Your Important Questions Answered

1. How are your harnesses different from other harnesses?
2. Are the harnesses only for training?
3. Is there an immediate result to stop pulling?
4. Why does my dog still pull in the harness?
5. Can my dog slip out of the harness?
6. With the leash ring on the front of my dog, does the leash go
   under him as we walk?
7. Can a harness be left on a dog in place of a collar?
8. What is the difference between the large 1” and large ¾” harnesses?
9. What is the collar-harness leash attachment?
10. Can I use the harness with a long leash?
11. Can rubbing or chaffing occur with the harnesses?

1. How are your harnesses different from other harnesses?

Our harnesses are unique in how they affect a dog's sense of touch. The leash ring is located in front which helps prevent the signals that cause dogs to pull. The chest strap is moved in different directions to apply body cues. They are also easier to place on or take off; no need to lift a dog’s legs.

2. Are the harnesses only for training?

No. They are also for general management. The harnesses provide off leash guidance, especially for puppies. Dogs can be managed easier in vet offices, before competition events, and during general activities. They are also a good solution for preventing collar-related injuries and for dogs unable to wear collars.

3. Is there an immediate result to stop pulling?

There is an immediate reduction of pulling behavior. For some dogs (especially dogs used to wearing prong collars) it does not stop forging (walking in front) immediately without proper leash use.

4. Why does my dog still pull in the harness?

Dogs pull as a natural response to pressure when a leash is pulled backward. The SENSE-ation™and SENSE-ible™ harnesses are designed to work with pulling a leash upward, sideways or forward. As long as a leash is not pulled backward, there is an immediate reduction of pulling behavior. Most dogs that have been pullers with other equipment will often forge ahead of their owners in the beginning of using our harnesses.

To prevent forging, start in a quiet place to help your dog focus on his/her sense of touch. We recommend starting with your dog behind you. As you walk forward, pull the leash gently forward and upward (keeping slack out of the leash). If your dog walks past you, start again with the leash shorter.

5. Can my dog slip out of the harness?

If the harness is fit and used correctly, it is unlikely for a dog to slip out of. We recommend a leash is attached to both the harness and a regular collar at first (double clip your leash). This offers general safety for unexpected behaviors such as jumping and lunging.

6. With the leash ring on the front of my dog, does the leash go under him as we walk?

No. The leash should go out to the side or in front. Your dog should be walking behind or beside you instead of in front of you.

7. Can a harness be left on a dog in place of a collar?

We recommend not leaving a harness on puppies and not on adult dogs at first. It is easy for puppies to use the chest strap as a chew toy. For adult dogs, the harnesses can be left on if they are fit correctly. A common incorrect fit is a tight chest (front) strap. Unlike other harnesses, the Front-Connection™ requires the chest strap to be fit on the loose side to allow for front leg movement. Over the past 5 years, we have found dogs will chew the chest strap when it is adjusted too tight. A tight strap does not allow enough comfort room to walk, sit, and lie down.

8. What is the difference between the large 1” and large ¾” harnesses?

The large 1” wide webbing is a better proportion to big shouldered, wide-framed dogs. It is also better for high energy, reactive dogs. The wider webbing distributes the effect on sense of touch. It can be easier for both dogs and owners to get used to.

The large ¾” wide webbing is good for narrow-framed and narrow-shouldered dogs. It is lighter weight for leaving on dogs in place of a collar (for dogs that don’t chew). It fits with a narrower girth strap behind the front legs.

9. What is the collar-harness leash attachment?

It refers to clipping the leash to both the harness and a regular collar simultaneously (double clip the leash). The front strap of the harness is designed to pivot up to make it easy to reach a collar. The benefits:

• Offers dog safety for unexpected behaviors (jumping, lunging, sniffing).
• Helps prevent the leash from pulling the straps behind the legs too far forward.
• Helps prevent the harness from shifting.
• Keeps the chest strap up.
• Helps guide your dog's head and body together.
• Helps keep the leash fixed in position to give a dog consistent body cues.
• Keeps the chest strap away from a dog's mouth (prevents chewing) when walking on leash.

After regular use, the collar-harness leash attachment is phased out. However, for dogs that are easily distracted; the collar-harness is recommended in high stimulus environments.

10. Can I use the harness with a long leash?

We recommend using a 4 to 6 ft. leash at first. The collar-harness leash attachment (clip your leash to the harness and to your dog's collar simultaneously) is best with a long leash. It will prevent your dog from tripping over the leash and prevent excessive rotational effect if he reaches the end of the leash.

11. Can rubbing or chaffing occur with the harnesses?

Yes, if a harness is fit too tight (especially the chest strap), improper leash methods, running on leash, or if a regular collar is not used with a harness at first. A collar helps prevent the leash from pulling the straps (behind the legs) too far forward.

If your dog develops any sore spots, please stop using the harness and call us. We will go over size/fitting and leash methods to prevent rubbing. If you wish to provide extra protection for sensitive skin/short hair dogs, we suggest our SENSE-ation™ harness (custom Softouch™, polyester girth strap). Otherwise, the following products can add extra protection:

• Dr. Scholls - "Mole Skin". Drug Stores and Grocery stores have it in the foot care area. Just cut a strip off and apply it to the webbing/hardware.
• Vetrap™or "Pet Wrap" – at some pet stores and horse supply (tack) stores. It is a self adhesive wrap like an "ACE" bandage. You can wrap any amount around the webbing to provide a cushion.