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Lone Star Dog Training and Care International dog ​trainer and dog breeder with a lot of experience abroad and in the United States.
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Why a Harness Isn't the Best Tool for Teaching a Dog to 'Heel' and Avoid PullingAs a dog trainer, one of the most common...
17/10/2024

Why a Harness Isn't the Best Tool for Teaching a Dog to 'Heel' and Avoid Pulling
As a dog trainer, one of the most common concerns I hear from clients is about leash-pulling and how to teach a dog to walk politely on a leash, especially in the “heel” position. Many people turn to harnesses, thinking they are a safe and effective solution to stop their dog from pulling. While a harness might seem like a go-to choice for comfort, it isn’t necessarily the best tool when it comes to teaching leash manners and, particularly, the heel command.

Let me explain why.

1. Harnesses Encourage Pulling

Harnesses are designed to distribute force evenly across a dog's body. This is why they are often used in dog sports like sledding—because they give the dog freedom to pull with their whole body without straining the neck. For this reason, harnesses can actually encourage pulling, as they make it more comfortable for the to do so.

When you're teaching a to "heel," you want the dog to learn to walk calmly by your side with minimal tension on the leash. A harness doesn't offer much feedback to discourage pulling behavior because the pressure is dispersed evenly across the chest and shoulders, rather than giving a clear signal to the dog that pulling is unwanted.

2. Lack of Communication

is about communication between the handler and the dog. In leash training, especially when teaching the heel command, the dog needs to feel subtle cues through the leash to understand what's expected. With a harness, those cues become diluted. When the dog pulls, the owner has little control over correcting the behavior since the leash is connected to a point on the dog’s back or chest, far from their center of focus—the head.

Using a traditional collar, on the other hand, allows you to give gentle, precise corrections with minimal force. The dog can more easily associate the leash’s tension with their own body movements, which makes it easier for them to learn to stay at your side in a “heel” position.

3. Harnesses Create the Wrong Body Mechanics

Harnesses naturally position the dog in a forward stance, as they encourage the dog to lean into the leash. For dogs that are strong or energetic, this can become a serious challenge during walks. Even if you're not actively pulling the dog back, the harness positions them in a way that encourages forward momentum.

When you're teaching “heel,” you're asking the dog to walk calmly at your side with minimal tension on the leash. A harness, especially a front-clip or no-pull harness, can make it harder for a dog to understand what a proper heel position looks like, as the dog is used to pushing forward into the restraint.

4. The Psychological Aspect

Dogs are natural problem-solvers. When you allow them to pull in a harness, you're reinforcing the idea that pulling is how they can get where they want to go. Over time, the dog learns that the resistance from the harness means "pull harder," creating a psychological connection between the restraint and pulling.

Using a tool like a flat collar or a slip lead helps establish clearer boundaries. With these tools, the dog can quickly learn that if they pull, they won’t progress forward. This helps them understand that staying beside you (the heel position) is what leads to the reward—continued movement and exploration.

5. Alternative Tools for Teaching Heel

If a harness isn't ideal for teaching "heel," what tools are? The goal is to find a method that encourages calm walking without causing the dog distress or confusion. Here are a few alternatives that I recommend:

Flat Collar: A standard collar can provide better control than a harness and allow for subtle, effective communication with the dog. It ensures the handler has control over the dog’s movements and can guide them gently into position.
Martingale Collar: This type of collar gives a little more control than a flat collar without choking the dog. It’s particularly useful for dogs with smaller heads or dogs who tend to slip out of regular collars.
Slip Lead: A slip lead can offer more direct communication and is effective when used properly. When tension is applied, the dog can immediately feel it and associate it with the act of pulling. Once they relax or return to the correct position, the pressure is released.
6. Teaching the Dog to Heel

The process of teaching a dog to heel requires patience, consistency, and the right tools. Start with short sessions in a distraction-free environment, and gradually build up to more challenging scenarios. The goal is to teach your dog that their correct position is by your side and that pulling won’t get them to their destination any faster.

Here’s a basic approach to teaching "heel":

Start with a calm state: Make sure your dog is calm before you even start the walk. A dog that is already excited and pulling before you leave the house will have a harder time focusing on the lesson.
Use rewards for proper position: Reward your dog with treats or praise whenever they walk in the correct position. This reinforces the idea that walking calmly by your side brings good things.
Practice turning when they pull: If your dog starts to pull ahead, turn and walk in the opposite direction. This teaches your dog that pulling takes them away from where they want to go, and only walking calmly brings them forward.
Conclusion

While harnesses are great for some situations, such as for small breeds with sensitive necks or for certain sports and activities, they are not the best tool for teaching leash manners or the heel command. If your goal is to walk your dog politely by your side without pulling, using a flat collar or another effective tool will make training easier and more effective in the long run.

The key is clear communication, consistency, and using tools that promote the behaviors you want. By using the right approach, your dog will learn to walk calmly by your side, making walks enjoyable for both of you!

Sergey Astafyev
Owner & Dog Trainer at Lone Star Dog Training and Care LLC

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About

Proficient dog ​​walker, trainer, dog breeder with a lot of experience abroad and in the United States. I have experience with different breeds of dogs, big and small. If you want your pet to spend time being active and interested, I am at your service. Also, I have experience in dog training. General training. My own pets are titled representatives of its breeds, champions of different international exhibitions. My services include: - behaviour correction - detox walks - weight loss - nutritional counseling and care - Comprehensive training. I love dogs, this is mutual/ Had 2 dogs since I was a child, like to care my pets; my neigbours often asked me to watch their dogs when they were away; I'm kind, patient and responsible. Like to be surrounded by pets 'cause they make me laugh. Like to be outside the home and walk around parks. Easily can stay in client's house to care about their dogs, and watch their house during they are away. Availible at weekends and during the week. Also can stay with client's dogs when they're on holidays.

In 2016 successfully passed the training course Dog Emotion and Cognition at the University of Duke.

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