If you’ve ever been pulled down the street by an enthusiastic pup, you know how tempting it is to grab a “no-pull” harness. These harnesses are designed to make walks more manageable by discouraging pulling — and for many dog owners, they can feel like a lifesaver.
However, while they may seem like an easy fix, some no-pull harnesses can affect your dog’s natural movement and even cause discomfort or long-term issues if used incorrectly or for too long.
Let’s break down how they work, what the research says, and how to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe on walks.
How No-Pull Harnesses Work
Most no-pull harnesses are designed to limit the forward movement of your dog’s shoulders. By slightly restricting their front leg motion, they make it harder for your dog to push forward and pull.
Sounds simple, right? But here’s the problem:
The straps often sit across key muscles like the biceps, brachiocephalicus, and supraspinatus — muscles your dog uses to fully extend their shoulders while walking or running. When these muscles are compressed or restricted, it can:
What the Research Tells Us
Studies show that dogs carry about 60% of their body weight on their front legs and 40% on their back legs.
When wearing certain restrictive harnesses, dogs tend to shift their weight backwards to avoid discomfort in their shoulders. This subtle shift is a red flag — it means your dog is changing how they move to cope with pressure or pain, which can affect their balance and lead to secondary issues like hip or back strain.
While more research is still needed, veterinarians and canine physiotherapists agree: consistent restriction of natural shoulder movement is not ideal for long-term health.
When a Harness is a Good Idea
IIn our opinion, a harness if far preferable for a dog that a coller, especially if you’re worried about neck injuries from a collar, a harness can still be a great tool. The key is to choose the right style and fit. If you are unsure, especially as some harnesses can have the effect of a dog pulling more, do get professional help to choose the right harness for your dog, and how to use same.
Here are some tips:
However, while they may seem like an easy fix, some no-pull harnesses can affect your dog’s natural movement and even cause discomfort or long-term issues if used incorrectly or for too long.
Let’s break down how they work, what the research says, and how to keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe on walks.
How No-Pull Harnesses Work
Most no-pull harnesses are designed to limit the forward movement of your dog’s shoulders. By slightly restricting their front leg motion, they make it harder for your dog to push forward and pull.
Sounds simple, right? But here’s the problem:
The straps often sit across key muscles like the biceps, brachiocephalicus, and supraspinatus — muscles your dog uses to fully extend their shoulders while walking or running. When these muscles are compressed or restricted, it can:
- Alter your dog’s natural gait
- Lead to joint strain or inflammation
- Increase the risk of shoulder pain, arthritis, or bursitis over time
What the Research Tells Us
Studies show that dogs carry about 60% of their body weight on their front legs and 40% on their back legs.
When wearing certain restrictive harnesses, dogs tend to shift their weight backwards to avoid discomfort in their shoulders. This subtle shift is a red flag — it means your dog is changing how they move to cope with pressure or pain, which can affect their balance and lead to secondary issues like hip or back strain.
While more research is still needed, veterinarians and canine physiotherapists agree: consistent restriction of natural shoulder movement is not ideal for long-term health.
When a Harness is a Good Idea
IIn our opinion, a harness if far preferable for a dog that a coller, especially if you’re worried about neck injuries from a collar, a harness can still be a great tool. The key is to choose the right style and fit. If you are unsure, especially as some harnesses can have the effect of a dog pulling more, do get professional help to choose the right harness for your dog, and how to use same.
Here are some tips:
- Look for a non-restrictive design – Some harnesses, like the Tellington TTouch Harnesses, are specifically designed to allow full shoulder movement. These are great for daily walks and active dogs.
- Get the right fit – A poorly fitted harness can rub, pinch, or shift awkwardly. Your dog should be able to move freely without the straps digging into their skin or limiting their stride.
- Check your dog’s movement – Watch your dog walk and run in their harness. If their stride looks shorter, stiffer, or awkward, it’s a sign that something isn’t quite right.
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