I believe the reason trainers say that harnesses "encourage" pulling is because it is not uncomfortable for them to pull. With collars, pinches, and especially gentle leaders it usually doesn't hurt the big dogs, but is uncomfortable for them to pull and it helps to train them. It is harder to train a small dog not to pull because when they wear a harness it is not uncomfortable. My boys are so curious, they love to pull to their hearts' content when we are on walks and the harness does not discourage it because they feel no discomfort. Most of the time this works fine, but when we are walking in public I started using the no-pull harness where the leash hooks in front because it makes it hard for them to pull (it is not uncomfortable, but rather frustrating for them because every time they pull they walk to the side instead of forward). It makes a huge difference and they behave much better in public! |