. They are suitable for use only with front-range harnesses equipped with an attachment on the chest as well as on top. Two separate padded handles, one near the end and one closer to the swivel collar attachment, allow you to command maximum control over your dog from a distance and up close. The ergonomic handles also help prevent strains and rope burns when controlling your dog. If your dog is absolutely insistent on pulling, you’ll know how much of a pain and hassle something as simple as an ordinary dog walk can become. This belt harness is a good option for larger and wider breeds of dog. It’s extremely easy to fit: just slide the large loop over the dog’s head and clip it on.

The best dog leads to buy

The dog lead you choose should be of durable material so it can withstand pulling or exposure to the elements. Some dogs tend to toy with and chew on their leashes, so it would be great if you find a product durable enough to resist shredding. The YOUTHINK Dual dog lead makes walking two dogs at one time easier and less of a hassle with its split head design. Instead of needing two separate leads, this dual lead splits about halfway down and has two separate clasps. IDC Powerharnesses are far and away the easiest of all models to fit and remove: simply slip the large opening over the dog’s head, clip in the chest strap, attach the lead to the top-mounted D-ring and go. Do bear in mind that a harness of this nature won’t necessarily prevent your dog from pulling; it’s simply a kinder, more convenient, safer and comfier alternative to walking with a dog collar and leash.

READ NEXT: Best dog clippers The best dog harnesses to buy 1. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness: The best all-round dog harness for convenience and fit Having a dog lead is an essential part of being a dog owner, especially if you do not live in a rural area. Whether you recently got a new dog or puppy or simply need upgrading your current dog lead, you have come to the right place. Double-leads are more complicated to use but have been proven to provide better balance for an unruly dog and thereby reduce pulling. That said, the chest padding alone most certainly has an affect on how the dog responds when walking – just the tiniest tug of the leash will invariably have it walking to heel. The IDC Powerharnesses is available in nine sizes – from Baby 1 (teacup dog) to Size 4 (Newfoundland) – and is available in 25 colours. You can also replace the Velcroed side patch with a customized label of your choice. An excellent everyday option for top wags. This dog lead features two padded handles, one for regular use and another for a more restricted grip near the splitter. A bundle ring to contain excess lead and a zip-up pouch for waste bags and keys are built-in to the design. The splitter sections are also adjustable in length.With reflective threads for night walking, a range of 12 colours and a smart design, you can enjoy safe and secure walks with your pooch at any time. The heavy-duty plastic clips are seriously large and we wonder if this combination of wide webbing and large clips is the reason the whole harness tends to shift over to one side after a few minutes wear. That said, at no time did the dog – an elderly Labrador – appear to be in discomfort. We suspect the smaller sizes use narrower, thinner and more supple webbing, which should ensure the harness remains in better position.