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Innovative and Gentle, Using Our Pup-Comfort Technology
By design, the Sidekick is a tool that aids in transforming the human and dog relationship from confusion, frustration, disrespect, or total absence into relationships of respect and clear understanding. With proper application and dedicated practice, the gentle fit of the Sidekick can help calm your pup and allow for a positive and respectful connection.Why the Sidekick®?

Pup-Comfort Technology
Our leashes are handmade with your pup’s comfort in mind. Using the softest, stretchiest materials, this leash is strong, but flexible and gentle on your pup’s skin.
Recommended by Professionals
Used by trainers and professionals across the globe, The Sidekick has been proven to be a useful training tool.
Lifetime Support
We are proud of the tools we offer and we stand behind them. Got a chew-happy pup? Whatever the reason, just be sure to create an account, then contact us and we can help.
Featured Testimonial
My wife walks her with much more confidence.
“Our 1 yr old shepherd/cane corso mix is already 75 lbs. She is very strong, and my wife struggles when she pulls. We received the transitional leash about 2 weeks ago, and from day one it has made a huge difference. She still tries to pull, but no longer has the power behind her. My wife can control her with just one hand. Over the course of using it, her pulling has decreased significantly, and my wife walks her with much more confidence. This product works wonders.”Philip P. 2021-11-03
Jess N.
Was suggested by my trainer to get and use. Great quality and works really well for our needs.
Alex H.
Great lease game changer!
Jennifer L.
I'm currently fostering a rescue dog who is leash reactive and very strong. Before getting this leash it was like taking a walk with a 40 lb yoyo. This leash is a miracle combined with the training videos on their website. She is walking calmly by my side for most of our walks. She's still reactive, but getting better and I can handle her so much better and enjoy our daily walks now.
Cheryl R.
I have an out-of-control Male Great Pyrenees, after going through numerous training classes and many various types of collars and leashes, this is the only don't that will allow me to control him on a walk. He can breathe, drink and open his mouth with no problem, but I have full control over him.
No more pulling, it's a real game-changer.
Amy M.
This leash is the best thing that I could have ever purchased for my dog as well as my family. We have a pitbul, one that is not even that big, but weighs about 68lbs and he is so strong and pulls us all like crazy on a regular leash. So much so that at times, we were afraid to walk him. We have fallen and gotten hurt. This leash allows us to give him the great walks that he needs and wants as well as it makes it soooooo much easier on us and now it’s become enjoyable for us all. Seriously probably one of the best purchases I have ever made. Thank you so so much for making this possible for all of us(including our furbaby)
Dennis O.
Magic response to over-the-nose application.
Christine F.
This is the only training leash that works on my large Border Collie mix. He's over 70 lbs and very strong, all muscle. He is reactive to other dogs while out on walks and this leash makes him controllable without much effort and it's extremely humane meaning it's used in a way that causes no pain to a dog like a pinch collar or choke collar would. This is made well and will last a long time.
Kasey B.
We love our Sidekick leash. It takes maybe 10 seconds to put on, but it’s worth it as my dog has never walked this nicely on a leash. I have a reactive dog who is a constant puller. I tried a handful of other no-pulling techniques and harnesses for many, many months and nothing worked. I recently worked with a trainer and she recommended the Sidekick. The results are truly amazing. It’s so much nicer to walk our dog, Goose!! It was pretty miserable before. Goose does frequently try to get the Sidekick off her nose, so I give her a lot of treats, trying to teach her to leave it on. The leash has been a great tool for teaching Goose to “leave it” as well.
Steve N.
Tried the training leash first with our trainer and was impressed! Purchased one for ourselves and are glad we did. Our one year old Bullmastiff can be a handful when she gets excited, and this leash is amazing to help control her when pulling is a problem. Great purchase!
Catherine W.
Sorry. The collar is not your fault.
Kelli M.
Game changer!! Could not walk my fur baby without this leash! We now enjoy walks!!
Annetta O.
My dog was an obsessive puller. Even with training classes, he would not stop. We tried a variety of leashes, methods, etc. We were moving and weren’t going to have a fenced yard so had to do something. Finally our vet referred us to the sidekick. It has worked great! Literally the only thing that has made it possible to take him on walks. We still mostly have him with the nose rope, but are seeing improvement with trying him on just the neck lead. Would recommend for sure!
Marikay B.
Love this tool over the head collar!
DEANNA W.
These are great! I love the versatility of being able to use it across the nose or as a slip line. They do not ride up too high, even on thin collie noses. Additionally, they are easy to put on and off. Truly a fantastic product.
Karen B.
I absolutely love this leash! My dog was attacked last year causing him to pull, be nervous& reactive. I tried multiple tools such as the Martingale, Gentle leader, Various choke chains, & the E collar all with trainers. They all just made more frantic and chaotic. I followed Heathers videos and we are working on zen behavior . I work from a distance with other dogs & we are slowly desensitizing my guy. This is the BEST tool out there. Go slow, watch the videos and enjoy a great relationship with your dog!!! I’m looking forward to working with the long line when the time is right!!
Vivian Q.
I have two young basset hounds who are walked together, better yet they walk me, lol. A friend told me about your sidekick and how much it changed his puppy walking experience. Well I have to say it has changed my life also. My babies took to the sidekick almost immediately, with very little fuss. We now enjoy long walks together with my babies actually walking by my side. This has made such a wonderful change in our puppy walking experience. I will never go back to another kind of leash. Thank you Heather’s hero’s.
Rachel H.
Is one of the only things that has worked for Hank's pulling. He's worked with a trainer., board and train, prong collar, slip lead and E. Collar.
Deborah M.
My anxiety riddled dog is completely different with this lead.
Kirstin S.
Amazing!
michelle r.
Definitely watch the training videos on how to properly use this awesome tool. I originally didn't have it up high enough on the neck. After a correct fitting, my GSD mix is able to walk through a very busy street market.
Patty B.
This was a miracle! Honey was found running up a 3 lane highway and my daughter rescued her. We absolutely fell in love with her but walking her was difficult. It was like holding back a team of horses! I saw a lady at the store who was walking her dog with this leash. I bought it and now I walk her without the crazy pulling. She does try to take it off but it sure has helped during walk time. All shelters should use this lease as a training tool. I even told my sister to get one for her 100 lb lab. I’m spreading the word!! Thank you!
Joel B.
The Sidekick works spectacularly. Our dachshund puppy (now one year old, 26 lbs.) had been driving us crazy, pulling my wife and me hard on every walk. Now, with the dual harness/snout feature, he never pulls us. He's still getting used to it -- he doesn't like the snout feature and tries to swipe it off -- but it definitely works and it has made our lives much easier. Our Vet -- Dr. Park of Abington Square Vets in the West Village of lower Manhattan, NYC, recommended it. Your video helped us understand how to use it -- the packaging wasn't sufficiently explicit and we had difficulty at first -- but now that we're familiar with it, your product has been a real blessing. Thank you.
Annette S.
It’s working well
Sara K.
Return customer Like the new clip that goes on the dog's collar
Daniel J.
My 4 month old pup is having a hard time getting used to it. Any tips on getting him to like it?
Shing ping P.
Great quality. Versatile leash. A game changer i must say!
Danielle S.
Works wonderful fits both of my different size dogs and would definitely purchase a second lead. The back up connector for the collar is very helpful.
Steve S.
The clip on the safety strap was upgraded to a lobster claw like hook instead of the standard bolt lock clip. It is a lot more difficult to use.
Bad decision
MICK B.
My dog is an extreme puller, way beyond what is depicted in your trianing videos, to the point where this leash, burns and hurts my hand. A better solution would be to have the harness end at a point behind my dog's neck which would allow me to attach my leash of choice there - my flat leather leash is much easier on my hands. So I've been purchasing other solutions and none is perfect so far.
Jason B.
Wonderful training tool. My young Coon Hound walks so nicely with this leash. No pulling, keeps him close and he appears comfortable and confident. Thank you!
Dave B.
Our dog immediately saw the need to stop pulling on the leash and listen for verbal commands or watch for hand signals.
Jennifer P.
It is very helpful when you have a young dog and maybe you’re not so young an owner. I had had professional training with my dog, but she’s still very reactive to other dogs so running with her or walking with her could be challenging if another dog was around, so this really helps the pulling.
GAIL E.
Works great with my German Shepherds.
John R.
"The Sidekick" leash is an improvement in every way from the "K9 Lifeline - Transitional Leash." Better rope quality, better latch, etc. Well done!
Helen G.
Zappa was always pulling and twirling around with a harness. Walks were not enjoyable for either of us! My trainer recommended the Sidekick and it has made an incredible difference.
Very well made and easy to use! I highly recommend this lead.
Lillian Z.
Love the sidekick, works miracles and makes walks a breeze and actually enjoyable. I dont know how they do it!
Markella M.
Love the hardware and concept of this lead over all others. The original lead I purchased wasn’t as shiny and slippery as my most recent purchase. None the less, it’s been a great product to control a strong and reactive Malinois.
Anita M.
My one year old GSD is so much easier to walk now using the sidekick. I only hope she will continue to walk this well as she gets older without it.
Dena H.
This does not work for us. We use a Gentle Leader and this works better.
Have sent many emails to company to request refund (how to return?). Have not hear a word!
Terrible customer service.
Juliette E.
The head halter works MIRACLES! Our 5 month old used to pull and lunge at everyone that walked by, along with constant sniffing. After using the head halter she is literally a different dog!! She keeps her head up, walks fast and straight, and doesn’t lunge anymore. Couldn’t recommend this leash more especially for puppies!
louis n.
They are very comfortable on the dogs
Karen F.
So I bought one for my son's dog forChristmas
Ann H.
I prefer this type of leash versus the ones you can purchase at local pet stores. I was introduced to the sidekick by my pet trainer, I wanted another one as a spare and I love the color blue.
Abby S.
This was recommend to me by my dog trainer. I LOVE IT… and so do my dogs. It’s easy to put on, comfortable on my dogs, easy to hold and super quick response from my dogs. I have and continue to recommend to my friends!
Melissa W.
Although the photo doesn’t show it, Tango is getting used to the sidekick. He is much calmer on our walks.
Sandra S.
I have been using the Sidekick for about 2 weeks. Since after the first day of use my little guy will not come for his morning walk. He used to run to the door to go for his walk, now I have to bribe him with treats, (which sometimes takes at least 15 minutes) to put on the Sidekick. I assumed by now he would be used to it, but no go. I continue to try each morning, I have purchased another type of a collar similar to the Sidekick to see it that works any better. I really was hoping for the Sidekick to work out.
Dawn S.
we recently rescued a 3 yr old beagle/basset (sooo cute!) who had had free run on 8 acres. OMG, a prong collar had NOOO effect. but the sidekick, recommended by family members that have choc lab. AMAZING!!
he would try to get off his nose until 2-3 jerks and off we go . . . the difference after just a few uses is significant!
Jennifer P.
We tried a head halter from PetSmart and it was a disaster. My dog skinned his nose trying to fight to get out of it. When we put on your product he was much more relaxed. He liked that it wasn't too tight unless he pulled it that way. Our lab went from pulling to suddenly having leash manners!
Brieanna D.
Literally amazing and so much better than the OG Halti!
Jennifer V.
Before I purchase the Sidekick leash, I struggle to walk Astro longer than necessary to take care of business. Now we go on multiple walks a day and walking him for miles is not stressful for either of us. He rarely needs a reminder not to pull and no longer tries to chase bicycles or kids on skateboards. I'm amazed at how quick the transformation happened, one weekend and only a little training in the yard before going out in the neighborhood. The videos were very helpful, I highly recommend watching them especially if you're working without a trainer.
Olivia B.
INCREDIBLE LEASH! It is definitely a learning curve for the dog, but made walks much more enjoyable for the both of us. This leash specifically is very easily maneuvered, and I really enjoy how it clips to the collar as extra security. The material is soft, so I know that it isn't uncomfortable. HIGHLY RECOMMEND this design for a leash, and this leash specifically!
Steve D.
Our lab Murphy is a “puller” with this leash he walks and behaves so much better. It’s been life safer for us, as he’s a very strong an energetic 18 month old!
Debbie B.
My brother first introduced me to the sidekick. I LOVE it!!! Gentle, my dog does not mind it and it really helps when we are in public places with a lot of distractions to keep her safe, and where she needs to be. No pulling whatsoever!!! Love it, I've purchased 4 all together for my dog and my daughter's dog.
Veronica A.
This is my second one. I LOVE it for my young energetic Great Dane. Her color is pink, so I went with pink. Came back for black to go with her Christmas collar and coat.
Priscilla H.
Trying out the sidekick at the suggestion of a dog trainer. It's been a few weeks but so far so good. We started off with an older version of the product and my dog broke the safety clasp; the newer version has a much better safety clasp. Because the face harness is a training tool that we will hopefully be moving on from, I wish the safety clasp was strong enough to use as a standalone leash clip. That would provide more options than just the slip lead. More options would make this a much more versatile leash for life, as opposed to a training tool that I might only use for a few months. I'd also love if there were a wider variety of darker-colored options. Black works just fine for the dog but I'd love to get the burgundy back! Overall, minor human "nice-to-haves" for a training tool that seems to be working just fine.
Courtney D.
Has worked great for pulling and has been helpful to have more control when he reacts to other dogs.
Mark A.
An improvement over the ‘gentle leader’. The pup walks well with this device. I also like to use it as a slip leach for very short walks.
Brett J.
Great product. Went from pulling on walks to walking right beside me in two sessions of about 5-10 minutes each. When they fight the side kick, just wait.
Karyn Z.
This is the best leash I have ever bought. I would highly recommend for anyone who has trouble walking their dog
Diana W.
I purchased this halter with a reference from Koda’s trainer at Pawtastic Friend Enrichment Center. Koda is a dog with my rescue.
It was easy to put on him and made our walks much more enjoyable. He no longer pulls.
Sandy H.
I shared my experience with another dog owner. Hope she loves it as much as i do.
Kevin G.
My 2 year old Golden Doodle, Biscuit, competed basic dog training and were about to to tested for the AKC Canine Good Citizen test. The tester, Rachael McKendree, showed me the Sidekick lead she saw at a recent seminar she attended and said she has had very good success using it as a tool teaching loose lead walking. I ordered one that afternoon and it arrived within a week. It took a week to get Biscuit used to the head halter and the results are amazing. She will not pull at all, even on a release walk. I have provided my results and recommendations for the Sidekick lead to my former training class instructor, Ms Margot Penner.
Holly W.
I works exactly as advertised! Best lead I have used with my spirited standard poodle.
Anne M.
I have a really giant Newfoundland male who is 20 months old. He is super sweet but full of energy and so strong that I couldn’t walk him. This leash made it possible for me to walk him and begin the training he needs to be the wonderful dog he deserves to be. Thank you
Kathi F.
Worked like a charm.
Robin R.
this is the only nose harness my very very conservative rehab vet will recommend.
Kristina F.
This leash/ head halter was recommended by a trainer that had been working with my dog. I love it and would definitely recommend it. It's way easier to put on than a gentle leader, it has a clip to attach to the collar for added peace of mind in the event that it would slip off the snout and obviously that it's dual purpose and can be used as a slip lead makes this product different than anything I've found in pet stores or online. This was well worth the money.
Kari G.
I had a relative recommend the "Sidekick". I ordered it right away! I have tried it out on our current foster and resident pup. I love the ease of putting it on! It is not as restrictive as a "Gentle Leader" yet just as effective.
Murray S.
Hi
Having had 8 German Sheperd sport dogs over the years, this high drive field Lab has been the hardest to train,mainly on pulling.Had a similar head halter from the UK, how ever was to light for a high drive dog,would even pull into a pinch collar.From the first time I put this on him,was calm,no pull.My daughter walked him as well last night on a road that has lots of game scent on it.Thanks murray
Linda S.
Our dog really listens to commands when he wears this!
Kathleen M.
Love it. But the leash is slippery. I put some knots in it as stoppers otherwise it would go right through my hands if my dog pulled. Not a good thing if he was headed toward another dog.
Frances G.
This leash has been great for walking with my new rescue pup, who tends to pull.
maureen o.
Love it! Really has my puppy look to me for direction!
Matthew A.
fan of the product. glad the clip is larger than previous model.
Michael R.
A great training leash of great quality! So glad I discovered Heathers Heroes
DANIEL L.
This was recommended by a trainer - it works great for training and normal use, and I especially like how it can be used with or without the nose loop.
Christine W.
We have an almost 1 year old pit bull mix who pulled so much on a regular leash. Our trainer recommended this and it's made a huge difference! I have much more control and walks are much more pleasant. Thanks for making a great product!
Aarin G.
The product was fine, I guess. But because this company doesn't provide return labels when you need to return an item, your package is likely to get lost in the mail like mine did.
Rachel S.
Our rescue hound is strong, determined and ready to explore. With a large property and three small children eager to walk her, I needed something to keep all of us safe. This is easy to use, adjust and is the only leash I trust because it works!
Natalie M.
This harness stops my Belgian Sheepdog from pulling and lunging at other dogs. A life saver!
Sandy M.
Love it and it works!!
Laura S.
The directions for using this were vague. I couldn’t figure it out. The quality is nice, just I can’t figure out how to put it on my doggie.
Chuck L.
Worked good on our 120 lb Newfoundland.
Heather L.
This has been a lifesaver! We are our dog’s second family and he needs lots of help to not be reactive towards people and pets. It was impossible to walk him without him pulling and not listening. I saw a fellow white boxer owner on Instagram using these on her pups and she said they have been so amazing for both her and her dog on walks. We have had such good success with our boy. He barely went through the behavior steps shown in the video and has taken to it very well. I love the plastic piece that keeps the leash at the top of his head, unlike other slip leashes, and the added safety of the collar attachment. Our other boxer is an old woman so it’s taking her longer to get used to it. I really appreciate the videos to help us understand her reactions and teach us to use it properly.
Allison S.
I bought the sidekick for my leash reactive large dog and the difference was so profound i immediately ordered another one for my second dog. Awesome control without tons of gear or painful prongs. Would recommend to anyone with reactive or excitable pups
Margaret S.
We had been using a gentle leader with great success, until it broke (metal clasp). A friend recommended the sidekick, and it works even better. I like that the “leash attachment” is behind the head instead of under the muzzle like the gentle leader. Easy to put on. Love the colors! I was a little nervous about the rope lead, as I really like a leather leash, but that hasn’t been an issue.
MARIA W.
This finally allows me to walk my two dogs safely. I can maintain control of both of them and I’m not constantly fighting with them to not pull me. Being able to hook this to their harness was especially important to me for safety reasons. They adjusted to. it after a couple of walks. This item was a game changer. Now we all enjoy the dog walks.
Patricia W.
Our Cavachon walks very well on the 1/4” sidekick. He tends to have an issue with regular collars putting pressure on his esophagus and the sidekick does not create this problem. I would highly recommend!
Patricia W.
Our Bernedoodle walks beautifully on the 3/8” sidekick. We find that she is beginning to correct her walking issues on her own as this leash prompts them. If we got a second sidekick for her, it would probably be the 1/4”.
Carol D.
I was really amazed at the difference it made in her pulling on leash. She was very respectful. She's still getting used to it, and once in awhile pulls it off her nose, but not very often.
Nikita C.
I cried the first my dog went on a walk with me NOT PULLING!! I am currently working with my younger dog so another 6 years doesn't go by again with bad leash training very very grateful to have this leash making walks more enjoyable!
Cindy C.
Pretty sure we rescued the dumbest, most stubborn dog ever, but this leash did the trick. She doesn’t come when called, won’t sit - but she does FINALLY walk by my side without pulling my shoulder out of the socket. I highly recommend it!
Tom C.
Great training for pulling dogs and dual purpose leash.
Leslie b.
Love the concept, but after a week the robe Started to shred. I am to nervous to use it just in case it completely breaks apart. They are expensive to replace .
Kim d.
I have raised 5 service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence and am used to using a halti, and then they went to gentle leaders. Both are great tools but I really like that the sidekick does NOT swivel the head and with my 9 month old golden, it really is fingertip control. Great product to have in those situations with high distractions!
Deborah D.
Works great
Kandie S.
It works good my friends dog it works for her dog
Beth E.
This is the only kind of leash that has made a difference for our dogs' leash reactivity. I have worked with three different trainers, and finally, the third one recommended a Transition Leash. I then found your company on the internet. What a blessing!! Thank you so much!
Haleigh F.
The sidekick is a game changer for reactive dogs! My dog Loki struggles with anxiety and dog reactivity. I’ve been training consistently for a year using another slip lead, and while I saw results, nothing compares to results I’ve seen with the sidekick. He is so much more calm and confident with the sidekick. I also think it is much more comfortable for him than other slip leads. I will absolutely be recommending the sidekick to everyone I know!
Haleigh F.
I love the sidekick mini, and so does Master Pippin! Pippin is already a pretty great walker but every once in awhile when he’s excited or anxious, he’ll pull just a little too much for my liking. This is when I’ll utilize the halter loop. He stays right by my side, and I can tell he’s in a much more calm state. I love the versatility of this leash so much!