If your daily walks are becoming a battle rather than bonding time, you aren’t alone. Pulling on leads is a very common frustration for dog owners. Dog’s Trust’s National Dog Survey revealed that 44% of dog owners had experienced pulling in the last year.
While behavioural training is key, the equipment you are using can have a huge impact on making walks a positive experience again. This guide will explore whether a harness can affect pulling, how they work to redistribute pressure, and compare the types of harnesses available, to help you find the perfect fit for your dog.
- How should a harness fit your dog?
- What harnesses are good for dogs that pull?
- Are harnesses bad for puppies?
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Advantages and disadvantages of no-pull harnesses
How should a harness fit your dog?
Before getting into the mechanics and reasons behind pulling, we need to address harness fitting. “A harness can only function correctly if it has been fitted properly”, explains TopDog co-owner John Skinner. “An ill-fitting harness can cause discomfort or restrict shoulder movement, which may actually cause more pulling as your dog tries to escape from the discomfort.”
Harness fitting tips
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Loosen the Straps: Start with the straps loose to easily slip the harness over your dog's head or have them step into it.
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Check the Shoulders: Ensure the neck straps sit high enough that they don't restrict the front leg movement.
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The Two-Finger Rule: Once buckled, you should be able to fit two fingers snugly between the strap and your dog’s body.
Ensure your dog is safe and secure by using our dog harness size guide to find the perfect fit!
Do harnesses stop dogs from pulling?
The short answer is they can help significantly, but they work best when paired with training. Unlike traditional collars, which concentrate force on the windpipe and neck, harnesses are designed to distribute pressure across the chest and shoulders, making sure your dog is comfortable and secure.
“When a dog pulls on a standard collar, they’re able to push their whole weight forward.” John Skinner explains. “This is stopped with a specialised harness, changing the physics of the walk and reducing the effects of pulling on both you and your pup.”
What harnesses are good for dogs that pull?
Front clip harnesses
A front clip harness can quickly be identified by the attachment point positioned on the dog’s chest. When your dog tries to pull forward, the tension in the lead will steer them sideways, breaking their forward momentum and limiting the power they can generate.
No-pull/training harnesses
A no-pull harness is designed to provide maximum control, typically through a dual-clip system, with clips positioned on both the front and back. These are particularly useful for resolving bad habits and helping owners to manage walking stronger breeds.
Some no-pull harnesses may also include tightening straps, but these are considered less humane than a dual clip harness.
Learn more in our guide ‘What are the best types of dog harnesses?’
If you have a strong puller, you need a harness that reduces resistance while ensuring you can maintain your grip. The best harness for dogs that pull is usually a Y-shaped harness, with either a front clip or dual clip. This combination allows for:
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Better steering: You gain more control around the chest, not just the neck.
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Reduce ‘opposition reflex’: Dogs have a natural reflex to push against pressure. Removing the pressure from the neck can help reduce the drive to pull.
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Safety: Padding is essential for strong pullers to prevent skin irritation during lunges.
Are harnesses bad for puppies?
While owners understandably are concerned about harming a puppy during their early development, harnesses and collars are not bad for puppies as long as they are correctly fitted. Use our size guide to choose the correct size, and then check the fit, allowing room for two fingers to slip between collar and neck.
A lightweight, adjustable harness is a safe way to introduce leash walking. For growing pups, we recommend our reversible & adjustable harnesses, which offer quick-fit solutions for growing bodies. Always consult your vet if you are unsure about the best equipment for your specific breed's development.
Advantages and disadvantages of no-pull harnesses
|
Type |
Advantages |
Disadvantages |
|
No-pull / Front clip harnesses |
• Helps discourage pulling by redirecting forward motion. • Spreads pressure evenly across the chest and shoulders. • Offers moderate control without throat strain. • Suitable for most sizes and breeds. |
• Requires proper fitting to work effectively. • Dogs may initially resist the new feel, or be disoriented. • Ill-fitting harnesses can chafe or restrict movement. • May not instantly stop pulling without consistent training. |
|
Standard back-clip harnesses |
• Comfortable and simple to use. • Ideal for well-trained dogs. • Less intrusive for calm walkers. • Excellent for puppies beginning lead training. |
• Allows strong dogs to pull more easily. • Offers less steering control. • May encourage lunging from high-energy dogs. • Requires pairing with training for best results. |
Help your dog to stop pulling
While no equipment replaces training entirely, the right harness, specifically one designed to redirect movement, can instantly improve your control and make walks safer for both you and your dog.
Remember that the key to an effective harness is matching it to your dog's size, temperament, and training level. Stopping the habit of pulling can take weeks of time and patience, but with the right gear, it’s much easier.
Explore our full range of harnesses today, or contact our expert team for more information.
About the author
Terry Hearn
As the resident writer and harness expert for TopDog, Terry written extensively on a variety of topics close to every dog owner's heart, including a comprehensive dog owner's guide, the costs associated with dog ownership, the invaluable work of dog rescue charities, and crucial aspects of dog health, safety, and general wellbeing. Terry is passionate about providing the information dog owners need to ensure their beloved canine companions live their happiest, healthiest, and safest life.