How Do No-Pull Harnesses Work?
Nobody likes to get pulled along by their dog. A dog that strains against their leash becomes a chore to walk. They can tire you out and hurt themselves in their efforts to pull ahead. You may have heard of a no-pull dog harness, but how do they work? Are they safe? What makes them different?
Key Takeaways
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A no-pull dog harness normally has front or side rings that stop your dog from being able to strain against the leash
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They are healthier and safer than standard collars and leashes
Table of Contents
Why You Should Choose a No-Pull Dog Harness
Regular leash and collar combos can put a lot of pressure on your dog’s neck and throat. Puppies and small dogs are extra susceptible to damage from straining against a leash.[1] For brachycephalic breeds like French Bulldogs, it can cause breathing difficulties and pain.
Leash pulling is a common behavior in untrained dogs. A regular collar and leash will cause a dog to want to pull against it to get where they want, which can cause them to learn unwanted behaviors.
For example, dogs don’t like getting pulled back; they may associate it with a punishment and become less likely to be friendly to other dogs. They may also get frustrated from being held back and act out.
Dog owners may also take some strain, even if their dog is small. Pulling on the leash can cause strain on the arm. It can even be dangerous for elderly people, children, or disabled people who could be pulled over and dragged by a strong dog.
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Set - Lilac
The Design of a No-Pull Dog Harness
A no-pull harness will normally wrap around the dog’s chest in a Y-shape or X-shape to allow for maximum mobility and comfort for your dog. It should fall around your dog’s chest, away from their throat.
The most important feature of a no-pull harness is the placement of the D-rings. A front clip dog harness clips the leash to the front of your dog, so the leash runs next to them instead of behind them. This encourages loose leash walking and means no more straining or pulling.
Your dog will still be able to run on a loose leash with a front clip harness if you let them, but now they will have to run alongside you instead of pulling ahead and tugging you along. This also makes no-pull dog harnesses great for hiking and trail running.
If you are interested in seeing some no-pull harness options, you can check out Sparkpaws’ Anti-Pull Y-Dog Harness Collection for a variety of colors and options.
How These Features Work
A front or side-facing D-ring means that when your dog pulls, the strain pulls to the front of their chest or along their side. This redirecting force on the harness forces your dog to turn sideways or around. This directs them away from the direction they were pulling in, and they are forced to slow down.
Since they lose forward momentum from having to turn, it means that they are unable to put a lot of strain on the leash, protecting both of you. It is also a lot less fun for them since the game of tug-of-war on the leash is disrupted.
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Set Green
What To Look for in a No-Pull Dog Harness
As mentioned, the most important feature is the placement of the clips. You want a front ring or a side ring to discourage pulling. A no-pull harness may have a clip at the back, too, but it must always include a front or side clip.
A good, thick, tough leash is also a must. A thin and hard leash is going to chafe against your dog’s side and make walking uncomfortable for them. If they pull forward, it could cut into them and hurt them. Chewing on the leash is also normal for young pups, so if you are training, you will want a strong leash.
Ideally, a leash with some padding may be a good option, but any thick and comfortable leash will do.
You would also look for normal harness features such as a lightweight, breathable material and a bright color to make them more visible to cars.
Using Your Front Clip Dog Harness for Loose Leash Walking
The main goal of a front clip harness is to encourage loose leash walking. This is when your dog walks beside you with a lax leash instead of trying to pull forward and strain against their harness.
A no-pull dog harness is a great training tool, but not a fix-all solution. Proper leash manners are a vital part of behavioral training. While a no-pull harness can help your dog learn not to pull ahead, leash pulling must still be trained out of them through the positive reinforcement of good behavior and consistency.
Remember, if your dog pulls ahead, stop walking immediately. Eventually, they will learn that this behavior will not get them to where they want to go.
Addressing the Leash Pulling Behavior
If you turn walks into a frustrating experience, your dog’s bad behavior will only get worse. If your dog is constantly pulling or if your dog attempts to escape their leash to smell/chase something, they may not be getting enough exercise or stimulation through dog walks alone.
Consider walking them more or supplementing them with more stimulating toys and games at home.
How to Size a No-Pull Dog Harness
Like a regular harness, you want to make sure your no-pull harness fits comfortably around your dog’s chest and front legs. It should not be too tight, but not loose enough to slip off. Most size guides will ask for the measurement around your dog’s chest, and from the length of their neck to their tail.
The front ring should be easily accessible, with enough room for your dog to move their front legs easily. Your dog’s shoulders should have a full range of motion with no chafing.
If you have particularly muscular dogs, make sure that your harness has adjustable straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My Dog Still Pull With a No-Pull Harness?
Because they’re either not being trained to respond or they are too frustrated to listen. A no-pull harness is a wonderful tool, but it's only going to deter pulling, not stop their desire to go. They still need stimulation and to explore, but should be trained to behave appropriately using positive reinforcement.
How Does a No-Pull Harness Go On?
Like most harnesses, a no-pull harness should go around your dog’s shoulders, with the front clip strap between their forelegs. Most harnesses will clip on the side or underneath your dog’s body.
My Dog Trainer Doesn’t Want a Harness, Should I Still Get One?
Yes, you should. Regular harnesses will cause dogs to try to push against a force holding them back; however, because of the front attachment point, this isn’t an issue with no-pull harnesses. Harnesses will also protect your dog’s body and throat better.
Does a Front Attachment Point Actually Work?
Yes, a no-pull harness is great if you have a strong dog who likes to pull. It offers better control and redirection of energy without you needing to put in extra strength to guide your dog. However, your dog may still need training to get the most use out of it.
Comfort Control No-Pull Dog Harness Pink Blue
Conclusion
A no-pull dog harness works by changing the way force is applied when your dog pulls, helping to gently redirect their movement without causing pain.
The biggest difference is the inclusion of a front D-ring attachment, which causes the dog to turn toward you when they pull, rather than straining forward. This loss of forward momentum makes pulling less rewarding and encourages them to walk beside you.
By shifting pressure away from the neck and distributing it across the chest, the harness keeps your dog safe and comfortable and is an excellent training tool
If you would like to see more no pull harnesses, check out Sparkpaws’ Anti-Pull Y-Dog Harness Collection.
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