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The Harness Dilemma: Why They Can Work Against You




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A harness is a valuable piece of equipment, but it is engineered to allow a dog to exert maximum force with minimum discomfort.

  1. They Encourage Pulling: A harness works by distributing pressure across the dog’s chest and shoulders—the strongest part of their body. It is literally an 'encouragement device' for pulling, as it reduces the negative feedback the dog receives when they strain against the leash. If you want a dog to pull a sled or a cart, you use a harness. If you want them to walk calmly, you don't.

  2. They Impair Communication: A collar sits higher on the neck and allows the handler to deliver subtle, directional cues with the leash. A harness makes communication vague, turning a precise cue into a full-body drag. This vagueness works against the Good Dog Blueprint goal of teaching your dog precise boundaries.

  3. They Can Worsen Reactivity: When a dog lunges or pulls in a harness, the pressure across their chest and armpits can trigger a natural opposition reflex—the instinct to pull harder against pressure. This can fuel frantic, high-arousal behaviors and reinforce the habit of lunging.


The Right Tool, The Right Job: When Harnesses Shine


We are not anti-harness; we are pro-precision. Harnesses have a very specific and necessary time and place:

  • Designated Activity Signal: A harness can be used to indicate a specific job. If your dog is trained in search and rescue, tracking, or competitive pulling, putting on the harness is their cue that it's time to engage that specific drive.

  • Safety Backup: For brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds or dogs with known medical issues in the neck, a harness can be used as a primary safety measure.

  • Car Safety: They are essential for securing your dog with a seatbelt in the car.

For these specific purposes, the harness is an excellent, clear signal for your dog.


The Collar Advantage: Precision and Communication


For daily training and establishing manners, the collar is superior because it facilitates clear communication and is a foundation of Freedom Within Boundaries.

  1. Precise Feedback: The collar allows for the precise, timely feedback necessary to define the boundary of acceptable leash walking (as taught in our Leash Pulling post). A gentle, precise correction from a slip lead or properly used training collar tells the dog, "The limit is here, return to the 'Sweet Spot' for relief."

  2. Focus on the Handler: Because a collar allows for directional control with minimal effort, the dog learns to constantly check in with the handler to anticipate movement. This reinforces you as the central focus, a core pillar of a Confident Dog.

  3. Generalizing Obedience: Our title-winning system requires the dog to obey a simple physical cue regardless of distraction. The collar is the most effective tool for generalizing obedience from the home to the noisy, real world.

Ultimately, your dog's confidence and reliability come from having clear rules. For the daily habit of walking calmly by your side, the collar provides the clearest, most direct line of communication, leading to a much better-mannered dog.


Ready to Master Precise Leash Manners?


Switching from a harness to a collar often requires adjusting your handling skills and learning the timing of the Good Dog Blueprint system. If you need help transitioning your dog or resolving pulling and reactivity, we can help.

👉 [Click here to schedule your in-home Model Canine Hour and establish precise leash communication today!]


Learn More from The Good Dog Blueprint


We believe education is the key to creating a truly Confident Dog. If you found this article helpful, explore our other posts for tips on leash pulling, impulse control, and achieving long-term reliability.

👉 [Link to Main Blog Page: Read More Blueprint Philosophy and Training Tips Here]

Category Recommendation: Manners & Obedience

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