I'd like to start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of these harnesses. They have their uses. I have concerns about how these harnesses impede the shoulders and gait, especially in young, growing dogs. Also, don't fall for the "positive only" hype. These harnesses ARE an aversive tool, just like the much maligned (but much safer) prong collar. An aversive tool makes doing the inappropriate behavior uncomfortable so the dog doesn't do it again. Front attach no pull harnesses put pressure on the shoulders and chest and make pulling uncomfortable. As a friend rightfully describes, they also threaten to pull your dog's feet out from under them because of how the leash is attached below their center of gravity. I have seen dogs dash to the end of the leash only to be flipped over in mid air after hitting the end of a leash attached to a front attach no pull harness. Make no mistake, these harnesses are far from the innocuous tool they are touted to be. They are actually quite aversive simply by wearing them, even without a leash attached. I've also seen quite a few dogs back right out of these harnesses and get loose. They have their uses with certain dogs and certain situations. I wish they weren't as prevalent as they are.
Here's an article with concerns highlighted by a veterinarian.
http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_7/features/the-no-pull-debate_20782-1.html
I also have to add that many pet store clerks have minimal to no training on the fitting and selection of training tools. Please be careful accepting their recommendations for training tools and their fitting.
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| A relatively properly adjusted front attach harness |
The picture above is of a front attach harness that's relatively properly fitted. You can see the straight line created by the girth strap and the top strap. The chest strap is at about a 90 degree angle to the girth strap and sits across the breastbone. The top strap is also sitting over or just slightly behind the shoulders.
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| Improperly adjusted front attach harness |
Above is an improperly adjusted front attach harness. The harness is upside down, as the black strap should be under the girth, not over the top. The harness being placed upside down means it will be impossible to fit and adjust properly. The top strap is also in front of the shoulders, rather than on or behind the shoulders. This will lead to limiting the range of motion of and pressure on the neck. The chest strap sits too low, potentially leading to an even worse trip hazard for the dog. There is no straight line formed by the girth and top straps. Fitted this way, the harness will cause undue pressure on the neck and shoulders, severely impeding the gait. This is how a pet store clerk advised a person I know to (improperly) fit the harness to their dog.
Now take a look at the demeanor and body language of my dog Malcolm in these pictures. He looks comfortable and relaxed in the top, properly fitted picture. His ears are up and his mouth is open and relaxed. In the second picture you can see how uncomfortable he is with how the harness is adjusted. His ears are back, his mouth is closed and his face tense, he's shifted his body weight funny and is a bit hunched. Imagine him trying to walk in the improperly adjusted harness...
ANY tool has pros and cons to it. Choosing which tool is most appropriate depends on the individual dog, handler, and situation. If you need help choosing a training tool, please contact me at fcdogtraining@gmail.com
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