In the realm of pet care, even the most well-trained dogs may occasionally exhibit behaviors like pulling. I promptly opted against employing just a collar, including prong or choke chains, for our furry companions. Luna, upon her adoption, displayed strong pulling tendencies, driven by her curiosity to explore her surroundings. However, after experiencing discomfort and coughing from pulling on a flat collar a few times, we understood the necessity for an alternative approach.
Fortunately, I knew a chest harness could help. While they didn’t completely eliminate pulling, they effectively mitigated the coughing and potential harm to Luna’s neck. It’s easy to overlook the potential harm collars can inflict, but as highlighted by PetMD Editorial (2018), they can cause damage to the delicate tissue and glands of a dog’s neck. Opting for a chest harness is a proactive measure to prevent such injuries. To put it into perspective, just as we wouldn’t carry a heavy load by strapping it around our necks, it’s essential to prioritize our pets’ comfort and safety.
When selecting a harness, it’s important to prioritize certain features such as unrestricted shoulder movement and a secure leash attachment. Therefore, it’s advisable to have your dog present for fittings during the shopping process or ensure that the store offers a flexible return policy to address any sizing concerns.
Works Cited
Editorial, PetMD. “5 Ways Collars Can Harm Your Dog.” PetMD, PetMD, 29 Jan. 2021, www.petmd.com/dog/care/5-ways-collars-can-harm-your-dog.