Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you have been tempted to slightly pull on your pup’s leash as a quick fix to their over enthusiastic behaviour when out on a walk? If you have, then don’t worry, you are definitely not alone!
Almost all dog owners have had these kinds of moments before, and even more tempting is to resort to something like a no-pull harness that promises to solve the issue in an instant thanks to clever design. The question is, though, do these accessories really do what they say they do?
A no-pull harness is designed with the intention of reducing a dog’s ability to pull by redirecting their movement, usually with the help of a front-clip attachment. On the surface, this might seem like the answer to all of your prayers, but the truth is that we think these harnesses can sometimes do more harm than good.
Rather than encouraging better natural behavior, they work by suppressing pulling through bursts of physical discomfort, and we know that you would never want to intentionally harm your furry friend. The far better alternative comes through a combination of proper training and well-designed back-clip harness!
The Problem With No-Pull Harnesses
What Are No-Pull Harnesses?
As we mentioned above, no-pull harnesses are an accessory designed to discourage dogs from pulling on their leash. This is usually achieved with a front-clip attachment that will redirect forward momentum to the side, making the act of pulling less effective for your pooch.
Why They Seem Appealing
They are marketed as a quick and simple fix to the problem, and often promoted as a training aid that doesn’t require much effort on your part. Again, on the surface they appear to provide instant results.
The Reality: Why They Don’t Work
The fact is that no-pull harnesses don’t do anything to address the real root of a pulling problem, for a number of different reasons.
- They do not help you to teach your pup proper leash behavior. Rather than working on training your pet, the harness simply suppresses them by making them uncomfortable.
- They often interfere with natural movements that wouldn’t even be classed as pulling behavior. Shoulder movement can be restricted, which over time will start to affect both your dog’s gait and overall comfort.
- They run the risk of causing longer term health problems, as the poor weight distribution that they cause can lead to issues like muscle strain and joint stress.
From a human perspective, imagine trying to walk around while wearing a really tight belt around your chest area, pulling your sideways every time you attempt to step forwards. That’s pretty much how a dog feels when wearing a no-pull harness!
The Health Risks of No-Pull Harnesses
Restricts Shoulder and Front Leg Movement
The way that no-pull harnesses don’t allow for a full range of motion can lead to an unnatural gait, creating postural imbalances that can cause long discomfort for your pup.
Causes Muscle Strain and Joint Issues
Dogs will naturally try to compensate for restricted movement by shifting their weight improperly, and over time this can also cause injuries in muscles and joints. This is particularly the case if you have an active dog or a puppy that is still growing. There have been many cases of professional dog trainers reporting that their client’s pets have developed shoulder strains and aversions to walking thanks to a front-clip harness.
Increases Frustration and Stress
Ultimately, the discomfort that a no-pull harness causes can make walks very unpleasant for dogs that just want to feel a bit freer. As a result, certain pups can become anxious or frustrated around walk time, which will only make their behavior even worse.
The Better Alternative: Back-Clip Harnesses
So, what’s the answer here? For us, it’s a well-fitted back clip harness. This is an option that provides both comfort and a route for long-term leash training that both you and your canine companion can benefit from!
Allows Natural Movement
With a back-clip harness, there is no restriction around the shoulders, and this encourages a much more balanced gait that won’t lead to issues with posture in the long term.
Distributes Pressure Evenly
The superior pressure distribution means that there is reduced strain on potential problem areas like the neck, back and shoulders. This, of course, helps to prevent any immediate discomfort and long lasting joint issues.
Comfortable for Daily Use
These kinds of harnesses are totally suitable for both training efforts and regular walking adventures. They help your pup to stay comfortable as they are learning the ins and outs of proper leash behavior.
Works in Harmony With Training
A back-clip harness helps to reinforce all of the good, desired leash habits, as opposed to just suppressing the unwanted pulling behavior. They encourage voluntary, meaningful engagement instead of simply forcing compliance.
Best for Leather Dog Harnesses and Premium Materials
A leather dog harness (particularly vegetable-tanned leather) offers the perfect combination of style and durability. The higher quality the materials that you choose, the more usability and long-term comfort you are guaranteeing for both you and your pup.
The Key to Success: Proper Leash Training
At the end of the day, it’s really important to understand that training matters so much more than any piece of ‘quick fix’ gear. While your choice of harness can certainly play a role, the real lasting positive results are going to come from teaching proper leash manners and building a loving but disciplined connection with your dog.
Step-by-Step Guide to Training a Loose-Leash Walker
- Use lots of positive reinforcement, rewarding good behavior with plenty of praise and treats.
- When you feel your pup pulling, stop in your tracks. This will start to teach them that pulling forward doesn’t lead to progress on your walk!
- Keep them engaged with lots of verbal encouragement and direction changes, paired with even more rewards.
- Remember to be patient and consistent, they will feel your authority and these gradual improvements will lead to long-term success!
One of the most common mistakes that dog walkers can make is pulling back on the leash when they feel their pup pulling forwards. Instead of doing this, just stop and wait for your dog to relax on the leash again before carrying on. Repeating this technique will show them that a loose leash is the only way for both of you to move forwards together.
Why Quick Fixes Don’t Work
The main thing to remember is that no-pull harnesses are a band-aid, not a permanent solution. If you rely on one too much, then your dog is going to become dependent on the restriction of the harness, rather than learning the proper behavior of good walking etiquette.
Without the proper training efforts on your part, pulling will eventually start to creep back in and you will have to rely on the discomfort of the harness all over again. Investing in a high-quality dog harness with a back-clip is the best way to ensure comfort and durability, whilst working towards achieving great loose leash walking technique.
After all, dogs are our fur babies, so think of leash training in the same way that you would think of teaching a child to ride a bike. Temporary training wheels definitely help, but the real success comes when they master natural balance and control!
Conclusion: Choose Health, Comfort and Training
Okay, let’s recap some of the key points we think you need to remember.
- No-pull harnesses can be a tempting quick fix, but we think they restrict too much movement and they don’t solve the problem in a healthy, permanent way.
- A well-fitted back-clip harness is a much healthier alternative.
- Taking the time to execute proper leash training is always going to be the best way to stop pulling for good.
- Vegetable-tanned leather dog harnesses are the best option for providing that long-lasting durability and comfort that your pup needs.
The bottom line is that your dog deserves the very best when it comes to comfort, health and positive training, and choosing a back-clip harness over a no-pull harness is a great way to achieve a lifetime of enjoyable walking adventures for both of you.
Head over to The Lille Bjorn to browse through our collection of high-quality, trainer recommended leashes. We can guarantee that you will find the perfect accessory to suit the needs of your precious furry friend. Your pup will thank you, and you can thank us later!
