Why A Harness is Best for Your Dog

You’ve used a normal leash for years. There are so many cool colors and patterns on the market, you’ve got something for every holiday and special occasion under the sun. You just can’t resist creating a collection for your dog. But you’ve heard talk lately about leashes being bad for dogs. Are they really all that dangerous, or are people just overreacting? Actually, leashes can cause problems – here’s why harnesses are better for your furry friend.

  • It’s safer for everyone. Some dogs are super smart when it comes to collars – if they don’t want to stay next to you, they find a way to slip through them. By the time you notice something is wrong, they’re already running down the street. Harnesses take away that problem. No fuss, no drama.
  • Less tangling, more walking. Some dogs just can’t help it – they must move around as much as possible, tangling you up in the process. A tangled leash makes it harder to walk, forcing you to slow down. Harnesses don’t leave room for these shenanigans.
  • Better control while on walks. Do you have a dog that likes to run, pulling you along with them? Do you constantly have to pull them away from other dogs? A harness isn’t the perfect solution, but it can give you better control over their movements.
  • Avoid the dreaded ocular proptosis. What exactly is ocular proptosis? Basically, if a dog has this nasty condition, their eyes will look like they’re bulging out of their sockets. This is bad, very bad. If you use a leash when you take your dog outside, the leash could cause this issue because of neck strain.
  • Training is easier for stressed owners. If your dog has never walked with a leash before (maybe they’re a puppy or former stray), or you’re simply trying to get them to behave on walks, a harness helps big time. Since most harnesses are light and durable, you won’t feel like you’re bogging your dog down and causing discomfort.
  • Avoid painful neck injuries. The harder you pull on a leash, the more strain you can put on your dog’s neck, which can lead to injuries.

Still have questions about harnesses? Talk to your vet for more information.