Having the right equipment when walking your dog can help you both enjoy the adventure. If your dog isn’t used to wearing a harness now, a gradual introduction is best to help your dog associate positive feelings about wearing something different. Practice in your home putting on and taking off the harness using lots of tasty snacks. Have your dog wear the harness for a few minutes every day and slowly increase the amount of time so it feels like a normal part of his day. We want your pup to get excited when he sees the harness!
What to Look for in a Harness
- Design: A dog harness should not restrict movement. Avoid straps that lay over your dog’s front legs and shoulders. Leash attachments on both the front and back of the harness are more versatile.
- Easy On/Off: Some harnesses are placed over the head, while others are step-in. For some dogs, putting things over their head or touching their feet can be scary. Find a harness that your dog doesn’t get nervous about wearing and is easy for you to put on and secure quickly. Doing some short training sessions with tasty treats can introduce your pup to the action of putting on the harness and the feel of wearing it.
- A Good Fit: If you can comfortably fit two fingers under the harness without being able to tug it forward, the harness will likely be comfortable, secure, and not slip off of your dog. A harness with more adjustment points will help you get the best fit for your dog.
- Padding: Extra padding provides comfort and reduces chafing and rubbing, which is particularly important for dogs that pull. Keep in mind, however, that too much padding can be uncomfortable, too.
- Machine washable: An easy-to-wash harness will help prevent odors and look as good as new for years to come.
- Warranty: No-pull harnesses can be a bit pricey. If there are manufacturing defects, the ability to return the harness or get a replacement is a big bonus.
Our Harness Recommendations
We recommend the Freedom No-Pull Harness for the most comfort, fit and control options for your pup. This harness has a patented control loop on the back of the harness which tightens gently around your dog’s chest to discourage pulling behavior. It has velvet lined straps and several adjustment points for the most comfortable fit. It also features a structural connection ring on the front of the harness to create a double connection no-pull harness. By using both connecting points, you have the most control of your dog.
Another harness option is the Easy Walk harness. This harness has a martingale loop on the front. As your dog pulls, the loop tightens putting gradual pressure on the dog’s shoulders allowing you to guide and redirect their focus. The Easy Walk features less coverage than other harnesses making it lightweight and breathable. The harness is durable and ready for any walk or hike. It has a belly strap that is a different color to help make putting it on a quick process. There are several adjustment points so you can get the perfect fit.
A head collar, or Gentle Leader, loops around your dog’s nose, so when they pull, it gently moves their head toward you to help refocus their attention. Your dog can still have the freedom to eat, drink and catch toys with this type of collar. A head halter can be helpful in large-breed dogs that have a lot of muscle power. Where the head goes, the body will follow! Introducing your dog to a head collar requires gradual desensitization and positive associations with the equipment. The sensation of a loop around your dog’s muzzle can feel strange and uncomfortable at first. This collar is not recommended for use with a retractable leash, tie-out or while running or hiking.
Get Help from a Professional
While a comfortable harness is key, it is not the only thing you need to keep your pup from pulling you down the street. Dogs do not innately know how to walk calmly on a leash, so we must help
them to learn what we expect when going for a stroll. Seek out help from a qualified positive reinforcement trainer to help you and your pup be the best adventure partners!
