06/04/2026
DON’T BLAME THE HARNESS
Some people believe that harnesses cause or encourage dogs to pull.
This belief probably comes from comparing our dogs to sled dogs. Sled dogs are specifically bred and trained to pull and are reinforced for it. They pull on a specially designed harness because that’s what they’ve been conditioned to do, not because a dog wearing a harness magically switches on a pulling instinct.
Pulling is a behaviour and not a harness problem. Dogs don’t pull more in harnesses, but they have far less stress and risk of injury and damage if they do pull.
It’s natural for dogs to need to pull ahead, run, stop, choose direction, create distance, sniff and explore. Being restrained on a leash is not something that dogs are born knowing how to cope with.
It’s up to us to guide them through teaching loose lead walking, using a long line where it’s safe to do so, allowing time to stop, sniff and explore. Allowing dogs more freedom of movement on walks can actually reduce pulling, stress, anxiety or reactivity.
Our dogs are not being “disobedient’’ or difficult. Dogs are just trying to meet their needs in the only way they know how.
Don’t blame the harness. Understand the “why” of the behaviour and endeavor to meet their needs.
