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Harness question
I have a quick question around what type of harness everyone recommends. I went through the training program at Catch and they endorsed the Easy Walk Harness. Then today I was talking to another trainer and they had this to say about the easy walk harness, “Easy Walk and Wonder Walker both are more H-shaped – their front strap is horizontal and cuts across the dog’s shoulders.” As a new trainer now I am confused as I was just using the harness recommended to me by the program at Catch.
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11 Replies
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I like the EZ Walk harness, but tend to use the Freedom Harness because it has an extra strap that connects the parts in front of and behind the front legs so tends to chaff the dog less. I think it really depends on the dog and how the harness fits more than anything.
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Hi @Cory that’s such a great question and there are always new products coming on the market, to our benefit as trainers, and ultimately for the benefit of our clients and dogs. At CATCH we have used the Easy Walk and now are highly recommending the Blue-9 Balance for most dogs and situations. We wrote a blog all about the different harness styles, pros and cons. You can see that here.
That said, I have found that the “no pull” feature of the Easy Walk (EW) can be really helpful for a short term, while teaching a dog to LLW on a flat buckle collar. Any management tool has its limitations and should never replace solid training. Care should be taken so that the equipment does no harm, and the EW if used improperly on a growing dog, can create structural issues. The same can be said of head halters, in that they are risky if improperly used.
LLW is such a complex task though, and there are so many variables that keeping a dog and handler safe by the use of helpful equipment like a head halter or cross-chest harness may be the way to go for some clients.
A little tip from my trainer files: I found that for many of my clients’ dogs, the EW worked best flipped upside down, and tightened up across the shoulders so the cross-chest piece landed higher, above the sternum bone.
We love continuing doing the research and love it when our students talk about what’s working, what isn’t and why. Keep up the great exploration and be sure to loop us in when you find your own new favorite!
catchdogtrainers.com
Breezy Dog Walks Start With the Right Harness | CATCH Canine Trainers AcademyCATCH Canine Trainers Academy
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Regarding “H” shaped, here’s the way most folks speak about the H or Y – I’ve not heard it referred to as being part of the cross-chest piece. Both of these images are the Blue-9 Balance.
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Thinking about it some more, I totally see her point, calling the cross-chest H, I can see that visual too. So it’s just a matter of perspective and nobody is wrong. I definately see the H here -half of it, anyway. ????
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Thanks so much this is very helpful. Is the Blue 9 balance considered a Y shaped or cross chest harness. I am confused one place in the article it refers to it as cross chest and then another place Y-shaped but maybe I misread
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@Cory The Blue-9 is a Y shape. The article contrasts it with a cross-chest harness.
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My training mentor has the Balance harness that Catherine mentioned for her large Catahoula and really likes it. I tried it with my Golden (RIP sweet boy) but had trouble getting a fit I liked, so switched over to the Ruffwear Front Range harness instead. This one gives you the option to clip the leash on the front or the back. However it isn’t as effective as a “no-pull” harness as an EZ walk is, but still a good harness that has both options. It has some light padding and is Y-shaped up front.
Just another good harness option!
https://ruffwear.com/products/front-range-everyday-dog-harness-30502
ruffwear.com
Front Range® No Pull Dog Harness | Front Clip Harness | Ruffwear
A padded everyday dog harness that's easy to put on and comfortable, with leash clips on the back for walks and at the chest to redirect pulling dogs.
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@Cory , my go-to recommendation is most often the Freedom Harness. But it’s awfully nice to have choices to help customize the fit to non-standard doggie bodies or other unique training scenarios. ????
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Thanks!
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I like the Y style. I often recommend Pet Safe 3 in 1 harness.
It has both a front and rear clip. Additionally,, it has multiple points of attachments. This is especially helpful with fearful dogs or any dog who don’t like things being placed over their head.
It is economical in my opinion, too.
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Cool yes I like that one
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