Springtime is Dog Walking Time! (sponsored)

I don’t walk my dog in the winter.

I know, that sounds terrible–but our sidewalks are snowy and icy all winter, Summer (our dog) pulls, and I have sprained each of my ankles at least 6 or 7 times–so it’s not worth the risk. When spring comes I don’t know who is more excited to begin taking walks again, me or the dog! It’s so good to be out in the fresh air stretching both of our muscles.

Walmart has some new dog related products just in time for spring that they sent me to try out. First are the Pet Champion Fashion Collars, new and exclusive to Walmart. These aren’t your basic red and blue dog collars–instead they are new modern and stylish designs at affordable prices. There are three different sizes, Small: $4.48, Medium: $5.88 and Large: $6.88. (available in store only). The four I was sent were a blue gingham check, a black and white dog bone pattern, and a very trendy pattern in both pink and aqua. Very nice!

The other item they sent was the Sporn Stop Pulling Harness. It’s available in four adjustable sizes to fit any breed, from puppies to adult dogs. This product is new to Walmart, available in-store for $11.88.

I was a bit skeptical about this product, but willing to give it a shot. Summer has a tendency to pull–especially at the beginning of a walk before she gets worn out by the two mile loop through the village that we typically do. The pulling has actually caused me a bit of trouble in the past–a few years ago I had a shoulder impingement and had to be very careful about how I held the arm that controlled the leash in order not to aggravate it.

I’ve got to say, this thing REALLY WORKED. I put her in the harness, which was pretty easy–I’ve got a video from the company below that shows you how it all works. Then I snapped on the retractable leash. Before we even made it to the end of the driveway she took off–and when she hit the end of the leash the mesh panel between her front legs pulled against her chest and she reflexively popped her front paws off the ground and just about turned herself inside out–not pulling, but just coming up short. We continued on and although she did go out to the end of the leash she didn’t pull anywhere near as hard as she normally would. I usually have to give her a couple of good hard yanks along the way to remind her that she’s on a leash, but I never did with the Sporn Stop Pulling Harness. I was totally impressed and will be using it whenever we take a walk!

She didn’t seem to mind wearing it at all–it’s got extra “sherpa” padding on the straps that go under her legs so it shouldn’t rub or anything. The directions do state that you should not leave it on the dog unsupervised when not taking a walk–probably just to make sure they don’t entangle themselves.

I will be recommending this product to many, many friends, and I recommend it to any of you if you’ve got a dog that pulls. Remember, Walmart has a 90 day return policy, so just keep your receipt and the original packaging and if you aren’t as impressed as I am with it you can always return it for a full refund.