A harness is worn on a dog's body. Table 3.3 compares regular harnesses and no-pull harnesses.
How they work:
A harness is used instead of a collar or halter to restrain, control, guide or position the dog. Some are designed to allow the dog to move well forward of the handler, as when tracking or when pulling a cart or sled. (These specialized harnesses are similar in function to the regular harnesses described in the table, though the shapes differ.)
Benefits:
Harnesses do not put pressure on a dog's neck or constrict the airway. They can be used when a collar is not appropriate due to an injury, or to small size or body shape of the dog. Harnesses are less likely than collars to cause injury by snagging on a fence or other object. They may be used on a temporary basis when the handler does not wish to correct a dog for pulling against a collar, for instance when trying to keep the dog motivated at a competitive event.
Limitations:
Some models can be difficult to fit properly or to put on the dog.
Risks and warnings:
Harnesses should be fitted properly and padded, if necessary, so as not to irritate the dog's skin or cause hair loss. At every use the skin should be checked for signs of chafing, especially behind the front legs.
| Type of harness | How it works | Benefits | Limitations | Risks and warnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular harness | Distributes weight of pulling fairly evenly across chest and shoulders. | Freedom of movement. No choking action. | Gives limited ability to guide or position dog. Should not be worn all the time. | Dog can escape if harness is fitted incorrectly. |
| No-pull | Puts variable pressure on area between dog's front legs and chest when leash tightens, reducing pulling. | Limits pulling. No choking action. | Gives limited ability to guide or position dog. Should not be worn all the time. | Possibility of scrapes, irritation to dog's skin. |
