Why Harnesses Aren’t Actually Promoting Pulling (Explained by a Dog Trainer).

We’ve all seen teams of professional sled dogs equipped with their harness mushing along the snow. Is adding a harness to your house pup going to turn them into a professional pulling machine?

Harnesses themselves do not inherently promote pulling behavior in dogs. Rather, pulling arises from dogs’ natural opposition reflex, where they instinctively pull against pressure, coupled with a lack of leash training. It’s essential to recognize that leash walking, akin to potty training or responding to commands, is a skill that requires instruction.

Although harnesses may facilitate pulling by offering dogs greater comfort compared to collars, they are not the fundamental cause of pulling behavior.

Teaching a dog not to pull entails employing positive reinforcement techniques and instilling impulse control. A front-clipping no-pull harness can assist in reducing pulling by granting the owner better control over the dog’s movements.

This provides a brief overview to get you started, but a more comprehensive examination of the topic awaits!

What Exactly is the Opposition Reflex?

Opposition reflex is a common trait among many dogs, wherein they instinctively pull against pressure. While it may sound like a unique canine reflex, it’s actually a natural reaction that humans exhibit as well. For instance, if someone pushes against you, you’ll instinctively push back to maintain balance. Despite its somewhat intimidating name, opposition reflex is simply this.

Using a harness may amplify the manifestation of opposition reflex or allow your dog to exert more force, but the truth is, dogs will also pull against a collar. You might perceive the pull more strongly with a harness, as your dog may leverage more effectively or pull harder without experiencing the discomfort associated with a collar.

The apparent effectiveness of adverse equipment like prong collars or choke chains in curbing pulling behavior is because they create discomfort and pain when the dog pulls. However, it’s crucial to note that dogs don’t truly grasp the desired behavior through such training methods; instead, they’re merely avoiding undesirable consequences without understanding what you do want from them.

Do Harnesses Actively Promote Pulling?

Although the opposition reflex may give the impression that your dog is pulling more, the reality is that they pull due to a lack of leash training, not because of the harness they’re wearing.

While some dogs may naturally excel at walking nicely on a leash, mastering leash walking is a skill that most dogs need to be taught.

Dogs lacking impulse control often struggle to focus outdoors and may pull towards other dogs, unfamiliar people, enticing critters, or intriguing scents. Being tugged around by a strong dog is neither enjoyable nor a desirable habit.

It’s essential to emphasize that distractions and inadequate training are the primary reasons behind your dog’s pulling behavior, not their harness.

Nevertheless, a harness does facilitate pulling. Unlike a collar, it doesn’t constrict around their neck as severely, and depending on the harness type, it can provide them with a sense of strength when pulling towards enticing distractions like goose poop or spilled ice cream, which may seem more appealing than listening to you.

Opting for a harness with a front attachment for the leash can offer you more control compared to a traditional back-attached harness. However, ultimately, to deter your dog from pulling while wearing a harness, you must make yourself more captivating than whatever they’re pulling towards.

The cornerstone of preventing pulling behavior in dogs is impulse control. They must learn to manage their emotions so they can heed your commands rather than dragging you along the street. Engaging in games alongside leash training, as demonstrated in the video below, helps instill these positive habits, creating a reinforcing cycle of good behavior.

How Can I Teach My Dog Not to Pull on the Harness?

By employing positive reinforcement techniques, you can effectively train your dog not to pull while wearing a harness.

Using a harness is typically safer for walking your dog compared to a collar. Dr. Gaffud points out that “Pulling on a collar can cause damage to a dog’s neck and trachea, especially in smaller breeds.”

Moreover, a properly fitted harness, particularly one with a front clip for no-pull purposes, often aids in reducing pulling. It provides the walker with greater leverage and control, preventing the dog from dragging you around and serving as a safer option for your pet to wear regularly.

In addition to establishing a foundation in impulse control, there are various techniques utilizing positive reinforcement and marker training to teach your dog the desired loose leash behavior. These exercises involve rewarding your dog with treats and praise when they walk on a loose leash.

I employ two primary methods when training my dogs to walk on a loose leash.

The first method is a game my mentor calls “Slackline.” When my dog approaches the end of the leash, I stop. Once they provide slack and look at me, I mark the behavior (often with a marker word or clicker) and reward them with a treat.

Though initially slow and challenging, over time, my dogs comprehend the expected behavior because of the positive reinforcement. It’s crucial to note that this method involves gentle correction, and both you and your dog should walk slowly to prevent sudden tightening of the leash.

The second game involves changing directions. When my dog nears the end of the leash, I abruptly turn and walk in the opposite direction. This teaches my dogs to pay attention because they never know my next move. This method is particularly useful when walking multiple dogs, as it keeps us in constant motion without the need for treats. Continuing the walk serves as the reward in this case.

Is it Acceptable to Allow My Dog to Pull Occasionally?

For some dogs, being off-leash is not a viable option, hence the importance of having a well-fitted harness and teaching them to walk on a loose leash.

However, what if you have a high-energy dog that struggles off-leash but you desire them to assist you in pulling activities, such as biking or running faster? Breeds like huskies are notorious for being challenging off-leash but excel in pulling sports like skijoring or towing on skis.

When it comes to walking on a harness, consistency is key for dogs – pulling should be discouraged!

Nevertheless, dogs can discern between different equipment and their respective purposes. I engaged in skijoring and canicross with my husky mix for years, yet she consistently maintained proper leash manners when not engaged in pulling activities. This is because she understood the distinction between her two harnesses; it was evident to her that when her skijoring harness was on, she had the green light to pull, whereas her regular harness signaled the need for slower, loose leash walking.

Closing Remarks

There’s a widespread misconception that using a harness will transform your dog into a sled dog, encouraging them to pull. While harnesses offer greater comfort for pulling, they aren’t the cause of pulling behavior. Dogs will pull regardless of the equipment they’re wearing, as pulling stems from their natural opposition reflex.

Certainly, humans have capitalized on this pulling instinct for centuries, but it’s entirely feasible to train your dog not to pull while wearing a harness. It requires patience, but dogs can grasp the concept of walking on a loose leash. It’s never too late to teach your dog to walk politely on their harness. Furthermore, additional training and exercise will leave your dog mentally and physically exhausted, making them more than ready for cozy cuddles with you on the couch.

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