Wonder Walker™ Body Halter©
The Wonder Walker™ Body Halter© was created to provide pet owners a management tool to control their dogs easily while on leash. It was developed by Joyce Biethan, a Certified Pet Dog Trainer in the Seattle area, and Mary Dolan, a certified dog lover. We wanted a positive solution to prevent some common behavior problems that pet owners often encounter.
Safety Issues Fitting Tips Sizing and Custom Fitting Accessories Where to Buy
How It Works
The halter places control of your dog around his center of gravity rather than his head or neck. Our method moves the training cues from the head and neck to the dog’s body. This utilizes a dog’s instinctive push-pull reflex (their natural inclination to move towards pressure). This reflex is one of the reasons so many dogs pull on the leash — as you pull, they pull back. However, by attaching your leash to the chest ring, the pressure you apply is directed to the opposite side of the body by the chest strap. Your dog’s leash now allows you to persuasively guide your dog in the direction you want him to move.
Unlike head halters, the Wonder Walker™ Body Halter© requires little or no acclimation time. Unlike choke collars, it does not cross the trachea, so the airway cannot be compressed. Unlike prong collars, it does not poke your dog’s neck, so there is no potential for causing pain or injuring his skin.
With minimal pressure, the Wonder Walker™ Body Halter© diminishes common pulling behaviors and helps eliminate jumping and lunging while on leash. Walking your dog becomes a pleasure rather than a chore. When used with training young dogs, pulling behavior may be eliminated from the beginning.
Safety Issues
This halter is intended as a general management tool for training. It is not intended as a tie-out. It may cause chafing if used while running or swimming. Check to make sure the buckle snapped completely closed. If your dog chews the buckle or straps, get the halter repaired before using it again.
While you may use the back ring as a leash attachment for tracking, it is not recommended if you want to eliminate pulling behavior. Your dog will have the leverage to pull.
Do not leave the halter on unattended dogs. It is very easy for dogs to get the chest strap into their mouths and chew it up!
Observe all safety rules and precautions. Never rely on a halter that your dog has used as a chew toy!
The sliders may become corroded and break if the halter is used around salt water or if it becomes very dirty. To clean, just toss it in the washer with a mild soap. Hang to dry. Excessive force may also snap the sliders — for instance, the dog running and hitting the end of a long leash. Slider replacement is provided for a small fee.
Fitting Tips
Correct fit of the Wonder Walker™ Body Halter©.
Model: Isaac.
- Adjust the colored back straps to their smallest measurement.
- Loosen the chest straps to more than halfway.
- Let the girth strap out to at least halfway.
- Slip the colored strap over your dog’s head centering the ring behind her shoulders.
- Buckle the girth strap and check for a snug fit. You should only be able to slip a couple of fingers under the webbing. If it is too tight or you cannot buckle the girth strap, let out the girth strap before loosening the back straps.
- The chest strap should be snug when the dog sits but there should be room for some movement when your dog is standing. It should not droop down and/or rub against the dog’s front legs.
- The triangles should rest at the top or just over the top of the shoulder muscles.
- If the triangles are correctly in place, the ring in the chest strap will be resting right above your dog’s breastbone. If it drops below, the chest strap may be too loose or the triangles are too low. (see photos).
- If the chest strap wraps around to the front of the dog, the girth/back straps are too loose. Tighten before proceeding.
- Clip your leash to the top of the leash ring and you are ready to go!.
- Never rely on a Wonder Walker(tm) Body Halter that your dog has used as a chew toy!.
- Remember to check the fit and re-tighten straps as needed.
Sizing and Custom Fitting
Wonder Walker Body Halter
- Tiny: 3/8″ webbing; girth 8-10″; for dogs weighing 5-10 lbs. Turquoise.
Toy: 3/8″ or 1/2″ webbing; girth 12-17″; for dogs weighing 10-15 lbs. Green.
X-Small: 1/2″ or 3/4″ webbing; girth 15-20″; for dogs weighing 15-20 lbs. Purple.
Small: 3/4″ webbing; girth 20-25″; for dogs weighing 21-35 lbs. Blue.
Medium: 3/4″ webbing; girth 25-30″; for dogs weighing 30-65 lbs. Red.
Large: 3/4″ or 1″ webbing; girth 30-40″; for dogs weighing 60-80 lbs. Dark green.
X-Large: 1″ webbing; girth 40-50″; for dogs weighing 80 lbs or more. Yellow.
If you can’t find one to fit, we will make you a custom halter. We need to know which straps are too long or short. You can also choose your favorite color for the back strap. Breeds with a large chest, such as bulldogs, need a custom fit.
Ask about Joyce’s Grow Up plan! Trade in your puppy halter and get a larger size at a reduced price. Original WWBH must be clean and in good condition.
Accessories
A cushioned fabric strap for the girth strap, or pads for the triangles, are available for dogs with thin coats or sensitive skin. Also, a seat belt strap can be custom ordered to hold your dog in place while riding in the car.
Where to Buy
Wonder Walker™ Body Halters© can be purchased from:
Cooperative Dog Training
206-819-7297
Dolan’s Dog Doodads, LLC
You may also return a halter for repairs to either location. Email m_tdolan at comcast.net for a quote.
Many Seattle area veterinary offices also carry the Wonder Walker™ Body Halter©. Ask your office staff!
