A no pull harness is a training tool that may deter your dog from pulling forward because compared to a regular harness, the switched weight distribution will pull your dog towards you instead.
It’s important to understand that a no pull harness is not a substitute to properly teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash. And it shouldn’t be used excessively if your dog continues to pull, as it can negatively impact your dog’s shoulders, especially if the design is not a good fit for your dog in the first place, which is often the case.
If you’re struggling to teach your dog how to walk on a loose leash, it’s best to work with a qualified dog trainer. They can assess your situation and provide you with support and a tailored training plan.
How Does A No Pull Harness Work?
A so called no pull harness is also often called a front-attaching dog harness. Because in essence, that’s how they work.
By attaching the leash in the front (around your dog’s chest area) instead of the back, you’re redistributing your dog’s weight when they pull forward.
In simple terms, your dog can’t pull away from you when they pull forward. Because the leash is attached on the front, pulling forward actually pulls your dog towards you instead.
Which No Pull Harness Should You Buy?
When it comes to finding the best no pull harness for your dog, it is more important to pick the right design than it is to buy a particular brand.
To put it simply, a dog’s shoulder has a wide range of movement, which should not be restricted by a harness. Because of this, it’s recommended that dogs wear ‘Y’-shaped harnesses, rather than the ones that have a straight bar across the dog’s chest.
Here’s a video that illustrates a dog’s ability to move while wearing different types of harnesses:
And here are two popular Y-shaped no pull harness brands you can try:
That said, all dogs are different in their size and proportions, so if you’re unsure on what’s best, you can look for a professional harness fitting near you – this is a service that’s sometimes offered by vets and qualified dog trainers.
Why A No Pull Harness Might Now Work
Some dogs find it easy to learn how to walk on a leash, but not all dogs are the same.
If your dog is a determined puller, a no pull harness might not be the easy-fix solution that you’re hoping for. In this case it’s best to seek help from a qualified dog trainer. Be mindful that dog training is an unregulated industry in Australia, so if you’re not sure where to find a good trainer for your situation, we recommend asking your regular vet for a recommendation.
How To Stop A Dog From Pulling
The best solution for excessive pulling is training. And yes, some dogs are stubborn and determined, and you may be training them for a long time before they walk on a loose leash.
But once you successfully taught your dog how to walk on a loose leash, you won’t have to worry about no pull harnesses and other similar products anymore.
Be aware that there’s no single one training method that works for each and every dog. Because of this, it’s often best to seek help from a qualified dog trainer if you reached a roadblock.
They can assess your individual dog, provide you with a personalised training plan and offer the support you need while training your dog.
