Front Clip Harnesses
Trainer Donna Furlani, CTC discusses how and why front clip harnesses work. They are a smart, kinds, and easy way to enjoy your walks. She finishes up with a side-by-side comparison of several brands of a few top-notch front-clip harnesses.
Front Clip Harness
By Nikki Phillips
Donna Furlani, CTC provided some helpful tools that can be used immediately to help make dog walks more enjoyable. Some owners attach a leash to a collar around the dog’s neck, which can be painful, cause injury, and will not yield desired behavior results. Instead, Furlani suggests using a harness when walking a dog.
Types of Harnesses and Leash Attachments
Some harnesses have a back loop for connecting the leash, while others have a leash attachment loop in the chest portion. Some harnesses have both loops, which can be used at the same time, but the front loop provides more control. Using the loops simultaneously evenly distributes the force and keeps the harness from being pulled out of place. Some owners start by clipping to both loops until the dog learns good leash habits, then they take off the back leash.
The Power of Front Clipping Harnesses
Front clips work well on all dogs, but they are particularly useful in several situations. First, if you have a dog who chronically pulls or lunges while on the leash, they may benefit from a front clipping harness to provide more control for the walker. If your dog is particularly powerful or you are susceptible to falls, a front clipping leash can provide stability. Finally, when leashing-training your dog, a front clipping harness provides you, and the dog, an opportunity to experience a smoother session.
Understanding the Physics Behind Front Clipping Harnesses
This is mostly a physics game. If your dog is walking in front of you and they suddenly pull, a leash clipped to a collar could cause unintentional choking or injury to the dog. When the leash is clipped solely to the back of the harness, only the front of the dog feels the pressure of being restrained, which may encourage their instinct to lean into the force. They may end up pulling harder to counter the pressure. In this situation, typically the walker plants their feet, but the dog is still able to move. This push/pull interaction may get the dog to their desired destination sooner, defeating your purpose of control.
| Pro Tip: Aim to avoid the spots and moments you know will cause a behavior challenge for you dog, if possible, but use those as training moments when you happen into them. |
Teaching Dogs Not to Pull with Front Clipping Harnesses
When the leash is attached to the front harness loop, however, the dog pulling forward pulls the harness away from their chest, causing a U-turn motion back toward you. When the dog lunges or pulls while wearing a front clipping harness, you secure your position – shoulder stays firmly in place with your elbow bent to protect your joints. Your dog will have to work through the force they are generating. Furlani provides a visualization tool to help picture the motion. The person’s hand holding the leash is the center of an invisible circle, the leash serves as the radius of the circle, leading the dog in an arc along their circumference. This limits their ability to move while naturally pulling them away from the distraction they want.
| Pro Tip: Put your phone number on a harness, in case your dog gets away, even if you have your pet chipped. |
Using Positive Reinforcement and Treats for Leash Training
The leash on the front clip teaches the dog that pulling is wasted energy because while they are pulling hard to a desired item, they do not get any closer. Ultimately, this self-guided redirection can slow down the pace of the walk and still provide the dog with an opportunity to sniff some interesting things in their natural walking path. Dog walkers should be ready with treats to reward the dog when they are able to walk with a loose leash. If the dog pulls hard enough that the leash is taut, stop walking, plant your feet, and let the dog turn itself around. When the dog is back in an acceptable position, give your cue for walking and go ahead. Remember, positive reinforcement yields better results.
This information is intended solely as a general educational aid and is not a substitute for medical or other professional advice.
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