Why Dog Trainers May Hesitate to Recommend Harnesses
Harnesses are widely promoted as a safer alternative to collars, particularly for dogs traveling in cars. However, there is an ongoing debate among dog trainers, veterinarians, and pet safety experts regarding the use of harnesses, especially those not tested for crash safety. This article delves into the reasons some dog trainers may hesitate to recommend harnesses, and how to choose safer, certified alternatives for travel.
Understanding Harness Safety
Dog trainers prioritize both the behavioral and physical well-being of dogs. When it comes to harnesses, several concerns arise:
- Improper Fit: Many harnesses do not fit snugly or comfortably, leading to chafing or slipping, which could interfere with training.
- Limited Control: Trainers sometimes find that harnesses provide less control for leash training compared to collars or head-halter tools.
- Reinforcement of Pulling: Body harnesses with front clips may inadvertently reinforce pulling behavior if not used correctly.
- False Sense of Security: Some pet owners assume any harness provides sufficient travel safety, not realizing crash-tested harnesses are the exception, not the rule.
Crash-Tested Car Harnesses: A Safer Choice
For travel, certified crash-tested harnesses offer the best protection. These are designed to withstand impacts and restrict dangerous movement during accidents. Trainers and pet experts agree that harnesses with proven crash-test results are valuable tools when used appropriately.
Top Crash-Tested Dog Travel Harnesses
- Sleepypod Clickit Sport: CPS-certified with a secure vest and Infinity Loop design. Suitable for car and walking.
- Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness: Crash-tested using child safety standards. Features steel hardware and adjustment points.
- Ruffwear Load Up: Built for car safety, with a padded construction and strength-rated buckle system.
- EzyDog Drive Harness: Tested in Australian crash labs, with an aluminum alloy frame for solid protection.
- AllSafe Comfort Harness: Meets European standards and includes ergonomic features for dog comfort during trips.
Advice for Pet Owners
Though traditional harnesses may raise concerns for trainers, using a properly tested model for car travel is beneficial. Keep these tips in mind:
- Verify independent crash-test certification from trusted authorities like the Center for Pet Safety.
- Ensure a snug, comfortable fit; measure your dog's girth before purchase.
- Use the harness only as directed; don't substitute leash tethers in place of certified security systems.
- Install in the back seat of your vehicle; never tether a dog by its collar in a car.
- Adapt to your dog's individual needs – deep-chested or older dogs may need special considerations.
Harnesses vs. Other Training Equipment
Trainers may favor head halters, martingale collars, or flat collars for behavioral control during walks. However, these are not safe for car travel. Trainers caution against using everyday harnesses in place of certified safety harnesses for this purpose.
Conclusion
While some dog trainers may express reservations about the general use of harnesses, especially in behavioral training, they strongly support the use of harnesses that are independently crash-tested for car travel. Pet safety experts recommend these harnesses due to their capacity to substantially reduce the risk of injury during a collision. Ultimately, selecting the right harness for your dog requires research, proper sizing, and an understanding of its use context—be it for safe vehicle restraint or guided leash walking. By choosing crash-tested products and installing them correctly, pet owners can ensure their dogs travel not only safely but also comfortably.
