Dog Harnesses and Collars - for Dog Walking Challenges

If you are looking for the best dog walking device to help your dog walk sanely at your side, I’ve got good news and bad news for you.

Back Clip Harness - Pulling

The good news is there is probably a leash, a collar, a harness or other equipment out there that will work for your dog. The bad news is understanding what is out there and how to use it effectively can be a daunting task and often stresses your dog / person relationship.

This guide to dog walking harnesses and collars is not nearly exhaustive and the opinions expressed come from my experience and personal preferences. My hope is to point you in an informed direction and give you something to think about.

For instance:

• Many dogs can escape from harnesses, especially puppies and fearful dogs! If you choose a harness consider a safety strap that attaches a collar to a harness

Sporn Harness

• For puppies and small dogs the SPORN harness is, in my experience, escape proof.

• If your dog has long hair, velcro may not be your best option.

• Make sure any harness is comfortable on your dog. Check for signs of pinching or tightness with your dog in a sitting position and while standing and walking.

• Back clip harnesses can promote pulling. I find this particularly true in dogs bred to pull sleds, carts or who simply have an enthusiasm to get over there quickly! Harnesses are great for dogs on a long line, or being restrained in a car and is a good alternative to a neck injury from a collar that is yanked on.

• Gentle Leaders, Prong Collars and Slip leads are pieces of equipment that could be called aversive! Yet, each of these can be game changers when used correctly. When they are used incorrectly, they can do more harm than good. Take the time and get professional help learning the intended use of these pieces of equipment. Sadly, I see many dogs who have become desensitized to the misuse of these products.

• Martingale collars are the most humane collar for walking your dog because the extra loop of fabric, when pulled on, puts pressure on the sides of the neck rather than choking the esophagus. A dog that has not learned how to walk on leash will pull on the martingale to the point of discomfort.

• As much as Martingales are great collars, it is best to use them only for dog walking and remove them with the leash. The loop of fabric can create a hanging risk. Be aware to never leave them on a dog in an enclosure where the loop of fabric could get caught on anything. Further, never let a dog play in a martingale, a playmate, or your dog’s jaw can get caught in the extra loop of fabric. There are martingales available now with easy on/off clips. I prefer the standard variety that I slip over my dog’s head and adjust as needed.

Martingale Collar

Standard collars should fit so that they won’t slip over the ears but allow two stacked horizontal fingers to fit under the collar. If you have a puppy, please do keep a constant check on how a collar is fitting. They grow when your back is turned. If your dog pulls at all, these collars are not recommended as they can cause damage to the esophagus.

• Easy Walk Harnesses and many copycats have a D-ring in front and some have a D-ring on the back as well.

Easy Walk Harness

The design turns a pulling dog back towards their person, thereby discouraging pulling. These can be a game changer for some dogs. In my experience, they do best on wide chested dogs, large and small. I find these are difficult to fit on young dogs that are still growing and narrow chested dogs. It is important to make sure you have the correct fit, and I suggest getting the assistance of a trainer or store staff. Dogs that are continually yanked to the side with an ill fitting harness could end up with an injury.

• Over the shoulder and body wrap leashes do create a handsfree walk and are popular with runners. I would not suggest these for a dog without great leash skills. The injuries most likely to occur with these are to the person.

• Oh, and retractable leashes. I mostly hate them. I think they can be a danger to your dog, other dogs, and anyone who might get an arm or leg wrapped in one. Consider too that they reinforce a dog for pulling on leash. The more the dog pulls the more leash and freedom the dog gets. I do think they are a great option for a deserted beach or field walk, I just don’t like them near streets and busy trails.

It may be expected that a dog trainer would conclude that dog harnesses and collars are just a tool, useless, if you do not know how to use them. I won’t disappoint and It is the truth. Unless your dog learns how to connect with you, check in with you, and find walking at your side full of opportunities to sniff, I doubt any piece of equipment will prevent your walks from becoming a drag.