Myths And Truth About Dog Harnesses

The dog harness is becoming the main option for walking the animal on the street. However, there are still many myths and misinformation about this tool, which we will analyze below.

Lack of knowledge makes many owners continue to opt for classic collars ; which generally have adverse effects on the health of dogs. In fact, harnesses for dogs are neither expensive nor dangerous; and yes much more comfortable for the animal.

Like so many other special objects for pets, we can find many types of harness for dogs on the market. Personal preferences and price are the factors that most intervene for a person to choose a certain model or brand.

From this, many people have doubts about its use and the myths that surround it.

1. the dog pulls more

Harness criticism often begins with this argument. Whoever uses it says this based on dogs that pull sleds and wear a kind of harness.

However, their behavior has nothing to do with the harness; it is not instinctive for animals to wear a dog harness and start pulling or running.

In fact, dogs that pull sleds or do running sports need to be taught to do their job.

Pushing to pull or run in a straight line surrounded by more dogs is not one of his instincts.

The harness does not have the opposite effect either. That is, if the dog pulls the chain when it is on a leash, it will also do so with a harness.

There is no magic solution; for a dog to stop pulling on the chain, you have to teach it.

1. harnesses are okay

The use of a harness for dogs instead of a collar is defended, as the latter bothers and causes  damage to the neck.

However, there are  some types of harnesses that can be harmful: not all support the dog’s weight on the bones and; misused, they can cause harm in other ways.

Front support harnesses, also called anti-pull harnesses, can cause injury; such as contractures or dislocations.

They are a great example that not all types of harnesses for dogs are harmless, as their long-term use ends up causing pain.

We should not consider muzzle type harnesses. This group consists of nylon cords that are placed on the animal’s head and muzzle. The collar is below the jaw. In fact, it’s a collar that causes severe damage and pain from the first moment it’s put on. They are absolutely not recommended.

1. The dog escapes more easily

Many owners concerned about their dogs are afraid to put on a harness; since they consider it easier for the dog to escape than with a collar.

These people generally opt for collars with movable elements, which prevent the dog from escaping by squeezing the neck, such as martingales.

For these cases, special anti-exhaust harnesses were created: the so-called “three-pointed” harnesses.

These harnesses have an extra support strap that attaches to the dog’s belly where he is thinner. So; no matter how hard it moves and tries to get it out, the dog can’t get the strip across its chest and escape.

1. They are very expensive, collars are cheaper

As well as collars, beds  and feeders, there is a wide range of harness prices on the market.

Of course there are expensive harnesses, but in fact there is a very wide range of prices to choose from.

There is a dog harness for each pocket. No need to buy one from the best brand; or the fashion model, which will always be the most expensive. The price shouldn’t be an excuse.

1. A dog harness is difficult to put on

Yes, there are harnesses that are complicated to put on, but it will depend on the model and the dog’s collaboration when dressing him up.

In this case, we can also choose. There are some who need the dog to be more manipulated; and others where you don’t even have to touch it.

For example, there are some “Y” dog harness models that need the dog’s collaboration to place its paws before it can be closed.

However, there are other models, like the Norwegian one, in which the animal’s head is placed between two straps and there is no need to do anything else.

A harness is the best option for a safe and peaceful walk with your dog. They are not difficult to place, there are many models and prices available, and if you choose one that doesn’t hurt your pet, both will win.

Before choosing one, try to try some different models, colors and sizes. Your dog will thank you.