A dog trainer and a canine myotherapist answer your questions.

Unfortunately, using the wrong type of restraint not only means you may not have control over your dog, it can also make your dog uncomfortable and, over the long term, create or exacerbate physical or behavioral issues.

Here, we give you the down low about which type of restraint is best for your dog (going from most recommended to least recommended).

Y harnesses

• Y harnesses are great for small dogs (<15 kg) that could get hurt if pressure is put on their neck.

• They are also great for dogs of any size that occasionally or often pull on the lead.

• If your dog is not strong enough to pull you, it is best to use the ring on the top of the harness (on the back of the dog) to attach your lead.

• A Y harness is a much better option than a harness with a flat band over the chest and shoulders, which will prevent your dog’s shoulders from moving properly.

• To make it easier to put the harness on and off, choose a Y harness that has opening clips at both the neck and the belly.

• Make sure the Y harness is the right size for your dog (around both the neck and belly) and that the top band extends far enough so that shoulder mobility is not compromised. Ensure that the Y harness is not so thin that it causes pain or skin damage when the dog pulls. Excessive padding can also make the harness cumbersome and uncomfortable for the dog.

• Always remove your dog’s harness when they are at home.

  Dogs that pull on the lead

• If your dog is strong enough to pull you, we suggest using a Y harness with a front ring, which redirects your dog's body and reduces pulling force.

• If your dog pulls on the lead, it is important to consult a positive reinforcement dog trainer to prevent this problem from happening as it can be a risk to both you and your dog. No restraint can, by itself, teach your dog good leash etiquette.

Flat collars

• Flat collars are recommended for most medium to large dogs who never pull on the lead.

• A flat collar is mostly ‘decorative’: it can help you restrain your dog if they try to escape or run away in an emergency situation. They also carry your dog’s tag in case your dog does get loose and you need to be contacted.

• If your dog occasionally pulls on the lead or is less than 15 kg, we recommend they wear a Y harness. This is because a dog’s neck is fragile and flat collars can put pressure on it.

• If your dog has a neck issue, do not use a flat collar and use a Y harness instead.

• Make sure your dog can move its neck and breathe freely with the collar on. For very small dogs, you have to be able to comfortably slide one finger between the neck and collar. For medium to large dogs, 2 fingers is recommended.

• Make sure the collar is tight enough that it doesn't slide over your dog’s head in the case of an emergency.

• If you have a secure home and garden, consider removing your dog’s collar when they are home so they can rest comfortably.

Restraints that are not recommended and why

Flat band harnesses

• Flat band harnesses are very popular, but they prevent proper neck and shoulder movement and are not recommended.

• Harnesses that tighten rely on positive punishment (like choke collars) and are not compatible with positive training methods.

Flat band harnesses come in many designs, but all prevent shoulder movement.

Haltis

• Haltis are not recommended because they can injure dogs’ nasal bones. Dogs may also injure their neck if they move quickly with their head turned.

• Many dogs find haltis aversive, which can create resistance or emotional shut-down (as in the image below). Haltis are therefore not compatible with positive training methods.

• If you dog pulls on the lead, work with your positive reinforcement dog trainer to learn techniques to teach your dog to walk comfortably on a leash.

Round, metal, choke or prongs collars

• Round and metal collars are not recommended because they put a lot of pressure on the dog's neck when the dog pulls. They may also create scarring or scabbing on the skin.

• Choke or prong collars, now banned in numerous countries, create discomfort and pain when the dog pulls. You will thus risk increase fear and anxiety in your dog, increasing the risk of your dog becoming reactive to the things that made him pull in the first place (other dogs, children, people…).

• If your dog exhibits problem behaviors or pulls on the leash, those types of collars will not address the root cause of the behaviour. Instead, consider using a Y harness and consulting with a dog trainer to teach your dog how to walk on leash.

In summary

In summary, the only restraints we recommend are Y harnesses (for all dogs) and flat collars (for larger dogs that never pull on the lead).

This article was written by Dr Lucie Bland (canine myotherapist at The Happy Dog Hub) and Dr Julie Bland (canine trainer).

If you would like advice on restraint fitting and exercise for your dog, you can book a canine myotherapy consult with Dr Lucie Bland at The Happy Dog.

If you would like advice on dog training and behaviour (including lead walking), you can book a behaviour consultation with Nurse Caitlin at Thornbury Veterinary Hospital.