The Easy Walk Harness is a highly effective tool designed to gently discourage dogs from pulling on their leash, making walks more enjoyable and manageable for both you and your canine companion. Its unique front-clip design helps redirect your dog's momentum, training them to walk politely by your side.
What is an Easy Walk Harness?
The Easy Walk Harness is a no-pull harness that features a leash attachment point on the dog's chest, rather than on their back. When your dog pulls, the leash gently steers them to the side, redirecting their attention back to you and preventing them from gaining leverage to pull forward. This design is favored by many, including behavior experts like those from the Winnipeg Humane Society's Behavior Department, for its effectiveness with "dogs that are pullers."
Why Use an Easy Walk Harness?
This harness offers several benefits for dogs and their owners:
- Reduces Pulling: Its primary function is to minimize pulling by gently guiding your dog.
- No Choking or Gagging: Unlike traditional collars, the Easy Walk Harness applies no pressure to your dog's throat, preventing coughing or gagging.
- Immediate Results: Many owners see an immediate improvement in their dog's pulling behavior.
- Easy to Use: Once properly fitted, it's simple to put on and take off.
- Comfortable for Dogs: Designed to be comfortable and allow a full range of motion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fitting Your Easy Walk Harness
Proper fit is crucial for the effectiveness and comfort of the Easy Walk Harness. Follow these steps to ensure your dog's harness is correctly adjusted:
1. Identify the Straps
The Easy Walk Harness typically has two distinct colors of webbing:
- A colored strap that goes over your dog's shoulders and chest.
- A black strap (or different color if the primary color isn't black) that goes around your dog's girth (behind the front legs).
2. Position the Shoulder Strap
Hold the harness with the colored strap at the top. This strap should lie horizontally across your dog's chest, just above their front legs, and run up over their shoulders.
3. Fasten the Girth Strap
- Reach under your dog's belly with the black strap.
- Bring the buckle up on the side behind one of your dog's front legs.
- Connect the two ends of the black girth strap.
- Ensure the clip is positioned behind your dog's front legs and not in their armpits.
4. Adjust the Shoulder Strap (Vertical Fit)
- The colored strap running vertically over your dog's shoulders should sit about 1-2 inches behind their front legs, similar to where a backpack strap would sit.
- Adjust this strap so it's snug but not tight. You should be able to comfortably slide one or two fingers under it.
5. Adjust the Chest Strap (Horizontal Fit)
- The colored strap that runs horizontally across your dog's chest (the one with the D-ring for the leash) should be centered and rest just above the breastbone, forming a horizontal line across the front of your dog's chest.
- Adjust this strap so it is snug. Again, you should be able to slide one or two fingers under it. This strap is key to the "no-pull" function.
6. Connect the Leash
- Attach your leash to the D-ring located on the front of the chest strap. This is the crucial connection point for the harness to work effectively.
Checking the Fit
After adjusting, double-check these points for optimal fit:
- Two-Finger Rule: You should be able to comfortably slide one or two fingers under all straps.
- Armpit Clearance: The girth strap should not rub or chafe your dog's armpits. If it does, the harness might be too tight or the wrong size.
- Stability: The harness should not easily spin or shift significantly on your dog's body.
- Chest Strap Position: The front chest strap must remain horizontal and not sag or drop below your dog's legs. If it drops, it's too loose or the wrong size.
Tips for Successful Walking with an Easy Walk Harness
- Introduce it Positively: Let your dog wear the harness for short periods inside the house before going for a walk, rewarding them with treats and praise.
- Start Slow: Begin with short walks in a familiar, low-distraction environment.
- Positive Reinforcement: When your dog walks nicely beside you without pulling, offer praise, treats, or a calm "Good dog."
- Avoid Yanking: The harness works by gentle redirection. If your dog pulls, simply stop walking. When the leash slackens, resume walking. The harness will naturally turn your dog to the side when they pull.
- Consistency is Key: Use the Easy Walk Harness consistently on all walks to reinforce the desired behavior.
For additional guidance on sizing and proper use, always refer to the manufacturer's specific instructions or consult a certified professional dog trainer.
