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What Is a No-Pull Harness?
A reduced-pull or no-pull harness is any harness designed to lessen the amount that your dog can pull, while also keeping them safe. Most on the market involve a front leash attachment loop that sits in the center of the dog's chest. When dogs pull against a leash clipped to the front D-ring, their body turns back toward you rather than allowing them to use their full weight to pull against the leash. This doesn't cause your dog any pain or discomfort (though maybe a little frustration from not being able to pull).
Using a dog harness instead of a dog collar makes it easier to control and manage any dog, even those with leash manners that aren’t quite perfected. Harnesses have other advantages, too. They’re a good training tool for puppies that haven’t yet learned to walk on a lead. A harness will prevent the puppy from getting tangled up in the leash and possibly hurt in the process.
Harnesses offer better control, which is especially important on busy streets or in crowds. If you have a strong or very large dog, a harness gives you much better control and is also easier on your arms and back. Very small dogs can be prone to injury from pulling or tugging on the leash. A harness disperses pressure over a larger area of the body, reducing strain on the neck and back.
Harnesses discourage pulling. When your dog is wearing a collar and pulls on the leash, they're still moving forward, which makes them think the pulling is successful. A harness, whether attached on the chest or between the shoulder blades, redirects them. There is no reward because pulling doesn’t get them anywhere.
If your dog needs a little assistance standing after lying down or sitting, a harness pulls them up gently without causing any pain or discomfort.
No. In fact, standard dog harnesses allow dogs to pull just as much as they would wearing collars (although they help prevent neck injuries). No-pull harnesses, however, are designed to help reduce pulling (although they may not be able to curb pulling altogether).
If you choose a front clip harness, it won't hurt your dog at all (assuming it fits correctly and doesn't rub). However, there are some no-pull harnesses that pull, pinch, or tighten on your dog to discourage pulling. Not only is this unkind to your dog and potentially injury-inducing, it also generally just doesn't work to reduce pulling.
This varies between models. If you're unsure, review the literature that came with your harness before attempting to put it on your dog.
No-pull harnesses can be a great option for dogs that pull on the leash. Read through our reviews to find which might be right for your dog, since each harness is different. Some no-pull harnesses are reflective, meaning they're great for late or early walks, while others are made for smaller or bigger dogs. Others have extra padding or come in many different sizes or colors.
