Could Pulling on a Leash Hurt My Dog?

Dogs pulling on a leash is one of the most common dog training issues that dog owners encounter. And unfortunately, many unknowing dog parents unintentionally cause damage and injury to their dog's neck and sensitive trachea areas. These types of dog neck injuries from leash pulling can result in a hefty vet bill or, even worse, may cause your dog his or her life. 

If you have ever had a sore neck or back, you may understand the physical pain of a heavy puller. Most people feel the effect throughout the whole body, and chronic pain can easily make you feel like you are 10 to 20 years older. 

Why is that? The neck and cervical spine are one of the most important energy channels in the body. If the flow of energy between the head and the neck is interrupted or restricted, many problems may arise, from lameness to skin problems, allergies, and even cancer. 

Most people are unaware that collars can cause so many problems. None of us want to hurt our pets intentionally, and we are always looking for the ideal solution. 

Are Harnesses Bad for Dogs? 

If you’re searching for the ideal solution for walking your dog, you may wonder if harnesses are bad for dogs, or if harnesses are good for dogs. We believe that for most dogs, walking in a harness is safer than in a collar alone. 

In general, harnesses tend to be more secure than walking your dog in just a flat collar. As long as your harness is fitted correctly, it should keep your dog secure and remain escape-proof. While a dog can easily slip its collar (especially if your dog has a small head), a properly-fitted harness lowers the risk of your dog escaping. A loose dog is a dangerous situation, especially if you are walking near traffic. 

Besides keeping your dog secure, harnesses are also good for dogs because they decrease the possibility of a neck injury from leash pulling. If your dog is a heavy puller, opting for a harness versus a flat collar can protect their throat from damage. As long as the harness is properly fitted, your dog should not be able to hurt themselves.

Of course, as with any training tool, it is important to make sure you are using it properly to keep your dog safe and comfortable. An improperly-fitted harness may cause your dog discomfort, especially if it is too tight or rubs the area around the armpits. When properly fitted, however, a harness doesn’t put unnecessary pressure on a dog’s neck and trachea. 

Are Harnesses Good for Dogs? 

Since harnesses sit around the dog’s chest, they do not put pressure on the trachea or other sensitive areas. Harnesses are essential for dogs that suffer from a collapsed trachea or a restricted airway. Some breeds, such as pugs and bulldogs, require us to take extra care when it comes to their breathing, which is another reason why harnesses are good for dogs. 

Dog Harness Pros:

• Harnesses, especially front-clip, reduce pulling
• Do not put pressure on your dog’s neck
• Are more secure than traditional collars
• Can be used with a seatbelt to secure your dog in the car
• Harnesses with handles allow you to grab your dog easily  

To answer the question, are harnesses bad for dogs, the only bad harness is one that isn’t properly fitted for your dog. Otherwise, we believe they are among the best ways to prevent your dog from injury when pulling on a leash.

3 Simple Ways to Protect Your Dog from Injuring Himself

Here are three tips we recommend to ensure you don’t hurt your dog by pulling on the leash: 

1. Get a harness, ASAP! Harnesses don’t put unnecessary pressure on a dog’s neck and trachea. Even if a dog pulls while wearing a harness, it won’t hurt him or her or cause life-long damage. If your dog is a serious puller, invest in the right training tools to teach him to walk properly. 
2. Avoid choke chains. While some people will tell you that choke chains are the best way to train your dog not to pull, this method can be very harmful to your dog’s neck and sometimes deadly. Never take risks with your dog’s safety, especially regarding training equipment. 
3. Train your dog to walk properly. Having the right tools is only just the first step. You will also need to take the time to train your dog, so he or she knows what is expected of them. 

Collars are still useful for dogs and dog owners. However, instead of using collars to control your dog, use them to attach a tag with your phone number and address in case your best friend gets lost. 

Treat your best friend with love and kindness. A dog will give you years of unconditional love and happiness - make sure you take good care of his health and well-being by training him in kind and humane ways.

The Bestselling No-Pull Dog Harness

Now that you know the answer to “are harnesses bad for dogs,” it's time to invest in the best harness to keep your dog safe and secure. 

At Joyride Harness, we set out to make walking a safe and enjoyable experience for dogs and their owners. We only carry humane products that will improve both the life of you and your dog. Our flagship product, the Joyride Dog Harness, is the fastest, most convenient dog harness on the market. 

Give yourself more control over your walks and shop all of our harnesses today!