Originally posted by Logan:
Rottie,
I think that a lot of people feel like the harness is gentler to the dog, so their neck doesn't get the strain when they pull. I can just see mine in a harness pulling me all over the neighborhood though! Ha Ha!
A lot of people who I have met on the MSN Golden Retriever site have used what is called a Gentle Leader, with a lot of success. I think it prevents the dog from being quite so mobile, but I've never seen one used, and I know it wouldn't work with my obedience trainers as they are quite strick about equipment.
Logan,

Glad you brought up the Gentle Leader.

I just finished an introductory obedience training class with my dog. Interestingly enough, this training school that I attending had stopped using Choke-chains due to the fact that so many people were using them incorrectly or too harshly. They ONLY allowed the "Gentle Leaders" for traning.

The following website explains exactly what the "Gentle Leader" is and how it functions. http://www.gentleleader.com/intro.html

I used the Gentle Leader for the entire course and it was excellent! It doesn't hamper the dog's mobility whatsoever.

I recommend them to all doglovers- especially those looking for an alternative to the choke-chain.