Why Proper Dog Walking Techniques Matter
Dog walking is a fun bonding activity for many pet owners, but it does come with risks. According to a recent study, the number of injuries caused by dog walking has increased over 4 times in the last 20 years, from around 7,200 in 2001 to about 32,000 in 2020. As more people become dog owners, it’s important we educate ourselves on proper walking techniques to keep both ourselves and our four-legged friends safe.
Pros of Using a Harness
Using a harness instead of a collar has some notable benefits for both you and your dog. The key advantages are:
Reduces pulling on the leash – Harnesses discourage your dog from pulling by distributing pressure across their chest and shoulders instead of their neck. This makes walks more comfortable for both of you.
Minimizes neck and trachea injuries – Pulling against a collar can damage a dog’s neck and trachea. Harnesses avoid this risk by removing pressure from those areas.
Gives you more control over large/strong dogs – Harnesses give you more leverage and control when walking big, powerful breeds that can easily overpower you. Collars are more prone to slipping off.
Provides handle for guiding dog – Many harnesses have a sturdy handle on the back for maintaining control and gently guiding your dog in the right direction.
Cons of Using a Harness
While harnesses have many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider as well. As
The American Kennel Club notes, harnesses can encourage pulling if not trained properly. Because the harness disperses pressure across the chest and shoulders, some dogs may pull even harder than they would against the pressure on their neck from a collar. Consistent leash training is essential to teach a dog not to pull, regardless of equipment used.
Harnesses may also be harder for some dogs to move naturally in. Particularly for breeds with long fur or prominent chests, the harness straps can get tangled or cause chafing if sized incorrectly. Taking measurements carefully and watching for signs of discomfort is important. Additionally, improper fitting harnesses could develop sores on dogs if the straps rub or constrict movement. Checking for any points of friction and adjusting straps regularly can prevent this.
When a Collar is Better
For some situations, a regular flat collar may be a better option than a harness:
- For trained, non-pulling dogs. If your dog walks nicely on a leash without pulling, a collar is fine for casual walks around the neighborhood.
- For smaller dogs. Small dogs typically don’t have the strength to pull hard on a leash, so a collar puts less pressure on their neck than with larger, stronger dogs.
- For quick trips outside like potty breaks. When you just need to take your dog outside quickly to go to the bathroom, a collar allows you to easily clip on the leash and get outside faster.
Collars give you more control over your dog with leash corrections. With proper training, leash corrections can be an effective training tool for improving leash manners. But for dogs prone to pulling, a harness is still a better option to avoid injury.
Additionally, martingale collars provide more control than a flat collar, while still being safer on the dog’s trachea than standard collars when pulling against resistance. Martingale collars should fit properly to avoid excessive tightening.
Choosing the Right Harness
When choosing a dog harness, it’s important to consider your dog’s breed and body shape. Certain breeds like Greyhounds and Whippets have deep chests, while Bulldogs and Pugs have broader chests. The harness should fit comfortably without restricting movement. Measure around the widest part of your dog’s chest, just behind the front legs. Refer to sizing charts, but keep in mind that many brands size differently. For accuracy, measure your specific dog.
Harnesses come in both front clip and back clip styles. A front clip harness attaches the leash at the dog’s chest, which gives you more control and can discourage pulling. Back clip harnesses attach at the back and encourage natural movement. Padding varies too, from minimal to heavily padded. Thicker padding is better for dogs who pull frequently.
Look for adjustable harnesses made of durable, lightweight materials like nylon. Metal hardware should be corrosion-resistant. Double check that straps are securely sewn. Prioritize proper fit and your dog’s comfort when selecting a harness.
Proper Fit and Use
Fitting your dog’s harness properly is important for comfort and safety. The harness should sit high up on your dog’s chest, not low down by their legs. Avoid a loose fit where they can wiggle out, but also make sure it’s not uncomfortably tight. Follow manufacturer recommendations for sizing and adjust the straps for a snug fit. You should be able to fit two fingers between the strap and your dog’s body [1]. Attach the leash to the front clip on the chest for better control, especially when training a puppy or dog who pulls. The front-clip harness redirects their movement for easier walking [2].
Training Your Dog
Starting harness training when your dog is young will make the process easier and help build good leash habits from the start. Use treats and positive reinforcement like praise and pets to encourage your dog to walk nicely in the harness. Never punish or scold them if they pull or resist at first, as this can create a negative association with the harness. Be patient and consistent with the training, doing short sessions daily until they reliably walk without pulling.
According to the experts at Rover, “Start young for best results. Puppies tend to be more accepting of accessories like harnesses, especially when paired with praise and treats for cooperation.” They recommend keeping training sessions short, 5-10 minutes at a time for puppies. Be patient and persistent, not forcing the harness if they resist.
Wag Walking also states “The best time to start leash training a puppy is as young as possible. The younger a puppy is when you start leash training, the easier it will be.” Use treats to reward wanted behavior and keep sessions positive. With consistency, your dog will get used to walking comfortably in a harness.
Safety Tips
When walking your dog, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Here are some tips:
Use a short leash when in public areas. Keeping your dog close will allow you to maintain control and prevent your dog from approaching other dogs or people uninvited (vcahospitals.com).
Make sure your dog is wearing an ID tag at all times in case they get loose. The tag should include your name, phone number, and address so you can be contacted if your dog gets lost (peakcitypuppy.com).
Carry proper identification for yourself as well, containing emergency contact information. This will allow others to reach your family if something happens to you while on a walk.
Bring water for your dog, especially on longer walks or in hot weather. Dehydration can happen quickly, so always pack a collapsible bowl and water bottle for your pup.
When to Ask a Vet
If you notice any concerning signs from your dog while using a harness, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Some signs to watch out for include:
Signs of pain, sores, or injuries: If your dog is whimpering, crying or seems sensitive around the harness area, check for any sores, rubbing or injuries. Redness, blisters, calluses or hair loss can indicate a poor harness fit.
Trouble breathing or overheating: Dogs should not have labored breathing or be panting excessively while walking in a properly fitted harness. Take notice if your dog seems to overheat easily while wearing a harness.
Severe pulling or aggression: Some dogs may exhibit frantic pulling, lunging or aggressive behavior as a negative response to harnesses. This indicates a training issue that should be addressed.
It’s always best to get your veterinarian’s guidance if you have any concerns about your dog’s comfort or behavior using a harness. They can check for injuries, recommend proper fit and training, and help determine if an alternative collar or head collar is needed instead.
Conclusion
In summary, using a harness to walk your dog provides several benefits over a traditional collar. Harnesses evenly distribute pressure across your dog’s chest and body, reducing strain on the neck and preventing choking. For dogs prone to pulling, a front-clip harness can help deter pulling without discomfort.
However, harnesses aren’t for every dog or situation. For calm, leashed walkers, a collar may work just fine. And for training purposes like teaching heel, a collar gives you more control. Consider your dog’s size, breed, and personality when choosing between a collar and harness.
When used properly, a well-fitted harness enables safe, comfortable walks without putting pressure on your dog’s neck. Take the time to introduce your dog to the harness gradually. And be sure to use the connection point on the dog’s back for walking, not the chest or belly straps. With patience and positive reinforcement, your dog can learn to love their harness.
The key is finding the right harness and fit for your unique dog. So consult your vet if you have any concerns about using a harness versus a collar. With the proper equipment and training, you and your dog will enjoy walking together for years to come.