18/06/2026
Dog study volunteers needed – can you and your dog help?
POSTING ON BEHALF OF RIVER McDONALD, CCAB
I am currently researching the impact of walking equipment (and harnesses in particular) on dog gait and movement, and still need lots more doggy volunteers to come over to the Bush Estate (EH25 9R, near Dick Vet) and be filmed walking on a loose lead in various bits of equipment (their own normal walking equipment, a collar and lead and three popular harness brands).
All kinds of dogs and all kinds of equipment welcome (and encouraged!). I am particularly keen to get more Labs, Bulldogs, Pugs, Dobermans, Greyhounds, Spaniels and Border Terriers in, but any dog that fits study criteria is welcome to sign up!
The video study will involve the following:
*Filling out a short questionnaire (specific to your dog and so we can fit them for the right size harness!);
*Attending SRUC at the Bush Estate (EH25 9RG) for around 1 hour on one of our filming days (or let us know when you are available)
*Giving your dog time to acclimatise to the study area – they can explore, sniff, practice walking up and down, say hi to us (or not, we won’t judge!) – we want them to be comfortable and happy;
*Walking your dog up and down on a loose lead in front of a camera;
*Repeating this a few times in their own equipment, a collar and lead and three publicly available harnesses.
*Pose for a photo or two (optional!).
*Head home knowing you and your dog might just have helped us make new scientific discoveries about how harnesses impact our best friends!
To take part in this study, please click the link below where you will find a detailed participant information sheet and consent form where we will ask you to complete information on your dog along with their measurements (so we can fit them for the correct size harness).
Study sign-up here >>>>> https://app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk/s/sruc/impacts-of-walking-harness-design-on-pet-dog-movement
