Walking Dogs in Harnesses – Busting the Myth about Pulling
- rosysnell
- Apr 11, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Jan 18
When it comes to walking equipment, there’s no shortage of opinions. One common claim is that harnesses cause dogs to pull on the lead – but is this really true? Let’s explore the facts and uncover the real reasons why dogs pull.
Do harnesses ‘make dogs pull’?
Critics often argue that dog harnesses were originally designed for sled dogs, so they encourage pulling. While it’s true that harnesses used in sports like sledding or canicross are designed to maximise pulling power and prevent injury, this doesn’t mean that every harness turns your dog into a wannabe husky.
There is ample anecdotal evidence that a harness doesn’t automatically make a dog pull. Take my dog Lyra, for example: she pulls hard in her specialised canicross harness when running, but she’s perfectly capable of walking nicely on a lead in her everyday harness. Clearly, the harness itself isn’t the issue – so why do dogs pull?
Why do dogs pull on the lead?
Dogs pull on the lead for a variety of perfectly natural reasons, such as:
Curiosity: they want to reach an interesting sniff or object just out of reach.
Different pace: dogs naturally walk faster than humans.
Excitement: they’re eager to reach an off-lead area or exciting destination.
Anxiety: they want to escape a situation, such as a noisy road or crowd.
It’s important to note that your dog isn’t pulling because they’re trying to 'dominate' you or be a 'pack leader'. That’s an outdated myth. Instead, their pulling is simply a result of natural behaviour and they haven't yet been trained to do otherwise!
Can a harness stop my dog from pulling?
Some harnesses, marketed as anti-pull or no-pull harnesses, claim to reduce pulling. These often feature a strap across the chest that restricts shoulder movement. While they may limit pulling strength, they also interfere with your dog’s natural gait and can lead to long-term joint issues, such as arthritis or bursitis.
Instead, I recommend Y-shaped harnesses, combined with a 1.5 to 2-metre fixed length lead. This setup allows your dog to move naturally and comfortably as well as explore and sniff without hitting the end of the lead too quickly. However, even the best equipment is not a long-term solution for strong pullers. So, what is the real answer?
Training is key to loose lead walking
The only way to truly stop your dog from pulling is through consistent, positive training. Dogs often pull because they’ve been unintentionally rewarded for it. For example, if pulling on the lead has always allowed them to reach sniffing spots or exciting places, they’ve learned that pulling works. Retractable leads can reinforce this behaviour, as the dog learns that creating tension on the lead by pulling allows them to move forwards.
To teach your dog to walk nicely, you’ll need to reward the behaviours you want – such as keeping the lead loose and checking in with you – and prevent them from practicing the behaviours you don’t want, like pulling.
Need help? Try my one-to-one training
Loose lead walking takes time, patience, and the right techniques. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can get the help you need with my one-to-one training package.
I offer in-person dog training in Warwickshire, tailored to you and your dog’s specific needs. Together, we’ll create a personalised training plan that works for your lifestyle and ensures your dog learns to enjoy walking politely on the lead!