Why Some Dog Trainers Caution Against Certain Harnesses
When it comes to dog walking equipment, pet owners are often faced with a critical question: collar or harness? While harnesses have grown in popularity due to their comfort and safety profile, many professional dog trainers remain cautious—or even opposed—to recommending them in certain scenarios. This perspective doesn’t stem from an inherent flaw in harnesses, but from how their design influences a dog’s behavior, especially during obedience training.
Understanding the Purpose of a Harness
Harnesses are mainly designed to distribute pressure evenly across a dog's chest and shoulders rather than concentrating force on the neck, which standard collars do. This makes them a great choice for:
- Dogs prone to respiratory issues
- Small breeds with delicate tracheas
- Daily walks where comfort is prioritized
- Use in vehicles when combined with crash-tested dog seat belt restraints
Why Some Trainers Prefer Collars in Training Contexts
Professional dog trainers often aim to shape behaviors through guidance and clear feedback. Many argue that the design of common back-attachment harnesses can unintentionally:
- Reduce the handler's control over the dog
- Encourage pulling by engaging a dog’s opposition reflex (instinct to resist restraint by pulling against pressure)
- Prevent quick and subtle corrections during leash training
A collar, especially when paired with a front-lead training aid like a head halter, can offer more immediate communication between the trainer and the dog.
The Opposition Reflex Explained
The phenomenon known as the opposition reflex is key to this discussion. When a dog feels pressure pulling them back via a harness, they often instinctively pull harder forward. This is especially common with back-clip harnesses, which attach between the shoulder blades. Consequently, dogs can unintentionally become more determined to lunge forward or resist leash tension—undermining loose-leash walking goals.
Training Scenarios Where Harnesses May Be Problematic
Certain training situations heighten the complications of harness use:
- Leash Reactivity or Aggression: A pulling harness may worsen reactivity by giving dogs more strength and freedom to charge toward stimuli.
- Loose Leash Walking: Teaching a dog to walk calmly beside the handler becomes more challenging with rear-clip harnesses that make pressure reactions less immediate.
- Heeling Exercises: Harnesses can give dogs room to forge ahead or drift sideways, diluting the consistency of obedience cues.
Are All Harnesses Created Equal?
No two harnesses are made the same. There are several designs, each with different purposes:
- Back-Clip Harnesses: Easier to put on; minimize stress on the trachea but often encourage pulling.
- Front-Clip Harnesses: Promote better control by turning the dog's shoulders back toward the owner when pulling.
- Duel-Clip (Multipoint) Harnesses: Offer versatility and adjustability but may still lack precision for intensive training.
- Crash-Tested Car Harnesses: Prioritize safety for travel, not generally suitable for structured obedience training.
When Trainers DO Recommend Harnesses
Dog trainers are not universally anti-harness. In fact, many endorse high-quality, front-clip harnesses or specialized options when appropriate. Trainers often recommend them for:
- Dogs with medical conditions that make collars unsafe
- Very small breeds or brachycephalic dogs
- Initial leash introductions for puppies
- Secure transportation when paired with certified car restraints
Harness Use in Cars vs. Training Walks
One of the most important use-cases for dog harnesses is vehicular safety. Reputable harnesses, like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport or Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness, are specifically engineered and crash-tested to protect dogs and passengers during accidents. These harnesses are designed to offer comfort, while anchoring the dog securely.
However, these car harnesses often restrict movement significantly, and may not be ideal for daily training activities. Many are bulky and do not allow the subtle range-of-motion required for nuanced command reinforcement, heeling, and behavior shaping.
Choosing the Right Tool for the Right Job
In summary, the tools you use with your dog should align with your goals. A harness might be excellent for protective car travel or basic walking, but not the best choice if your priority is obedience or behavioral correction.
Consultation with a professional trainer can help choose the ideal equipment depending on your dog’s size, behavior, purpose of walk, and training objectives.
Best Practices with Harnesses
- Use front-clip designs for better training control.
- Avoid retractable leashes with harnesses to prevent pulling habits.
- Ensure a proper fit—snug but not tight; check for chafing or rubbing.
- Do not use car-focused harnesses for extended walking or training.
- In multi-dog households, each dog should have its own harness and tether system when traveling.
Conclusion
While dog trainers may not universally recommend harnesses for behavioral training, they play a crucial role in canine safety and day-to-day comfort. Selecting a harness suited to your specific needs—and using it properly—will ensure you keep your dog secure and happy while also encouraging good leash manners.
