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Innovative and Gentle, Making Dogs and Their Humans Happy
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. Need additional help? We're here to support you through your training journey, so reach out to us at any time.Maria W.
My friend had bought the original one and the quality just isn’t the same. My replacement started unraveling the first time we used it. We absolutely love the concept but the quality just isn’t the same.
Emily W.
Great customer service!
KARA JOAN K.
My dog is a puller, even after months of training. This leash enables us to go on much longer walks without all the strain on my shoulder, or on my dog's neck. He doesn't like having it on, but he loves being able to walk more.
Anne C.
Bought this on the recommendation by a trainer. Great quality- soft on the dogs nose and the humans hand. Worked beautifully! Definitely recommend!
Jillian B.
love this product! with the proper training and usage it makes a great tool!
Doris P.
Great product! Thanks so much!
Kate L.
This lease is magical for control (and kindness) with my adopted dog. We are both so happy while on walks now!
Christie O.
High quality and secure. We've only used this brand of leash for 5+ years now for our anxious dog, and it's so wonderful for him and us.
Maria W.
I honestly love the concept of this leash. My friend has had one for years with no problem. I’m not sure if the material that is being used is a different quality, but even when we received the replacement the braiding was already undoing itself and the safety connector was almost broken through. I feel that the leash is very helpful especially with big dogs I just wish the quality was there. I kept the second one because I just didn’t want to say anything a second time.
Rebecca P.
Thanks!
KELLY L.
This is a game changer when it comes to dogs that like to pull on leash. It is truly a pleasure to walk my dog with the sidekick on. I love this product. I have now purchased 4 of them for all of my dogs. I even recommended this product to my son for his golden retriever. I can not speak highly enough about this product as it has really changed walking my dogs!
Melissa H.
This tool is a game changer ! I use it with all my clients. Easy to use and effective.
Joni N.
I’ve tired several leashes and harnesses with my anxious little guy to help us have a good walk, so I was skeptical when I ordered the Sidekick, but it has absolutely lived up to its claims. I am better able to safely communicate with my boy, and it’s easier for me to get his focus back if he does see something that makes him lunge or bark. I’m enormously impressed and grateful to have enjoyable walks back!
Jacqueline C.
I have an itty bitty dog and finding a harness that works on her has been hard. This one works great and helps me control the mighty beast!
Bonnie R.
Very helpful product and terrific customer service
Heather M.
One of my dogs was a puller and the other would eat random things off the ground when we went on walks. This leash has eliminated both behaviors. They both walk calmly by my side now. I barely even need to hold the leash they walk so well.
Sarah P.
My dog is not a great leash walker, and the minute I put this one in she became a different dog. No pulling, and I had complete control of her. It is made of quality materials and I like the safety strap.
Sarah P.
I love this leash! I had a different leash very similar to this one and a friend referred me to this brand. And this one is made from superior materials and I really like the safety strap.
Stefan W.
Great customer service and great product. My dog doesn't pull at all using this leash.
a w.
I saw this product on a YouTube video being mentioned by a dog trainer as a tool for training. My pit mix rescue hasn’t been socialized, apparently, so along with basic obedience training I’m getting him out around people and dogs and everything distracting in our downtown area. I’m using the Sidekick as a sort of backup tool when he is so distracted that he isn’t listening to me. I’ve used it on 4 outings over several weeks and it has already improved his responsiveness to me. It’s a very good tool with him. Thanks, Heather’s Heroes!
Pamela M.
Excellent product and very helpful in the training process with my Golden Retriever. Besides the excellent product this company is top notch!! I had an issue with delivery and the company sent me another without question. I did end up receiving the first and contract Heathers Heroes to return but they told me to donate to another pup in need. I would absolutely buy other products from this company. Thank you Heather’s Heroes.
Elizabeth A.
Excellent product. Maggie doesn’t mind wearing the transition leash
Carol B.
I found out about the Side Kick from my trainer. I have three Golden Doodles and walking became very difficult because they all love to pull. Since I have been using the new leashes, it is a pleasure to take the three girls for a walk. I take them all separately but I might be able to walk all three at once with these great leashes! It has been a life saver for me because I have shoulder damage and now the girls don't get the chance to pull. Thank you so much for your great design!
Angela P.
I volunteer at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and love heathers hero’s.
Heather J.
Walking my pup on a normal leash she pulls and is all over the place, with this leash she is right by my side and a total difference! It’s amazing!!
Karen G.
Rope portion over nose is easily snagged by dog trying to paw at it. The rope weave has come loose where it goes over the nose. Might use a tighter woven rope so it doesn’t come apart.
Jessica O.
Great leash! High quality material, easy to use.
Anna H.
I work with adoptable dogs and at my work we have a dog who is incredibly sweet but has issues with getting too excited and having trouble controlling herself around people. I bought the sidekick to train her and help to calm her down, because of the sidekick I can now safely take her places and her energy levels while on the leash has improved greatly! Would definitely buy again! Thank you Heather’s Heros!
Pam L.
I got this 16 month old, 160lb great Dane in for training. Biggest issue? You guessed it, leash pulling and reactivity on walks! I went thrift every other tool in my toolbox before I bit the bullet and purchased the side kick leash. I've had my eye on it for a while but needed a dog that i KNEW nothing else was going to work long term. The moment that leash was on, he was calmer. Attentive to me, and needed very subtle communication with it. Perfect tool for my older clients who owned him. Doesn't require a lot of techniques to operate it effectively. I will be ordering more, one for my personal dog. The only recommendation I have is to allow for the option of an adjustable handle to allow for a longer leash. This guy was big, so if I wanted to allow him to sniff and explore, he couldn't really go far before he was at the end of the leash. Other than that, the quality of the leash was great! Soft,flexible, nice leash.
Margaret M.
I had a different gentle leader which provided some control but not enough. A friend recommended Heather's Heroes and it has made all the difference.
James M.
Makes walking the dog much easier.
Lillian H.
We purchased the leads with the recommendation of our dog trainer. At first, the dogs were not big fans but with some treats and praise, they got used to them. The leads are a game changer and I’m able to walk two big dogs alone without struggling. My son who’s 14 can also walk both by himself.
Michele D.
The sidekick is a great training collar. I like that it can be used as a slip collar and a gentle leader type leash, and even if my dog pulls off the nose piece, he is always connected in some way.
The only problem I have is getting it on my dog. Wish it was easier to do. Hopefully in time, it will get easier.
My dog walks really well with it on. Much better than a harness which he could pull out of.
The sidekick works!!
Jillian B.
fantastic product!
Tiffany C.
My aunt showed me this product with her dog and I just thought “well her dog is more behaved than mine”, but I was WRONG! This made such a difference while going on walks with my dog. She still tries to paw it off when I first put it on, but she is so calm when it is on and doesn’t pull AT ALL. I used it as a slip leash to walk out of the house and she pulled all the way to our driveway. Then I put it over her muzzle and she instantly stopped pulling! I am considering getting a second to keep in our camper. People often mistake it for a muzzle, but I almost enjoy that on walks as people don’t try to pet her or talk to us.
Kerry M.
Absolutely love these . I use in 3 different organizations I’m involved in!!!!
Olivia B.
I LOVE these leashes. This is my 3rd! This is not because they break down, but because I love having one in reach EVERYWHERE. It keeps my pet under complete control, but also allows me to convert it to a normal leash whenever he is relaxed. I have tied knots down it as places to hold in addition to it's appropriate length! Can't speak more highly! Every pet owner should have one!
Kathleen G.
While working with a difficult dog, I discovered the Sidekick while viewing some videos on FB. I decided it is worth the try and it worked wonderfully. I also do volunteer at a local shelter and I am sure it would be very helpful on some dogs there as well! Thank you!!
Jenny W.
I absolutely love the sidekick. We recently adopted a puppy and leash training was something that we were very concerned about since our puppy is very active and always excited to greet new people and other dogs. We wanted to make sure that our walks were structured and that we could easily redirect her if needed. We've seen these transitional leashes before and although it may look bad, these are excellent leashes for puppies and adult dogs alike. The sidekick is easy to use and has helped make our walks more easygoing and structured. We've really enjoyed using this. The quality is great as well - you can tell that the leash is well-made! This is definitely worth the purchase!
Debbi M.
Love love love!!
Victoria A.
I love Heather's Heroes "Sidekick" leash. Our dog is a "puller" and we struggled to walk him. I purchased the sidekick and it has made all the difference - walking now is pleasurable instead of a struggle. Love it :-)
Magdaline O.
I bought the mini and regular sidekick, both are fantastic. I use one on my border collie and one for my pit. They both walk so nicely on these leashes. I love that for my border collie I can easily switch to a slip lead once we enter the agility ring. The collar attachment also gives me a bigger peace of mind. I've already recommended the sidekick to a few friends
Victor G.
This is my third of the same item and the quality of the rope seems less than the first two
Earlene F.
There was a glitch in receiving my Sidekick but when I called I got a very helpful courteous young lady that took care of the problem. She made it more than right and handled the problem right away. It is rare to get the kind of service this company gave me in todays world. The sidekick works the best of the three collars I own for my dog. The quality is excellent. I have a 70 pound rescue Rhodesian Ridgeback/German Shepherd and this collar has been the best one I found for training him. I thank the young lady that helped me and highly recommend the company.
Jennifer R.
This works so well for my dog. Would recommend!
Renee B.
Wonderful tool for our young hound girl. An immediate turnaround to her overly enthusiastic behavior on leash.
Linda T.
This is my second purchase of the sidekick. The first one is over two years old and still in perfect condition. It was originally recommended by our trainer when my Border Collie was just a puppy. It took a while to convince her to wear it, but now we use it daily for her walks and training. The control and security I feel is unbeatable. We've tried other headcollars, but none compared to the quality and comfort you get with the sidekick. People comment all the time on how well behaved my dog is in public situations, but I have to tell them I owe it all to the sidekick.
Alixandra R.
Great leashes!
Colleen F.
I experienced Great customer service with Heathers Heroes!
The sidekick is a beautiful sturdy yet soft comfortable product. I love having all the options with this leash. The security of clipping to my dog's collar gives me added comfort as she is a young, anxious, and super energetic Aussie rescue dog off the streets.
My dog responded immediately when I first used the slip leash by itself. It took little effort or pressure from the leash or me and that was Amazing as she is very strong and wild! She never resists even when I use the head halter with the slip leash and clipped to the collar all together.
It is a great tool that I feel helps her and me to relax and become calmer and more organized. It also helps facilitate a deeper relationship for us.
I am so grateful! Coe
Jennifer H.
My pitty mix is 7 and a 5 month old puppy (maybe pitty/rottie mix) just joined us. To say that walks got enthusiastic is putting it mildly. A friend recommended the Sidekick and the older dog has walked just at my side since the first day and the puppy knows the difference between when she’s wearing the Sidekick (all walks and when in public always polite and well behaved) vs a normal leash attached to her collar for potty trips.
I’ve recommended the sidekick whenever anyone tells me their dog is misbehaving on a walk. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Heather and her crew!
Maggie C.
We ordered a sidekick and used it twice and it started to unravel. We contacted the company and they replaced it at no cost to us.
Rosa C.
Game changer for my giant schnoodle.
Catie S.
The sidekick was a game changer for my reactive, redirective bully mix! The actual mechanism in tandem with the process to settle in response to triggers/over arousal has created a safe and beneficial protocol for us through our behavior mod journey. I also love that the mini can fit comfortably under my dog's muzzle! (He would otherwise wear the regular size.) Photos attached are by Katelyn Chambers Photography
Maggie B.
Love this lead. This is our second one simply because I wanted another color. This is the mini size on my 65 pound Labrador. The cord is so soft and the safety clasp can't be beat. We have been practicing putting this leash on and training with it every day.
Jennifer B.
The sidekick has been an amazing tool to help me train my puppy when on leash. I would recommend it anyone!
Bruce A.
Fantastic training leash—made my dog easier to handle and more responsive. While my dog did not like it initially he adapted quickly. Only gripe is that the leash dye rubs off on my dog.
Norihisa S.
This is our third sidekick leash for one and a half years. Our dog, Norman, has a reactivity issue. Once he sees a dog, he freaks out and bites his leash. We feel how nervous Norman feels with the leash and have good leash communication with him. We love Sidekick, but we hope to use this new one much longer than the previous two.
jodi l.
This is an easy to use, good quality tool. I have been using it on my reactive heeler and got one for my daughter's reactive Border Collie. She loves it as well. It's nice to have the extra support for dogs with high drive.
George O.
Great quality and prompt delivery. Use it daily and it doesn’t fray or wear badly.
Loren D.
The Sidekick beats all! I've used head halters and slip leads looped to a figure 8 to create a head halter, and then tried the Sidekick. Many dogs object to a loop on their nose, but the design of the Sidekick seems to prevent this. I've put it on some very anxious dogs arriving at group classes and the owners were stunned at the difference in their overall demeanor and the ease of walking.
Nikka L.
Having a fearful pup getting used to the sounds of the city can be pretty overwhelming - but the K9 Lifeline has added so much more ease and joy to our walks! Being able to stay on track and feel safe together as we bond has been invaluable, and we all love the high quality and ease of use. We use it both solo and with a traditional leash, and notice a huge difference in our pup's comfort and demeanor when she's not on her K9 Lifeline. Thank you for helping us become a stronger and more bonded family!
Jana B.
Exactly what I needed for my leash-reactive GSD- we are finally achieving an enjoyable and calm walk for the first time! Amazing what the right tools can do!
Barbara W.
Great product and very user friendly. I love to recommend for my clients.
Jolie L.
We have 2 large, reactive dogs that we were using prong collars on (with still not a lot of control over). The trainer at the doggy daycare we use recommended these since that is what they use at the facility. This has been a game changer. This is the most control we've had (and we've used so many types of collars/leashes). We do use the nose part as well. One dog doesn't like that, but the other doesn't mind it at all. When we walk past other people and dogs now, they still get a little anxious, but the parking and pulling and rearing up have all gone away. What a blessing!
Marja V.
I have dogs and sometimes taking care of dogs from friends. My dogs and the other dogs have a lot of power and/or behavior issues. This lead makes it easier to control them and rewarding them for good behavior and I can really train them.
Colleen C.
This is my 2nd Sidekick. It worked so well for my reactive adult rescue, I decided to use it from the get-go with the new, very excited puppy. It's a fantastic tool. I wish it wasn't so expensive but it's a good quality soni don't expect to have to replace it for a long, long time. My only complaint is the long shipping time.
Laurie B.
I have a 150 pound Anatolian shepherd. I’ve tried other head collars which I never could get him to wear. This type of leash is so much easier to use but still had the nose loop that you simply slip on him. I’m having more luck training him, and I hope to successfully lead him into the vets office in a few weeks. So far so good.
One suggestion: make it a little longer for huge breeds like mine!!
Ellie B.
The quality of the leash is good. Would love to see a mechanism to allow the leash to be on top of the dog's head, instead of adjusting every time I put it on the dog.
jordan g.
Excellent product that I was already familiar with. Unfortunately after more than a month of waiting, I found out that the order was never sent after I finally was able to find the correct phone number to call your company. The product itself met all my expectations. I believe you need to pay more attention to customer service and make sure that the appropriate contact Information is available to the customer . The product itself was ideal for controlling and training my 120 pound bloodhound.
Eileen C.
After evaluating our 9 month old, very timid rescue puppy, our trainer recommended the SideKick. Lexi is an Australian Shepherd and was pulling very hard when we walked her to the point where it was very unenjoyable. The SideKick has made all the difference!! She now walks beside us and sits when we stop. We have gained so much confidence in ourselves and she is becoming more confident as well. We highly recommend this leash and are so grateful to have it!!
Susan R.
It works great and is easy to use (after our trained showed us). He no longer pulls and it seems to calm him nicely. It is so much more comfortable walking him now.
Josephine L.
She walks awesome !!
The Best Training tool ever
Marisa S.
Our black mini was about 8 inches shorter than the same turquoise one we ordered. It ended up being a little too short for us to use.
Lori W.
I love it! I've tried it with 2 of my dogs at home and I've also started using it at the shelter where I volunteer. A couple of the most reactive dogs are able to calm down, focus on handler, and learn. I'm starting to suggest it to others.
Clare V.
I had been using the Halti brand harness for several years and although it helped my dogs walk nicely, they cried every time we put it on and they were time-consuming and complicated. The Heather's Heroes Sidekick is SO easy to put on, easily adjusts to a regular leash without the facial harness when needed, and my dogs no longer cry about it! It's perfect.
Chris M.
Great quality, good instructions on use
Maureen F.
The gentle leader was a savior for our reactive dog. We are able to take her on walks without her pulling. I was surprised but I am grateful we can now enjoy walking the dog. It is incredible how well this works to control a wild dog on a leash.
Jacqueline R.
I tried several harnesses and gentle leads. This is the one….. look no further.
Marsha
This leash has helped my 9 month old boxer puppy to quit pulling. He didn’t like it at first and got super pouty when we put it on him, but I let him wear it around the house to get used to it and he doesn’t throw as big a fit when we put it on now.
Valery K.
Love this product!! I walk my 2 and 3 year old labs together and NOW they no longer pull me along!! Wish I had started using this earlier! My 2 year old lab is a bit skittish on putting it on but once on it’s amazing!
Emily S.
The newest version is bulky and heavy. The safety is bulkier than the original and it’s cumbersome, especially when using the 3/8” with a medium sized dog.
Josephine
We can’t wait to use it!!
We trained with one and had to have it
We Love it❤️
Marie A.
I was disappointed in the quality of this product. The little plastic snap-in buckle was the flimsiest I've seen and it did not inspire confidence in its ability to stay closed. Also, the nylon portion of the head collar was fraying before I even had it on my dog. Although I liked the concept of this head collar I wish it had the build-quality of a Halti.
Vera S.
These leashes are lifesavers. I am a trainer and often new dogs need a gentle approach. The dogs will pull so hard that my safety is at risk and the sidekick is a savior. It really is super easy to use and helps tremendously with that wild pulling dog. I also use this on my dogs as well for everything. I’ve had 4 of these now and will always have them.
Sharon S.
The side-kick did not work for my (10-month old) German Shepherd puppy. She was resistant and when I tried to control her, it caused a very strained bark, which concerned me. I tried to find videos that would help. But all of the videos showed calm, cooperative dogs walking with the side-kick. I would love to have seen a video of a trainer working with a non-cooperative dog to help me figure out if there was something different I could have done. I received out to the company to see if I could return (a hardly used side-kick) and they replied with an consultation offer, which would cost $75. I was very disappointed. I will try to sell the side-kick, since I do not plan to use it with my dog.
Sueane R.
I have a Great Dane puppy. Shortly after adopting him I had a significant knee injury. I feel much more comfortable walking him with the sidekick. It is a wonderful tool. My only note is it takes a minute or more to put on. So if potty training you might need another collar that is easier to grab for those moments. You def get better at putting it on. But every once in awhile I over think it or it is tangled so takes me a couple of minutes. But he is very responsive to this leash. I also think it is safer to use than others such as the Gentle Leader.
Jeremy D.
Very happy with the leash itself, however the customer service is lacking. It was extremely difficult to get in touch with anyone on the phone, and the order took two weeks to arrive. Attempts to get updated tracking information from their customer service team was next to impossible.
Terry
Great product and training support for its use.
Jennifer S.
This head collar has been helpful in limiting my dog's jumpiness and pulling. She's figured out how to get it off though - it's difficult to find a good balance so it isn't too tight on her but also to the point where she can't get it off her snout either.
Deborah U.
We love these leashes. These. Leashes they made all the difference for our
Britnie
Amazing is all I can say! Made a huge difference for my Brittany spaniel right away.
Meghan C.
This lead was an absolute game changer. Walking my dog went from a complete struggle and me feeling like I had no control to a much more confident and easy walk. I would recommend this product to anyone whose dog has a pulling or barking/lunging issue when walking.
Meghan D.
Completely changed our walking experience with our dog. We absolutely love this product.
Jenae P.
We love it. However we’re still waiting on the second part of our order to be shipped
John C.
Absolutely swear by these leads. We have two goldens under two years that are pure energy. The nose loop makes all the difference in the world in terms of controlling them on walks.
Teresa S.
I have this leash from my dog trainer and swear by it. Upon meeting a friends new rescue, I suggested she try it after witnessing her doggher fly her behind like a kite.. I ordered her the this leash and from the first moment we used it, puppers realized who was leader of the pack and it changed their dynamic in the BEST of ways. This elderly woman can now walk her pup with confidence that she won’t be laid flat.
Mitchell G.
Game changer, my dog us walking like a normal dog now and she loves it!
Sheryl B.
Love these leashes!
Bart W.
We had been using a Gentle Leader and our dog hated it. Heather’s Hero is so much better. The softer leader and how the pressure is applied works great for our dog.
Abby L.
This has changed the way we work with our dog and the quality of our walks. It’s easy to put on and works so effectively.