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Rope harness
Hi,
Just wondering if anyone here tried this harness? Is this considered aversive?
Thank you.
Patrick
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21 Replies
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Hi Patrick @Pkoh – This is a great question – we’re going to be getting into some good conversations about equipment soon and this is a super lead-in (pun intended!) ????
So, from the photo, it looks like this is simply a long slip line? Is there another photo that shows it on a dog? I’m not seeing the “harness” feature from this photo.
A slip-lead works by continuing pressure around the throat of the dog if the dog pulls forward, resulting in limited breathing if the dog pulls hard. If the handler jerks back on the lead, there is a sudden pressure around the throat which can damage the trachea. Some designs have a “limited slip” (like a martingale collar) which only tighten down enough that the dog can’t twist out of it, but doesn’t continue to choke them except for whatever pressure they get from pulling forward (similar to almost any collar).
So they are not ideal in a force-free, positive reinforcement based training program. On the other hand, they are used very successfully in a sheltering environment because they are quick and easy to slip over even a fearful dog’s head for instant control and safety for the humans. They have their place, like so many tools.
I can’t imagine a pet-home scenario where I would recommend this leash for walking a dog though. Can you?
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Hi Catherine.
Thank you for your reply.
Here’s the photo of how it’s like on a dog.
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Thanks for this, @Pkoh – I’m still unclear. Is that a constricting loop around the neck and chest? I can’t really give an oppinion on it as I don’t know how it works.
Do any of our members have experience with this harness?
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Hi Catherine,
Attached another photo.
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Yes! the rope harness it’s not very easy to put on but it’s a very effective anti-pull tool if fitted correctly. The draw back for me is it’s hard to fit and if I wanted to go off leash.
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@Reddog Thanks for your input. How did the dog like/not like the harness?
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I should have mentioned that although some dogs except it and like it some dogs don’t except it. I have used it on a few super pullers and it worked great. That said I rarely use it because it’s so clunky and some dogs don’t like it. My go to is the freedom harness and a flat or martingale collar.
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Thank you Greg for your help.
We do have cases that even with martingale collar the dogs managed to slip off. Unlike slip lead which works like choke chains. Do you consider these as aversive with LIMA regulations?
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That’s a great question! In my opinion and the way I understand that rope harness to work.. I do not think the rope lead is an aversive tool. I think the neck loop looks a lot like a slip lead but doesn’t function the same. The rope lead has two rubber stops so you control how tight it will get around the neck and to properly fit it. It should be loose so you can make the other loop that goes through the lead by the dogs shoulder where the disk keeps the tension from the belly loop.
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@Pkoh Patrick, if the martingale is slipping off then it is not fitted properly. Or it’s a cheap martingale and the hardware is slipping out of place. By nature of their construction, they are slip proof when fitted properly and attached to a leash. This is why they are so great for dogs whose neck is the same size as their skull (like sighthounds, Dobermans and some very thick-necked pitties). Are you sure you’re fitting them right?
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Thanks for sharing this clip, @Pkoh ! It helps a lot to see how the harness functions. What do you think about it? Do you think all dogs would find the sensation comfortable?
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Thought should be fine. I’ve not used it yet. But the tightening if dog pulls sounds like choke chain effect.
We have dogs who slipped out of harness many times that concerns me. So trying to see what’s a better non aversive tool.
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The most effective tools I have used for dogs who escape is a well fitted martingale collar and a freedom harness used together. I double clip, the front clip of the harness and the collar are clipped together to the leash.
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I agree – it’s tough to beat a martingale for those escape dogs! I like using a double snap lead. One on the martingale and one on the front clip of the harness. That way, I have security, no matter what. I’ve had those snap-clips get caught and open up! EEp!
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For any dogs, escapee or not, I like the safety cords (Bold Lead Designs) for use with any harnesses and flat or martingale collar. It’s great because you can attach it through the slip to any leash and the safety functions as a back-up, in case the dog gets a leg out or something. You can use them with “gentle leaders” as well. Here’s one of the pups I walk and train, Opal, wearing her front clip harness with the orange safety cord. They are about $5 and I usually supply it as my gift to my training clients, to keep their dog safe on walks from mishaps.
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Brilliant, @Bernerlabreclectus Paula! I’ve never seen these before. Thanks for sharing and especially with the photo. What a great idea – and I love that they are longer to keep the tension loose!
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Thank you for your reply and tips on the tools. Maybe we could be using a wrong sized martingale as they rotate among the dogs.
Will suggest to the shelter.
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Yes – if the two rings are touching, the collar is not fitted correctly. The collar should be adjusted by shortening it so that when the leash is pulled, the two rings attached to the center ring (which is attached to the leash) do not come together. The collar should rest naturally in the middle of the dog’s neck, not low on the neck. If the two rings can touch, then it can slip over the dog’s skull. I hope this helps, @Pkoh !
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Sorry I’m late to this discussion….I am looking for recommendations for the safest harness out there for a dachsund? My client keeps telling me she’s tried so many different ones but somehow her pup has been able to slip out of them? Shes currently using a back clip, mesh type one that her pup hasn’t been able to slip but she has to take her to NYC over Thanksgiving and would love recommendations on a full proof one ????????????
Thanks in advance
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@Meg – I don’t think there’s anything that is completely fail-safe, so I believe in redundancy. Since the dog has not escaped the current harness, how about using a double clip leash and connecting one end to the harness and the other end to a well-fitted (see above!) martingale collar? Is this witzig harness the one that is working?
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