8 Reasons Front-Clip Harnesses Rock!

We only use front-clip harnesses and for good reason. They rock! They’re safer and more useful in training than the common back-clip harness. Gaining in popularity, the best front-clip harness are also far easier to put on a take off of your dog.

Clipping a leash to the collar is something we'd never do. The pressure it creates on the neck causes health issues. A collar is meant only for holding our dog's identification tags and as a fun way to up our style game.

Why Use a Front-Clip Harness

If you’re not familiar with these little gems, let us  enlighten you and forever change your dog walks and training for the better.

With a front-clip harness, the leash clips to the front of the harness at the chest, like the Front Range Harness by RuffWear shown here. This prevents Opposition Reflex; a dog’s natural tendency to lean into the front of the harness and pull. Opposition Reflex is part of why sled dogs are so great at pulling sleds. To encourage pulling, they are fitted with a harness that attach reins to the back of their harnesses so they can pull easily. Definitely not what we want for a peaceful dog walk with our little buddies.

Clipping a leash to the front of a harness with a front-clip harness discourages Opposition Reflex. There’s no way for your dog to get leverage and pull forward. Game changing, right?

Is it Worth Switching to a Front-Clip Harness?

Still not convinced? Check out these 8 reasons to up your dog walking game and get on board with a front-clip harness today.

• Reduces pulling forward on the leash
• Easier to put on and take off of your dog
• Very comfortable fit available for range of dog bodies
• Leads a dog from the front for better guidance
• Makes Loose Leash Walking training easier
• Comfortable fit reduces excitability in dogs
• Ends collar pressure and its negative association to reactivity triggers.
• Prevents physical injury caused by leash to collar attachment:
• Reduces risk of a collapsed trachea
• Reduces risk of thyroid damage
• Reduces risk of lymph node damage
• Reducing risk of cervical spine injury

Not all harnesses are made the same. Material and construction differ greatly. Choose one that does not add extra pressure to the shoulders or loosen its fit easily.

Orthopedic specialists' reviews and our own field tests provide you with the very best choices. Find our favorite harnesses and safety cords on our Dog Training Gear page here.