Do Harnesses Cause Pulling? Let’s Clear This Up.
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If I had a dollar for every time someone said,
“I don’t want to use a harness because it will make my dog pull…”
I could probably fund another colour drop.
Let’s clear this up properly.
Harnesses do not cause pulling.
Pulling is a behaviour. Not a piece of equipment.
Why Dogs Actually Pull
Dogs pull because moving forward works.
If pulling gets them:
• To the park
• To the tasty smell
• To the other dog
• To literally anything interesting
They learn fast.
Forward motion = reward.
That’s reinforcement history, not harness magic.
So Where Did This Myth Come From?
Years ago, some trainers believed dogs should feel discomfort around the neck to discourage pulling.
The idea was:
Pressure on the throat = less pulling.
The problem?
That’s not training. That’s relying on discomfort.
And it doesn’t teach loose lead walking. It just suppresses behaviour in the moment.
Pulling is solved through clarity, reinforcement and consistency — not throat pressure.
As veterinary physiotherapist Elena Wilse(MSc, MCSP, ACPAT) notes, even small restrictions near the shoulder blade can alter stride length and joint loading over time — which is why fit matters.
Does a Harness Make It Easier to Pull?
A harness changes where pressure is applied.
It distributes force across the chest instead of the neck.
That can feel more comfortable.
But comfort doesn’t create pulling.
Reinforcement creates pulling.
If a dog has learned that leaning forward gets results, they’ll lean forward in anything — collar, harness, fancy designer walking jacket.
Similarly if they've learned that walking on a loose lead also gets them there, putting them into a harness won't suddenly make them start pulling.
So Why Do Trainers Recommend Harnesses?
Because life happens.
Even dogs that can already walk with a loose lead can:
• Startle
• Slip or fall
• React to something unexpected
• Have a “oh hell” moment
If I need to stop my dog suddenly, I would much rather that force be across the chest than on the throat.
Think seatbelt.
You don’t wear it because you plan to crash.
You wear it just in case.
And you defo don’t wear it around your neck.
But Design Still Matters
Not all harnesses are built well.
If you’re choosing a harness, look for:
• A Y-front design that sits clear of the shoulder joint
• Hardware positioned away from the elbow
• Fully adjustable straps
• Easy on/off (no leg wrestling, or over the head)
A harness should support movement — not interfere with it.
So… Do Harnesses Cause Pulling?
No.
Pulling is trained.
Loose lead walking comes from:
• Reinforcement
• Consistency
• Patience
Equipment supports training. It doesn’t replace it.
And if something unexpected happens mid-walk, your dog’s chest is a far better 'seatbelt' than their neck.
Final Thought
If someone tells you harnesses “cause pulling,” what they usually mean is:
“I was relying on discomfort to manage behaviour.”
That’s not how we roll.
If you’re choosing a dog harness in Australia, start with fit, strap placement and movement support — then build the skills on top.