A leash-pulling dog is one who often never gets taken for walk. In recent years, head halters and front-clip harnesses have helped people get the upper hand without punishing or hurting their dogs. The head halter can also make it easy to teach dogs other good behaviors such as "sit."

Although most pets come to enjoy or at least tolerate their head halters, initial introductions normally meet with resistance. (Front-clip harnesses seem to be accepted more readily.)

Introduce the head collar with treats and praise. Ignore any efforts to remove it, and praise your dog for moments of acceptance. With either of these tools, you'll soon be walking your dog with pride and pleasure.

Animal behavior experts Susan and Roland Tripp are the authors of "On Good Behavior." For more information, visit their Web site at AnimalBehavior.net.