Why I Don’t Use a Back Clip Harness
Correlation vs Causation? Who’s to say when it comes to back clip harnesses and the amount of dogs who pull on leash. All I’m saying is, it’s interested how many back clip harnesses exist out there and how common an issue leash pulling is.
Okay but in all seriousness, it feels like back clip harnesses are more common than many other style harnesses being marketed to dog owners. I just wish people knew how these can contribute to your dog pulling on the leash, so I guess I’ll be the one to share what I know!
Think sled dog. They essentially have a harness attached to them that is clipped on their back. They do this because the natural instinct when being pulled is to push. Therefore, with a back clip harness, your dog is instinctually pushing forward while you pull back on them. Not very conducive for loose leash walking.
Of course good leash training is an important piece to loose leash walking, but so is the right gear for your dog. With my dog, we tried a martingale collar, pinch collar, and back clip harness, until we finally found what worked for him: a front clip harness!
Such a small change to the style of harness made a world of difference for his loose leash training. Instead of a tug of war situation, when he pulled, his chest was automatically directed to the side. He quickly learned pulling wasn't getting him where he wanted any faster when his body was being redirected to look away.
This style works for my dog and many others out there! Give it a try if your back clip harness isn’t doing what you need.
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