My friend's dog, a handsome black and white English Springer Spaniel named Duke, loves squirrels. Not love like, "Awwww....what a cute squirrel! Can we go say hi to it, please?", but love like "Squirrel! I need to go eat the squirrel!". Normally a relatively well behaved dog, in his "oblivious to anything but the fuzzy squirrel" frenzy, he will literally pull my arm out of its socket to reach said squirrel. Since I like to walk Duke where apparently there is the highest concentration of squirrels per acre anywhere in the United States of America, I very quickly grew tired of having my arm nearly torn off or, just as much fun, being dragged face first into the oak tree that the petrified squirrel dashed up a split second before we reached it. Something had to be done.
With the numerous training tools available to someone working at a pet store, I choose to try the Sporn halter. The Sporn halter works like this; the dog pulls forward, tightening the leash, and two nylon cord restraints that are underneath the dogs front legs will apply pressure underneath the dogs "armpits", for lack of a better word. I sized the Sporn halter to fit Duke and put it on right before our walk. He didn't seem to mind; he was too busy looking out for his favorite rodent. We began our walk with me anxiously watching out for squirrels. I doubted somewhat that the halter could stop the squirrel chasing fiend especially if he had the opportunity to pick up speed.
Finally, a squirrel crossed our path and I braced myself expecting the worst. Duke spotted the squirrel immediately and lunged forward. He hit the end of the leash and let out a startled yelp. The surprised look on his face was priceless. I called him to me, consoled him a bit, and then continued on our way. He still leaned into the harness a bit when the squirrels taunted him, but gone was the arm breaking, back wrenching, "I'm gonna need to visit the chiropractor" lunging. I was very impressed...and happy! I had often recommended the Sporn halter before, but after seeing how well it worked for Duke, I recommend it with gusto!
Heather K, CPNA
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