Why Some Dog Trainers Don't Recommend Harnesses—and When They're Essential
Many dog owners are surprised to learn that some professional dog trainers do not recommend using harnesses for everyday leash walking. While this advice may seem counterintuitive, it is rooted in behavioral teaching and control. However, it’s important to draw distinction between types of harnesses—specifically, standard walking harnesses versus crash-tested car harnesses designed for vehicle safety.
Why Trainers Avoid Standard Walking Harnesses
Dog trainers often avoid recommending basic harnesses for the following reasons:
- Encourages Pulling: Harnesses that clip in the back can cause dogs to pull more, as it triggers their opposition reflex—the instinct to push against pressure.
- Reduces Handler Control: Harnesses distribute force over the dog's body, lessening the control the handler has, especially for strong or large dogs.
- Training Challenges: Correcting undesirable leash behavior can be harder with a harness than a collar designed for training purposes.
- Ill Fit and Slippage: Poorly fitted harnesses may slip off or restrict natural gait, leading to discomfort or bad habits.
The Exception: Crash-Tested Car Harnesses
While trainers may steer away from walking harnesses, they strongly endorse the use of certified crash-tested harnesses for securing dogs during car travel. These harnesses are critical for several reasons:
- Safety in Collisions: A tethered harness reduces the risk of serious injury to the dog and human passengers in case of a crash.
- Prevents Driver Distraction: Dogs roaming free in a vehicle can become a distraction, leading to accidents.
- Regulatory Compliance: Some jurisdictions require pets to be restrained during vehicle movement.
- Better Restraint Than Collars: Using collars in crashes can cause neck injuries—certified harnesses distribute force across the torso.
Key Features of Quality Car Harnesses
When selecting a car harness, consider the following essential features:
- Crash Test Certification: Products tested by organizations like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS) offer validated security.
- Sturdy Build Quality: Materials such as steel hardware, strong webbing, and stress-tested buckles enhance durability and performance.
- Proper Fit: Accurate measurement of your dog’s girth ensures safety and comfort. Adjustability is key for growing pets or breeds with unique shapes.
- User-Approved Designs: Look for harnesses that are easy to put on, clean, and compatible with both seatbelts and leash attachments.
Top Crash-Tested Dog Car Harnesses
The following are some highly rated, independently-tested harnesses:
- Sleepypod Clickit Sport: CPS-certified, dual use for walking and travel, highly durable, though slightly restrictive in movement.
- Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harness: Child car seat standard-tested, durable steel components, five adjustment points.
- Ruffwear Load Up Car Harness: Strength-rated aluminum hardware with crash testing by NHTSA contractors; best suited solely for car use.
- EzyDog Drive Harness: Premium aluminum frame and high-tensile webbing; tested under Australian safety standards.
- AllSafe Comfort Harness: Tested to ECE R-17 and ISO27955 standards, designed especially for maximum chest comfort and crash resilience.
When Harnesses Are Essential
Despite reservations, trainers acknowledge that harnesses are not universally harmful. In specific scenarios, they offer advantages:
- Car Travel: As explained above, legally and physically necessary for safe driving.
- Medical Conditions: Dogs with respiratory or neck issues should avoid collars that apply throat pressure.
- Mobility Challenges: Seniors or amputee dogs may need specialized support harnesses during movement.
- Small Breeds: A well-fitted harness can prevent throat injuries in toy breeds prone to tracheal collapse.
Training Alternatives
For leash behavior training, trainers often recommend:
- Front-clip harnesses: A modified harness option offering control by steering the dog's direction instead of encouraging pulling.
- Head halters: Designed to guide head movement, improving control and reducing leash stress.
- Martingale collars: Useful for gentle correction while preventing escape during walks.
Conclusion
Dog trainers’ skepticism toward harnesses primarily applies to unchecked use of standard back-clip walking harnesses, which may undermine leash training efforts. However, when it comes to pet travel safety, the consensus is clear: certified dog car harnesses are invaluable. By selecting independently crash-tested products and using them correctly, owners can ensure safer journeys for pets and passengers alike. The key is matching the right tool to the right purpose—walking, training, or traveling—and always prioritizing the dog’s safety, comfort, and long-term well-being.
