Hey there, fellow dog parents! 👋
If you’ve landed on this post, chances are you’re dealing with a stubborn, adorable little bulldozer on four legs, just like I was with my French Bulldog, Zero. Let me tell you, leash training isn’t just about looking good on Instagram walks (though that’s a nice bonus 📸). It’s absolutely crucial for your dog’s safety, your sanity, and building that special bond between you and your furry best friend.
When I first brought Zero home, I thought walks would be these peaceful, bonding moments we’d share together. But, was I wrong! 😅 This little boy had his own agenda from day one. Zero would charge ahead like he was leading a parade, pulling so hard that I genuinely worried he might hurt his little neck. French Bulldogs are notorious for their breathing issues, and watching him wheeze while dragging me down the street was both heartbreaking and concerning.
The breaking point came when Zero spotted a bird across the street and nearly yanked my shoulder out of its socket trying to chase it. That’s when I realized we needed serious help with leash training.
My goal was simple: teach Zero to walk alongside me or slightly behind, giving me better control and keeping him safe.
What followed was a journey through various harnesses, leashes, and even professional training – some successful, others… well, let’s just say they were learning experiences! 🤦♀️
Leash & Harness Reviews 🦴
✔ Pawezy Harness (https://pawezy.com.au/)
The Pawezy harness was actually my first purchase after realizing Zero’s regular collar wasn’t cutting it. This Australian-made harness caught my eye because of its no-pull design specifically marketed for strong pullers.
Pros:
- Excellent build quality with reinforced stitching
- The front clip attachment really does redirect pulling behavior
- Comfortable padding around the chest area
- Adjustable straps that grow with your dog
- Easy to put on once you get the hang of it
Cons:
- Takes some practice to figure out the right fit
- The front attachment can cause dogs to move in a slightly awkward gait initially
- Price point is on the higher side for a harness
Comfort Level: 8/10 – Zero seemed comfortable wearing it for extended periods
Cautions: Make sure to adjust it properly. too loose and it won’t work, too tight and it can restrict breathing (especially important for Frenchies!)
Price Range: AUD $45-65 depending on size and name tag options
Where to Buy: Available at most Petstock locations across Australia, or online through their website
Zero’s Reaction: The first few walks were interesting! Zero was confused by the front attachment and kept looking back at me like “What’s happening here?” 😂 After about a week, his pulling reduced by maybe 60%. Not perfect, but definitely an improvement.
✔ Stylish Hound Harness (https://stylish-hound.com/)
This was my attempt to find something that looked good AND worked well. The Stylish Hound harness promised both fashion and function, which sounded perfect for Zero’s Instagram-worthy walks.
Pros:
- Gorgeous designs and color options
- Very lightweight material
- Easy to clean
- Multiple attachment points
- Great for French Bulldogs with sensitive skin
Cons:
- Not as effective for strong pullers
- The material started showing wear after about 6 months of daily use
Comfort Level: 9/10 – Zero loved wearing this one
Cautions: Better suited for dogs who are already reasonably well-behaved on leash
Price Range: AUD $35-50
Where to Buy: Online through their website, some independent pet stores in Melbourne and Sydney
Zero’s Reaction: Zero actually seemed to enjoy wearing this harness more than others (in fact, it’s still our go-to choice for most walks). Maybe he knew he looked good! 😎 It’s softer than the Pawezy, so great for sensitive skinned pups like Frenchies. But it didn’t help much with pulling.
I had less control and had to use more strength. So now it’s our go-to for casual walks around the block. Perfect for everyday use!
✔ Rogz Obedience Chain Collar (https://amzn.to/455K8nP)
Whoa, whoa, whoa —— easy there! 😅
Now, before anyone jumps down my throat about chain collars, hear me out! This isn’t a choke chain. It’s designed to provide gentle correction without harm when used properly.
I was first introduced to this type of chain collar back when Zero was still a puppy and we had a private trainer come to our house. At the time, he was so young, and honestly, just the word “chain” freaked me out enough that I didn’t even want to try it.
Fast forward to recently, I spotted this Rogz chain collar while visiting the vet clinic. I asked about it, and the staff explained that it’s meant to sit higher up, closer to the ears (near the face), and when you give a light pull on the leash, the chain makes a specific sound. Apparently, that sound mimics the low growl mother dogs use to discipline their pups. 🐶
Funny enough, that’s the exact same explanation my trainer gave me back in the day. It’s meant to communicate correction in a natural, instinctual way, not punishment.
Pros:
- Immediate feedback for pulling behavior
- Durable and long-lasting
- Effective for training purposes
- Affordable option
- Easy to adjust for perfect fit
Cons:
- Requires proper technique to use safely
- Not suitable for all dog personalities
- Can look intimidating to other dog owners
- Not recommended for dogs with breathing issues
- Not a clip-style collar: needs to be slipped on and off, which makes it inconvenient for daily use.
Comfort Level: 9/10
Cautions: PLEASE get proper instruction before using any chain collar, especially with French Bulldogs and their breathing sensitivities!
Price Range: AUD $15-25
Where to Buy: Available at most pet stores across Australia, including Pet Warehouse and Petbarn and Amazon
Zero’s Reaction: This was actually quite effective for training sessions. At first, Zero seemed a bit uncomfortable. He kept scratching at his neck, probably because of the noise the chain made. But now he wears it like a regular collar with no issues. It also helps reduce pulling during walks, especially when the leash is clipped to the chain section. Walking has become much easier since then.
✔ Slip Rope Neck Leash (https://amzn.to/3HpI0xt)
I first learned about this type of leash from a video by the famous dog expert in the U.S., Cesar Millan. My husband watched his videos for days and eventually brought one home to try.. but honestly, it just didn’t match my style. 😓
It looked more like a fishing tool used for hunting, and every time I had to pull Zero back when he charged ahead, I couldn’t help but feel a bit guilty.
Pros:
- Simple design and easy wear with no clips or buckles to break
- Automatically tightens and releases with pulling behavior
- Sturdy, and easy to carry
- Great for training quick corrections
- Very affordable
Cons:
- Can be harsh if not used correctly
- Limited padding or comfort features
- Not ideal for extended walks
- Requires good timing and technique
Comfort Level: 3/10
Cautions: Again, Anything around the neck needs to be used very carefully
Price Range: AUD $10-20
Where to Buy: Most pet stores, online retailers, some even available at Bunnings!
Zero’s Reaction: When I saw a professional like Cesar Millan using it, it looked so easy, but in reality, it’s definitely a high-skill tool.
Honestly, I can’t even remember whether Zero was well-trained with it or if he felt uncomfortable…
because every time I used it myself, my heart just hurt too much. 😢
Personally, I’d rather train with any of the other products I mentioned above than feel that kind of guilt again. I truly believe those are more than enough for effective training without the emotional stress.😔
+Bonus throwback! Here’s baby Zero rocking his tiny vest-style harness❤ Cuteness overload guaranteed. 🐶💛
(Because who doesn’t need a little puppy break mid-scroll? 😉)
Professional Leash Training Review 🎓
My Final Verdict: 3 out of 5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Would I recommend it?
Throughout our journey, we tried several training collars and even hired a professional trainer to help us out (all paid out of our own pocket).
I’ll be diving deeper into that in the next post, so stay tuned! Lots more to share!
Can’t wait to be back with more insights. See you soon! 🐾
** As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Zero to Hero 
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