In a perfect world, our dog would walk beautifully by our side – on a loose lead if one is required. But it can take a lot of patient training to get to this stage and one of the best tools for the dog intent on pulling your arms out, is an anti-pull dog harness. Some dogs learn well with training collars or leads, but there are definitely those for whom a harness designed to discourage pulling is the answer. A hard-pulling dog can do damage to his throat and trachea with a simple lead and dog collar, which our resident dog behaviour expert Helen Masters warns of when she explains how to stop a dog pulling on the lead. The pressure of pulling on the lead can hurt the neck. Furthermore, if every time the dog pulls, the owner yanks the lead, there will be bad associations and you will struggle to get to the root of the problem.
There are harnesses available for all sorts of uses, such as general walking, in the car, and canicross. But a no-pull harness is specifically designed to end the tug-of-war battle, and allow you to develop a peaceful and harmonious walking routine. It’s not a magic wand, and a hard-pulling dog will still require training, but they can help you tackle the problem in a calm and safe way.
The best dog harness for pulling will have adjustable straps so that you can ensure the perfect fit. Otherwise the harness will slide around the dog’s body, or pinch, and won’t work as well. The most effective harness typically have clips at the front and on the dog’s back to give you more control and minimise pulling. Look, also, for either padding or wide comfortable straps, so that the harness does not rub.
The best dog harnesses for pulling: what are the options?
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Halti No Pull Harness
Sizes: S–L
Colours: Black
Lead attachment: Back and chest
RRP: From £14.99
This is designed as a no-pull solution for most dogs, with both a lifting action and front control steering. It’s a handy design for flat-nosed dogs who pull but who cannot wear a headcollar. It works well on all shapes of dog, and having tried a few harnesses out, I found this to be most effective on my hard-pulling springer spaniel, giving control without feeling like you’re in a tug of war.
The lightweight design allows for full range of movement, and the padded chest and leg straps keep your dog comfortable. Even after a three-hour walk in mud and rain, it left no rub marks at all between the front legs – just needed a good wash!
Designed to stop pulling without choking the dog, this harness has two metal rings – one on the front and one on the chest for maximum control and steering, as well as distributing the pressure around the dog’s body.
It is reflective and comfortable, made of soft nylon Oxford fabric. Comes with heavy duty dog leash with foam handle for easy handling.
Designed for dogs that pull or are in training. Rather than putting pressure on the dog’s neck, the Crosscheck harness uses a patented girth-checking system to alleviate pulling.
It is made in a figure-of-eight configuration and the lead can be attached either to a ring on the back for general walking, or the side for training. There is a silicone neck liner for comfort.
Colours: Army green, black, blue camo, desert camo, grape camo, grey, pink camo or woodland camo
RRP: From £26.99 |
This robust harness is designed to stop dogs pulling. It has two D-shaped rings on the chest and back. When your dog rushes forward, you can pull the front ring to control it, while the ring on the back can be used to provide less stress on its neck.
It is easy to put on and remove with four buckles. You can adjust the elasticity with the four-way adjustment straps on the neck and chest.
The sandwich mesh lining is breathable and comfortable, while the outer layer is made of durable Oxford material which is easy to clean.
This anti-pull harness is one of the cheapest on the market, but has transformed many an owner’s dog-walking experience. It is designed to teach your dog to have better lead manners, thanks to a patented martingale loop and front chest lead attachment that minimise your dog’s pulling by gently steering him in the direction you want.
While it’s comfortable to wear, as it prevents choking, gagging or coughing due to keeping the pressure away from the neck, it does have thin straps compared to other harnesses and these need careful adjustment to prevent chafing. However, it is lightweight and durable.
Colours: Black, blue, orange, pink, purple, red, baby blue, coffee, dark green, grey, mint green or rose red
RRP: From £20.99
This is another no-pull harness designed with the chest ring attachment to give you greater control, as well as one on the back. It means you can attach two leads, or once your dog has learnt to walk to heel nicely, you can just use the back ring. Either way, it prevents choking and gagging as would happen with a standard collar and lead.
There are four adjustable straps which makes it really comfortable for any shape of dog, and it’s also nicely padded with soft cushion to protect your dog’s skin, plus has breathable air mesh for comfort on hotter days.
Variety was a key factor in selecting these harnesses. All breeds are different in their shape and mode of pulling, so we have picked different formats to suit a range of dogs. Some handlers prefer a ring on the back, some on the chest – some both.
Whatever your preference, the fit on the dog is essential, which is why these harnesses are all adjustable. You don’t want the harness to sag, nor to pinch, and it should never restrict their natural movement.
Do anti-pull harnesses work?
Yes and no! These harnesses can be an extremely effective training tool to discourage pulling dogs, but they rarely solve the problem instantly. They need to be used in conjunction with firm and consistent training, to establish control and obedience on the lead, not as a quick fix.
Bear in mind that you are controlling the dog’s body not the head, which can mean they still easily get distracted sniffing and spotting more exciting things. You need to make yourself and your commands more exciting than outside stimuli. Positive reinforcement training – stock up on tasty dog treats or whatever your dog enjoys as a reward – regardless of the leash or harness you use, is the ultimate answer.
Why do some trainers not like harnesses?
Poorly fitted harnesses are a no-no for all trainers, but there are some that don’t favour them as a training tool in any guise. Trainers of gundogs and show dogs in particular have their reasons for not using harnesses. Gundogs need to be quickly released and have nothing on them that may catch or trap them, while show dogs need to have their whole body and conformation on display in the ring.
As training goes, some describe a harness as “for a horse and cart, not to control a dog”. A collar and lead, or a slip-lead, can give more immediate feedback compared to a harness where the pressure is distributed over more of the body. Detractors point out that for a hard-pulling dog, it’s easier to tug a heavy weight along with a harness than a collar, and the danger is that you may make the pulling worse as the dog goes into full back-wheel drive, which can alter their gait. However, the advantage with a harness is that you are not putting pressure on the dog’s delicate structures of the neck.
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Martha is an experienced journalist who is mad-keen on horses and dogs. Her reporting CV includes the Paris Olympics, European championships, Aachen World Equestrian Festival and World Cup finals. After growing up with assorted liver and white springer spaniels, she enjoyed 14 years with two rescue dogs. Now, her constant companion is Fidget, an extremely energetic and habitually muddy black and white springer. Martha has written on topics as diverse as a top horse’s clone to the best GPS trackers for dogs, as well as equestrian and rural matters for Country Life, The Field, The Times, The Spectator and The Telegraph alongside Horse & Hound.
