Harnesses in the lead for dog and owner

When we were discussing the way in which I work, I mentioned that it would be best if her dog had a harness to do their training.

She told me she had employed a trainer before who said that harnesses cause all sorts of problems and should never be used for loose lead walking.

Now I’ve heard some tales before regarding different equipment but this was a new one on me.

You see the thing is, some harnesses are not recommended, but overall they cause fewer problems than just walking your dog on their collar.

Think about a dog’s collar, they are normally an inch or so wide and they go around the weakest part of the dog’s body. Any pressure placed on their collar goes straight onto their windpipe.

This causes a lot of pain and discomfort; you can see this when dogs are walking along the street coughing at the end of a tight lead – and no they don’t learn that if they don’t pull, they won’t choke!

There are other problems with dogs pulling on a collar. This pressure can possibly cause damage to the blood vessels in the eye, can damage the tracheal and oesophagus. The pressure can cause a sprain in the dog’s neck.

More worryingly though is that this pressure can also cause transient foreleg paralysis, laryngeal nerve paralysis and a neurological cause of hind leg incoordination.

So why would a dog continue to pull even in such discomfort? Because you follow, is the simple answer and you both get to go where they want to go, this positive reinforcement is stronger, so they will pull harder, even though in pain.

Instead, you are much better walking your dog on a harness.

Specifically, a Y-shaped harness, the Y-shape means that the dog’s shoulders have free movement.

Some harnesses go straight across the dog’s shoulders and this can prevent free movement for the dog.

There are no harnesses on the market that will solve your dog’s pulling, only training will do that.

But making sure that your dog is safe and comfortable while you are teaching them is so important.

And lastly – never use anything that tightens around your dog’s neck as this will not only hurt but will break down the relationship between you and your dog!