Harnesses Are Not Good Tools for Dogs That Pull

Most dog owners who choose to use a harness do so for understandable reasons. When a dog pulls on the leash, the last thing you want is for them to choke or hurt themselves. While this thought process makes sense from a human perspective, it unintentionally reinforces the very behavior you want to avoid. Instead of solving the problem, relying on a harness can enable pulling, making walks less enjoyable and productive for both you and your dog.

Believe it or not using a harness might be doing more harm than good and training your dog, rather than just managing their behavior, leads to long-term benefits.

If you’re not ready to train your dog to be off-leash, using a flat collar or martingale can be a better alternative—but ultimately, investing in training is the key to creating a lasting, positive bond with your dog.

Why Harnesses Often Enable Unwanted Behavior

Why People Choose Harnesses

Many people opt for harnesses because their dogs pull on the leash, and they want to prevent their pet from damaging their neck or choking. While this is a well-meaning decision, harnesses don’t actually stop pulling. Instead, they remove the physical feedback a dog would get from a collar, allowing the dog to pull with more freedom.

Without the discomfort or correction that a collar provides, a harness enables dogs to continue pulling, which leads to more frustration for the owner. You might find yourself constantly pulled along by your dog, all while the harness reinforces this unwanted behavior.

The Disservice of Avoiding Training

Harnesses Don’t Teach Your Dog to Walk Better

Using a harness might feel like a solution to pulling, but it’s really just a band-aid. When your dog pulls with a harness, they aren’t learning how to walk better—they’re simply able to pull without consequence. This means that the underlying problem, the lack of proper leash behavior, is never addressed.

Without proper training, dogs don’t understand what is expected of them on walks. You might be preventing the choking, but you’re also missing out on valuable opportunities to teach your dog how to behave and walk calmly by your side.

The Better Option: Training Your Dog

Dogs Are Like Children: If You Don’t Train Them, You Have to Restrain Them

As we always say, “Dogs are like children—if you don’t train them, you have to restrain them.” If you’re relying on a harness or any other restraint to control your dog’s behavior, you’re not giving them the chance to learn. While a flat collar or martingale provides more feedback than a harness, the real key is training your dog to understand how to walk with you—not just preventing them from pulling.

Training teaches your dog to choose better behavior rather than being physically prevented from doing what they want. When your dog learns to walk calmly beside you, it’s not because they can’t pull, but because they’ve learned that walking with you leads to a more enjoyable experience. This is the foundation of a healthy, trusting relationship between you and your dog.

Why You Shouldn’t Rely on Leashes to Restrain Your Dog

Choosing to Follow, Not Being Forced

When a dog walks calmly by your side, it’s not because they’re physically restrained—it’s because they’ve learned to follow your lead. Dogs that are trained to understand boundaries and expectations make walks enjoyable for everyone involved. On the other hand, dogs that are simply controlled by a harness don’t have the same opportunity to develop these skills.

Training is about creating a cooperative relationship, where your dog willingly follows your lead because they understand what’s expected. By teaching them through positive reinforcement, you’ll help your dog make the choice to stay by your side on walks, rather than constantly pulling ahead.

Training Builds Confidence and Cooperation

Proper training doesn’t just improve your dog’s behavior—it also builds their confidence and strengthens your bond. When a dog understands what’s expected of them, they feel more secure. They know that by following your lead, they’ll have a more comfortable and rewarding experience. This not only helps on walks but in other areas of life as well.

Training is a key part of our “Train as you live™” philosophy, which uses everyday activities as learning opportunities. By investing time in training, you teach your dog valuable life skills and foster a relationship based on trust and respect.

Alternatives to Harnesses: Better Tools for Walking

Flat Collars and Martingales: More Control, Better Feedback

If you’re not ready to commit to full training, using a flat collar or martingale is a better option than a harness. Collars give your dog more feedback on walks, letting them know when they’re pulling and encouraging them to stay by your side. This creates more opportunities for you to guide them, rather than simply holding them back.

A martingale collar, in particular, is designed to provide gentle correction without causing harm. It tightens slightly when your dog pulls, offering feedback that helps them understand when they need to slow down or stay closer to you.

But Training is the Best Solution

While collars can provide better control than harnesses, training your dog to walk without relying on a leash or restraint is the ultimate goal. When your dog learns to walk calmly, you’ll no longer need to depend on tools to manage their behavior. Instead, you’ll have a dog that respects your boundaries, follows your lead, and makes walking a more enjoyable experience for both of you.

TLDR

Relying on a harness may feel like an easy solution to leash pulling, but it actually enables the unwanted behavior you’re trying to avoid. Rather than simply preventing your dog from pulling, the best approach is to train them to walk calmly and confidently beside you. A well-trained dog is a happier, more confident companion, and training allows you to build a deeper, more trusting relationship with them.

At the heart of our “Train as you live™” philosophy is the idea that training should be a part of your everyday life. By teaching your dog to make good decisions, you’ll create a bond built on mutual respect—not just restraint.

If you’re ready to teach your dog how to walk better and stop relying on equipment to control their behavior, our training programs can help. SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN HOME CONSULTATION to learn how to implement the “Train as you live™” approach and give your dog the skills they need to walk calmly by your side.

We also host social events where you and your dog can practice in real-life environments, meet other dog owners, and enjoy the benefits of a well-trained dog. And don’t forget to check out our community initiatives, including our dog food donation program for local shelters!

FAQs

1. Should I never use a harness on my dog?
Harnesses can be useful in certain situations, such as for dogs with specific medical needs or for safety during car travel. However, if your goal is to address pulling behavior on walks, a harness may not be the best choice. A collar or martingale provides better feedback and control, allowing for more effective communication and training.

2. What type of collar should I use to stop pulling?
A flat collar or martingale is generally recommended for training dogs not to pull. These collars provide gentle feedback and allow you to communicate with your dog during walks. It’s important to choose a collar that fits well and isn’t too tight, ensuring that your dog is comfortable and safe.

3. Will a collar hurt my dog if they pull?
When used correctly, a collar should not hurt your dog. It’s all about providing gentle feedback and avoiding harsh tugs. The goal is to guide your dog, not to cause pain. With proper training, your dog will learn to respond to the signals from the collar and stop pulling on their own.

4. How long does it take to train my dog to stop pulling?
The time it takes depends on your dog’s age, temperament, and the consistency of your training. Some dogs may learn within a few weeks, while others might take longer. Regular, positive reinforcement and consistent practice are key to success.

5. What if my dog pulls because they’re anxious or excited?
If your dog pulls due to anxiety or excitement, it’s important to focus on helping them stay calm and focused during walks. Gradual exposure to distractions, combined with positive reinforcement, can help manage these behaviors. In some cases, working with a professional trainer can be beneficial.