When it comes to leash training, many dog owners struggle with their pup pulling on walks. In an effort to control pulling, harnesses have become the go-to option for many people—but what if harnesses are actually making the problem worse? While harnesses have their place, they do not teach dogs to walk properly. In fact, they often encourage pulling due to how they distribute pressure across a dog’s body. A properly fitted collar, combined with training, is a safe and effective way to teach a dog to walk politely on a leash. Let’s dive into why harnesses don’t train proper leash behavior, why collars are not dangerous when fitted correctly, and how to actually teach your dog to walk nicely on a leash.
- Why Harnesses Encourage Pulling Instead of Preventing It
Many people turn to harnesses because they believe they provide better control over their dog and prevent choking. However, harnesses were originally designed for pulling—think sled dogs, working dogs, and weight-pulling sports.
✔️ The Problem With Harnesses for Leash Training
• Encourage Opposition Reflex: When pressure is applied, a dog’s natural instinct is to lean into the resistance, leading to more pulling.
• Distributes Pressure Across the Chest: Instead of discouraging pulling, a harness allows the dog to put their full weight into pulling forward.
• Gives Dogs More Power: The strength of a dog’s shoulders and chest makes it easier to pull harder, compared to using a collar where pulling is uncomfortable.
🚨 Key Takeaway: Harnesses do not stop pulling—they often make it worse! If a dog learns that pulling gets them where they want to go, they will continue to pull.
- The Truth About Collars: Safe When Fitted Correctly
One of the biggest misconceptions about collars is that they are dangerous or can cause trachea damage. While an improperly fitted collar or excessive force can cause harm, a well-fitted collar used with proper training is perfectly safe.
✔️ How to Properly Fit a Collar for Safety
• It should be snug but not tight – You should be able to fit two fingers comfortably between the collar and your dog’s neck.
• Positioning matters – The collar should sit high on the neck, just behind the ears, not low on the shoulders where dogs have more strength.
• Use a flat buckle or martingale collar – These prevent slipping while being gentle on the neck.
🚨 When Collars Become a Problem
❌ Using prong collars or choke chains improperly—these require expertise to avoid harm.
❌ Allowing the collar to sit too low—this gives dogs more strength to pull.
❌ Using excessive force—leash jerks or yanking can cause injury, which is why training matters more than the tool itself.
📌 Key Takeaway: A collar does not cause harm when properly fitted and used correctly. Many professional trainers recommend a well-fitted flat collar for leash training over a harness.
- The Right Way to Train a Dog to Walk on a Leash
Instead of relying on gear to control pulling, the best solution is proper leash training. A well-trained dog will walk politely on a leash regardless of whether they are in a collar or a harness.
✔️ How to Train a Dog to Walk Nicely on a Leash
1️⃣ Start in a Low-Distraction Environment – Train in your yard or inside before moving to busy areas.
2️⃣ Use a Short Leash (4-6 feet) & a Collar – Gives better control than long leashes or retractables.
3️⃣ Reward for Loose Leash Walking – Give treats or praise whenever your dog walks next to you without pulling.
4️⃣ Stop When They Pull – If your dog pulls, stop walking. Resume only when they stop pulling.
5️⃣ Change Direction Often – This keeps your dog engaged and prevents them from charging ahead.
6️⃣ Be Consistent & Patient – Training takes time and repetition, but consistency is key!
📌 Key Takeaway: No tool alone will train your dog—only proper training will teach loose-leash walking.
- When a Harness is the Right Choice
While harnesses are not ideal for leash training, they can be useful in specific situations:
✔️ For Toy Breeds & Dogs with Trachea Issues – Some small breeds (like Chihuahuas) are prone to collapsing trachea, so a harness may be safer.
✔️ For Hiking & Active Dogs – If your dog is running, climbing, or doing outdoor activities, a harness provides better safety and control.
✔️ For Dogs That Pull Excessively (as a Temporary Solution) – Front-clip harnesses (such as Easy Walk) can reduce pulling while working on leash training.
🚨 When NOT to Use a Harness:
• If you’re actively leash training and trying to stop pulling.
• If your dog pulls harder in a harness due to opposition reflex.
• If you are using a back-clip harness, which encourages pulling instead of discouraging it.
📌 Key Takeaway: Harnesses are a management tool, not a training tool. If you use one, it should be combined with proper leash training.
- The Best Option for Most Dogs: Collar + Training
For most dogs, a well-fitted collar combined with training is the best choice for leash manners. A collar:
✔️ Encourages loose leash walking rather than pulling.
✔️ Provides better communication between handler and dog.
✔️ Is lighter and more comfortable than a harness.
✔️ Works as a simple, effective training tool when used correctly.
If pulling is an issue, focus on training—not gear. Switching from a harness to a collar without changing training methods won’t stop pulling. The key is to teach your dog proper leash behavior so that they walk politely no matter what equipment you use.
- Final Thoughts: Harnesses vs. Collars—Which Is Best?
✔️ Harnesses are great for certain situations (small breeds, hiking, medical issues), but they do not train a dog to walk nicely—and often encourage pulling.
✔️ Collars, when fitted correctly, are safe and provide better control for leash training.
✔️ The best solution is not the tool—it’s training! No matter what equipment you use, proper loose leash walking training is the key to success.
The Bottom Line:
If you want your dog to walk calmly without pulling, focus on training over tools. A properly fitted collar and a structured training plan will lead to a better-behaved dog on walks—no harness required!
