No-pull dog harness FAQs
2 Hounds Design
What is the best harness to stop pulling?
We recommend a front-clip no-pull harness when training a dog to walk on a leash without pulling. It removes dangerous pressure from a dog’s neck while reducing its ability to pull.
Are no-pull harnesses good for dogs?
Yes. The best no-pull dog harnesses are well-designed and reduce pressure on a dog’s joints and neck when they pull.
Is a harness or collar better to stop pulling?
Traditional neck collars should not be used for restraining or controlling your dog because they can cause tension and stress on the dog’s neck. “Dogs that pull on leash are at an increased risk of choking,” says veterinarian Baker. She explains that tracheal collapse is another potential consequence. A 2020 study using canine neck models with pressure sensors confirmed the danger, concluding that all types of dog collars have the potential to cause harm to a dog’s neck. A flat neck collar’s only purpose is for attaching your dog’s ID tags or for decoration. A body harness is a much safer and more effective way of walking a dog that pulls.
How does a no-pull harness stop a dog from pulling?
Front-clip no-pull dog harnesses discourage pulling by pivoting the dog toward you whenever the leash is taut. No-pull harnesses come in two basic designs: A Y-shaped chest strap or a strap that lays horizontally across the chest. Y-shaped harnesses better allow for total freedom of movement. “Any product that forms a Y shape around the dog’s neck and under the chest is non-restrictive,” says Zink.
Why do dogs pull on leash?
“Dogs may pull on a leash due to hypersensitivity to all that is going on around them as well as a lack of proper leash training as a puppy,” says Baker. No dog is born innately understanding how to walk on a leash. They pull because they naturally walk faster than we do and want to get to the park, greet another dog, or sniff something interesting. Typically they continue to pull because they’ve discovered that, when they do, they get to move forward.
How do I fit a no-pull harness to my dog?
Finding the best harness for your dog is like choosing the perfect running sneakers: Fit is crucial. There’s nothing scarier than your dog wriggling or backing out of a loose-fitting harness. An ill-fitting harness will also be uncomfortable, and if it is too tight, it can cause chafing. Sagging harnesses can impede a dog’s full range of shoulder or leg movement. A well-fitting harness should be snug but not too tight, with enough room to fit two to three fingers under all the straps. Check the sizing charts and read the instructions for measuring your dog. When buying online, measure carefully and check the return policy before ordering.
Will a no-pull harness teach my dog to stop pulling?
Front-clip no-pull harnesses are not a magic bullet that will instantly stop your dog from pulling, but they are a management tool. The best way to stop your dog from pulling is to train loose leash walking using positive reinforcement. If your dog is a veteran puller, no humane piece of equipment will teach them to stop pulling, but a good harness will help you manage and control your dog while teaching them leash manners. If you keep walking whenever your dog pulls, you are not only missing out on the chance to train loose leash walking, but you are also reinforcing pulling.
What’s the best leash for a dog who pulls?
Baker prefers a standard 4- to 6-foot-long leather leash for dog walking. She recommends avoiding retractable leashes, which present a variety of safety concerns for both dogs and their walkers.
Why don’t we recommend prong, choke, and e-collars?
We only considered no-pull equipment that does not cause pain or discomfort for a dog. Prong, choke, and shock collars are all designed to punish a dog by inflicting pain around the neck whenever they pull. Prong collars and choke chains can also cause damage to a dog’s neck. “As a general rule, I don’t like anything that puts too much pressure on the neck,” says Siracusa. “Definitely no prong or shock collars. Even a martingale-type collar, which I do like, will not prevent the dog from pulling [and] will apply pressure on the neck.”
Is there a humane alternative to no-pull harnesses?
Head halters are a humane alternative to body harnesses. Baker recommends their use on dogs that pull. “If you lead the head, the body follows,” she explains. Head halters may not be appropriate for every dog. Siracusa says that using a head halter can result in whiplash or neck or spine pain if your pup is easily over-aroused or highly reactive on leash.
Is there such a thing as a “chew-proof” harness?
There is no such thing as a chew-proof harness. A chewed-up harness is not a manufacturer defect or the result of poor design or materials. A determined dog or teething puppy can destroy a brand-new harness in less than 30 seconds, so take the harness off them when unsupervised. Be sure to remove a harness to prevent injury when dogs roughhouse, as teeth and limbs can get entangled.
