Introduction
Dog pulling is a very common behavior among dogs that go out for walks with their owners. Studies show that a majority of owners struggle with their dogs pulling on the leash during walks. According to one study, 82.7% of dogs pulled on their leashes while out for walks.
This problematic behavior can result in many issues. Pulling is uncomfortable for both the owner and the dog. It can disrupt the walk and make it challenging to properly train or control the dog. In extreme cases, pulling can even cause injuries to the dog’s neck and trachea. That’s why it’s important for owners to take steps to stop this behavior. Using a specially designed harness is one potential solution.
What Causes Dogs to Pull
There are a few main reasons why dogs tend to pull on the leash:
Dogs have a natural instinct to explore their surroundings by sniffing. When they are on a leash, their urge to investigate interesting sights, sounds, and smells can translate into pulling on the leash as they try to get closer 1.
Dogs often get very excited and distracted when out for walks, with so much going on around them. This overstimulation can lead to lunging, jumping, and pulling as they try to chase birds, greet other dogs, or react to other stimuli 2.
Many dogs are simply not trained properly on how to walk calmly on a leash. Without proper leash training, they do not understand that they should stay close to their owner rather than pulling ahead or lagging behind 2.
Problems with Pulling
Pulling on the leash can be extremely problematic and even dangerous for dogs. One major risk is trachea damage and neck injury. A dog that pulls hard on a regular collar can put excessive pressure on the trachea, which is the tube running from mouth to lungs. The continuous tugging motion can irritate or bruise the trachea, potentially causing a condition known as tracheal collapse in severe cases. Tracheal collapse causes the trachea to flatten, making breathing more difficult for the dog.
The force from pulling on a collar can also lead to other neck injuries. According to https://www.petsafe.com/blog/could-pulling-on-the-leash-hurt-your-dog/, hard pulling and jerking movements may injure nerves, vertebrae in the neck region. A study in Frontiers in Veterinary Science found neck collar restraint while leash walking had detrimental effects on dog welfare and health.
In addition to physical harm, pulling makes walks frustrating and tiring for owners. A dog that constantly pulls against the leash is difficult to control and can overpower many owners. This may discourage regular walks and exercise for the dog. Pulling also increases the risk of accidents if the dog suddenly darts or runs into traffic while straining against the leash.
Types of Collars/Harnesses
There are a variety of collars and harnesses that can be used when trying to stop a dog from pulling on leash. Some of the most common options include:
Flat collar – This is a standard collar that wraps around the dog’s neck. It does not provide much control over pulling but may be used in combination with other training collars. [1]
Martingale collar – This collar tightens slightly when the dog pulls, applying gentle pressure to the neck. It can discourage pulling but does not fully prevent it. [2]
Head halter – This device fits around the dog’s muzzle and head. When the dog pulls, it turns their head back towards the handler, stopping the pulling motion. It provides significant control over the dog’s movements. [3]
Front clip harness – The leash attaches to a ring on the dog’s chest. When the dog pulls, it turns them back toward the handler. This makes pulling very difficult without causing discomfort.
Back clip harness – The leash attaches on the dog’s back. This does not stop pulling but eliminates pressure on the neck when the dog does pull.
How Harnesses Can Help
Harnesses can help reduce pulling in several ways:
They distribute the force across the dog’s chest instead of concentrating it on the neck. This makes it more difficult for the dog to pull, while also reducing strain on the trachea and avoiding choking hazards (AKC).
Harnesses give the owner better control over the dog when walking. Attachments on the back allow the human to gently turn or hold back the dog if they start pulling forward (Dog Gear Review). This avoids neck strain.
Due to distributing force across the chest and allowing for more owner control, harnesses are less likely to cause injuries in dogs who pull during walks. Pressure is removed from the delicate neck area.
Limitations of Harnesses
While harnesses can be very useful tools, they also have some potential limitations to be aware of:
Harnesses in themselves do not address the underlying behavior causing a dog to pull. According to the AKC, harnesses just make pulling physically easier on a dog, but don’t discourage the pulling impulse. Additional training is required to truly resolve pulling issues.
Some dogs can still pull very hard against a harness, especially larger, stronger breeds. Per Progressive, big dogs may be able to overcome the control a harness provides. Proper harness fit and style selection for an individual dog’s traits are important.
If the harness doesn’t fit correctly or is put on inconsistently, it can lead to rubbing, chafing, or limited range of motion. Owners need to take care to find a properly fitted harness for their dog’s body type.
When to Use a Harness
There are certain situations when using a harness is recommended over a traditional collar:
While training a puppy or untrained adult dog: Harnesses give you more control over excitable dogs who tend to pull during walks, preventing possible neck injuries. According to the AKC, “A body harness can offer more control than a plain collar” when training a dog not to pull (source).
For dogs prone to pulling or with trachea issues: Dogs with a tendency to pull or pre-existing trachea problems can injure their necks and throats when constantly straining against a collar. Harnesses distribute pressure across the chest rather than the delicate throat area.
For short-nosed breeds: Brachycephalic dogs like Pugs and French Bulldogs are prone to respiratory issues. The pressure of a collar on their throats can further exacerbate breathing difficulties. A properly fitted harness avoids putting pressure on their airways.
Additional Training Tips
There are several effective techniques you can use in combination with a harness to help train your dog not to pull:
Stopping when your dog pulls: When your dog starts pulling on the leash, immediately stop walking. Stand still and wait until your dog sits or relaxes the pulling before continuing. This teaches them that pulling means they don’t get to move forward. https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/behavior/stop-leash-pulling/
Changing directions: When your dog pulls, make an abrupt 180 degree turn and walk in the other direction. This keeps them focused on you rather than letting them lead. Praise and treat when they follow you without pulling.
Treat rewards: Give your dog treats for walking next to you without pulling. Use high-value treats to keep their attention. Reward good behavior frequently so they associate walking calmly with getting treats.
Work on focus/heel training: Practice heel and focus commands during walks. Reward your dog for making eye contact with you, staying by your side, and not pulling ahead. Solid obedience helps reduce pulling. https://www.thesprucepets.com/how-to-leash-train-a-dog-that-pulls-6747063
Examples of Recommended Harnesses
When choosing a harness for a dog that pulls, there are a few key brands and models to consider. According to reviews, some top recommendations include:
The Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness – Designed to prevent pulling by redirecting your dog’s energy, this harness tightens around the chest when the dog pulls. It includes a 10-point adjustment system for a custom fit.
The 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Harness – This popular no-pull harness has a unique design that redirects your dog’s energy to the side and down when he pulls. It features adjustable straps and a leash attachment on the chest.
The Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness – With padding throughout, this highly-rated harness has a no-choke design. It includes two leash attachment points and four adjustable straps.
When selecting a harness, look for adjustable straps for a customized fit, padding for comfort, and front or side leash attachments to help discourage pulling. It’s important to properly measure your dog and follow sizing guidelines. The harness should be snug but not constricting and allow for a full range of motion.
Conclusion
In summary, harnesses can help manage a dog’s pulling by distributing pressure across their body rather than on their neck. However, a harness alone will not stop a dog from pulling – additional training is required to address the root cause of the pulling behavior. While a harness can make walks more comfortable for both dog and owner, the dog must also be taught not to pull through positive reinforcement training methods. The goal should be to train a dog to walk politely on a loose leash, not just manage the pulling with a harness. With consistency and the right techniques, dogs can learn to walk properly on a leash without pulling.