Lead Restraints and Harnesses for Dogs

There are many methods of restraining a dog on a lead; from collars to head halters and "one size (or type) does not fit all". Functionality, comfort and safety should be the prime considerations in any choice. It is important to recognise that different designs work differently and if not properly fitted a restraint may cause serious injury, so it is important always to read the fitting instructions carefully. Some need to be applied quite tightly, while others should be more loosely fitted. The most important pros and cons of different devices are listed below:

Flat collars

Pros:

• Cheap and easy to apply
• Allows attachment of external ID (identification) device

Cons:

• Dogs can pull or jump up and injure themselves as a result
• If not fitted tightly enough, a dog may easily slip the collar

Chain link collars (a type of training collar)

Pros:

• Choke (check) chains can be used effectively to train a dog to avoid pulling.
• Good handler training is needed to be able to use this tool effectively.

Cons:

• Easily and very frequently (routinely) misused so they do not “check” the dog, e.g. too long or too tight or inverted - so they choke the dog and so can cause serious injury as dog surges forward.
• Even correctly fitted misuse is common and can also lead to problems.
• Dog should not be left unsupervised with such a collar as if it hooks onto something the dog could be choked.
• Unnecessary for the dog trained to walk on a loose lead effectively.

Martingale collars - a sort of hybrid between a choke chain and a flat collar

Pros:

• Can be used effectively to train a dog to avoid pulling with less risk of injury or slipping off than a chain collar

Cons:

• Not widely available and often less familiarity with them by handlers

Pinch or prong collars

Pros:

• None

Cons:

• Not recommended, if this degree of force and discomfort is needed to control the dog, then specialist assistance should be sought

Electronic training (shock) collars

Pros:

• None

Cons:

• Not recommended as inappropriate use can result in serious welfare problems
• Are illegal in some States and Territories

Head halters

Pros:

• Remove pressure on the body.
• Generally provide good control of the head although designs do vary.
• Most close the dog’s mouth if it lunges forward, reducing the risk of injury to people and some have a lockable strap giving even greater control.
• Some can be linked to a harness or collar for training.
• Some appear to calm the dog instantly.
• Management of some misbehaviours does not depend on owner skill in use of the lead.

Cons:

• Some can be fiddly to fit and require some short training to be accepted by the dog.. Fitting instructions vary greatly with different designs and owners will often erroneously assume that if they know how to fit one design others are fitted in a similar way.
• Poorly fitted collars can slip and rub the bridge of the nose.
• If incorrectly fitted can come off
• Some cause downward head movement if the dog pulls and whilst this stops most dogs, some can over-flex their neck if not properly managed at first. 
• Often require a change in owner preconceptions, e.g. need to be aware that they should not correct the dog as if using a choke chain.

Body harness

Pros:

• Take the force away from the neck and throat

Cons:

• Dogs may push into the harness and so larger or more powerful breeds can be harder to control

Control harness

Pros:

• Allow control of the body while giving the dog freedom to move.
• Harnesses which prevent pulling and which link onto a permanently fitted flat collar can provide a very quick self-correcting mechanism for pulling

Cons:

• Dogs can get sore under the shoulders
• Owners often find it strange to feel the lead attached to the middle of the dogs back and feel they have less control.
• Some control harnesses work by making the dog rise up on its back legs when it pulls and this can actually exacerbate some pulling problems associated with greeting people.
• Some versions work on inducing abdominal discomfort by tightening around the belly and so can cause harm.