My dog is big, strong and likes to pull hard. How much pressure can this harness withstand?
The harness can withstand up to 1,100 lbs of pressure. Big, strong pullers are welcome!
My dog tends to cough and hack, even with a halter. Will this harness work better?
While we can’t diagnose your dog’s coughing and hacking in this FAQ, we can say that the Better Walk Harness sits above a dog’s shoulder and chest area, avoiding the neck. Sometimes pressure on the neck can cause a dog to cough or hack, and this harness tightens around the chest when a dog pulls instead of the neck.
My dog has a history of backing out or escaping harnesses. Will this harness help prevent this?
We haven’t experienced or heard of a dog backing out of the Better Walk, but no harness is 100% pull-out proof. The best way to prevent this is to make sure the harness fits properly and that your dog is closely supervised when out on walks wearing it.
Will this harness chafe my dog’s armpit skin?
The black straps are soft and padded for extra comfort and are designed to reduce chafing. When the Better Walk Harness is the correct size and properly fitted, it shouldn’t rub your dog’s armpits. Be sure to reference the sizing guide carefully before purchasing.
My dog can be reactive. Does this harness help with lunging and pulling?
Yes, when you attach your leash to the chest ring the Better Walk offers you more control when your dog pulls or lunges. This works by taking advantage of your dog’s instinctive pull/pull reflex, also known as their opposition reflex. This reflex is probably why your dog pulls when on leash—as you pull, they naturally want to pull back. The Better Walk puts control at your dog’s center of gravity, not the head or neck, and moves training cues to your dog’s body rather than their head, eliminating the push/pull reflex effect. For maximum control we recommend clipping your leash to the chest ring on the harness and using the Essential Dog Leash to prevent pulling or lunges.
My dog likes to chew. Will they be able to chew through this harness?
While this harness is made with durable materials, no harness is 100% chew-proof. We recommend not leaving your dog alone with the harness or allowing them to chew on it. We do not offer refunds or replacements for harnesses damaged by chewing.
Can this harness be used in the car?
The harness can be used in a car when paired with a car strap that is securely buckled and clipped into the back D-ring.
Can I use this harness on a puppy?
Absolutely you can use this harness on a puppy as long as they meet the weight and girth guidelines, keep in mind you may need to size up as your puppy grows. This is a great harness for the first-time pet parent and for dogs who have never used a harness before.
Can my dog swim in this harness?
The harness has been tested to withstand salt water corrosion and maintain color fastness if it gets wet. A dog swimming in the harness should have good range of motion. Dogs should be supervised when swimming.
Will this work when my dog wears a sweater in winter?
If you are layering with another item or piece of apparel to first fit your dog in the harness for the most secure fit, then place the garment on top. Make sure the sweater or jacket has an access point for leash clipping.
Can I use this harness when my dog is tethered on a stake?
We do not recommend leaving a dog unattended outside as this harness is not designed for tie out purposes.
Can I use this harness with a retractable leash?
In general, we do not recommend using a retractable leash to walk your dog.
Does the harness have any reflectors?
This harness does not have reflectors, but we recommend using glow items like the Nite Ize Rechargeable LED Dog Necklace to provide additional visibility for your dog on walks.