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How Dog Harnesses Can Help with Mobility Issues

When a dog has mobility issues that are caused by conditions like arthritis, IVDD, or something else, harnesses can serve as a useful tool to support them in ways a traditional collar can not. As dogs age or encounter health setbacks, their need for physical support increases. A well-fitted harness can make a significant difference, offering them a new lease on life by enabling safer, more comfortable movement. How Harnesses Can Help Dogs with Arthritis Arthritis in dogs is a condition that leads to inflammation and degeneration of joints, causing pain, stiffness, and a decrease in mobility. It’s similar to what humans experience, but our furry friends can’t exactly tell us when they’re hurting. As dogs age, the wear and tear on their joints can lead to this painful condition, making everyday activities like walking, jumping, and even getting up from a resting position challenging. Symptoms include: A noticeable decrease in activity Limping A reluctance to move as much as they used to It’s a tough situation, both for the dog experiencing discomfort and the owner watching their beloved pet struggle. Unlike traditional collars, which can put unnecessary pressure on the neck and joints, a well-designed harness distributes weight and pressure more evenly across the body. This can significantly reduce the strain on arthritic joints, making it easier and less painful for dogs to move around. Plus, some harnesses come equipped with handles or support straps, giving owners the ability to gently assist their dogs when they need a little extra help getting up, climbing stairs, or getting into a car. CBD for Pets can also provide relief from the discomforts caused by arthritis in dogs. It has anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce the inflammation of joints caused by arthritis, thereby decreasing your dog’s discomfort. A well designed harness in combination with CBD for Pets can restore a sense of freedom and joy to your dog’s daily walks and playtime, despite the challenges of arthritis. How Harnesses Can help Dogs with IVDD Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a serious condition that affects the spine of dogs, leading to pain, nerve damage, and in severe cases, paralysis. The disease occurs when discs between the vertebrae of the spine either bulge or burst (herniate) into the spinal cord space, causing inflammation and discomfort. This can happen due to degeneration over time or because of genetic predisposition in certain breeds. Dogs with IVDD may show signs of severe pain, unwillingness to jump or move, and can even lose control over their limbs. It’s a condition that requires immediate attention to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. For dogs suffering from IVDD, a harness can be a crucial aid in managing their mobility and comfort. Traditional collars can exacerbate pain and discomfort by putting pressure on the neck and spine during walks. In contrast, a well-fitted harness distributes the pressure away from the spine and neck, helping to prevent additional stress on these sensitive areas. Moreover, harnesses designed specifically for dogs with IVDD often include features like handles or support straps, allowing owners to gently assist their dogs when walking, climbing stairs, or getting into vehicles. This can significantly reduce the risk of further injury by ensuring movements are controlled and supported, providing a safer way for dogs with IVDD to continue enjoying their daily activities with minimal discomfort. How Harnesses Can Help Post-Operative Mobility Issues in Dogs Post-surgery mobility issues in dogs can arise from a variety of surgical procedures, particularly those involving the bones, joints, or spine. After surgery, dogs often experience pain, weakness, and a temporary loss of mobility as they recover. This critical period requires careful management to ensure that the healing process is as smooth and quick as possible. Activities that were once routine, such as walking, standing up, or climbing stairs, can become hurdles to clear. Ensuring a dog’s movement is somewhat restricted is crucial to prevent reinjury and to support the healing of surgical sites, making this a delicate time for both pet and owner. In this context, a harness can be an invaluable tool for assisting dogs with post-surgery mobility issues. Unlike a collar, which can put strain on the neck and potentially harm vulnerable areas, a harness provides support across a broader portion of the body, allowing for a more even distribution of pressure. Harnesses with handles or support straps offer owners a way to help their dogs navigate their environment more safely. Whether it’s assisting them in standing up, offering support while they regain their balance, or gently guiding them on short walks, a harness can make the recovery period less painful and more manageable, ensuring that the dog can heal without unnecessary strain or risk of falling. It’s important to consult with your veterinarian to determine how you can best support your dog if they have post-operative mobility issues. This includes choosing the right harness as well as any medications or supplements your dog may need to take to have the best recovery possible. Conclusion: Harnesses are an essential tool in the care and rehabilitation of dogs facing a range of health challenges, from arthritis and IVDD to recovery from surgical procedures. By offering a supportive embrace that distributes pressure away from sensitive areas, these harnesses can significantly alleviate discomfort, enhance mobility, and provide the stability needed for safe movement. For dogs with arthritis, a harness can ease the strain on aching joints; in cases of IVDD, it offers crucial support to protect the spine; and following surgery, it becomes an indispensable aid in managing post-operative mobility and preventing reinjury. Harnesses not only empower our canine companions to move with more confidence and less pain but also provide owners with a practical means of supporting their pets through recovery and beyond, highlighting the importance of choosing the right harness for each dog’s specific needs.

Leash Training Your Dog Using a No-Pull Harness

No Pull harnesses are Sporn’s biggest sellers and we get numerous rave reviews from our customers. What is so wonderful about these no-pull harnesses for dog lovers is that these training harnesses help your dog learn to stop pulling on the leash while remaining safe and comfortable for him. You will not have to worry about your dog being pinched or choked while wearing a front-attachment, no pull harness and we would argue that it is safer and more comfortable than a regular collar. And no-pull harnesses are easy to use! So, kudos to you for choosing a safe and effective training device for your beloved canine companion. Leash Manners 101: To begin, it’s important to spend a few moments ensuring that your dog’s no pull harness is fitted properly according to the included instructions as well as tips on our website. You will get the quickest results from your no-pull harness if you begin the training method described below from your very first walk using the harness. About rewarding your dog: The easiest way to reward your dog is by praising and feeding a high value treat, but we will discuss other reward ideas later on. Do remember to feed less at the next meal to make up for the treats you have given. Let’s go for a walk! Get a few yummy dog treats and a 6 foot leash with a knot about 2 feet from the clasp. Attach the leash to your dog’s properly fitted no-pull harness. Helpful hint: For this first walk choose an area to walk in that does not contain too many distractions like other dogs and people and make sure your dog is a bit hungry for your rewards and has recently exercised a bit. When you begin walking, hold the knot in the leash with the hand closest to your dog and hold the loop across your body in your other hand. Show your dog your treats and say “let’s go”. If he takes a step with you, reward him for that step and for every step he stays by your side attentively on a loose leash. As you begin walking with your dog, watch carefully for the moment when he has forgotten about you and is heading for the end of the knotted leash portion. As soon as you see this happening, calmly say “easy”. Since he doesn’t know what this means yet, he will probably continue to go to the end of the knotted portion of the leash and try to pull, and that is fine for now. The “easy” will have meaning to him in time. As soon as you feel pressure on the knotted portion of the leash, calmly say “oops”, let go of the knot, make a U-turn and start walking in the other direction. The no-pull harness will help to communicate to your dog not to pull because when you stop abruptly, his momentum and the no-pull harness will turn him back towards you. Turning and walking in the other direction not only stops your dog from pulling in that moment, but also gives him another chance to be a “good boy” by walking by your side for at least a moment when he catches up to you. When he is by your side, praise him and feed him a treat and grab up the knot again. Continue rewarding for each step he takes with you. If he passes you and is about to get to the end of the knotted portion of the leash, repeat the above procedure of saying “easy” and then “oops” and turning around. Careful not to get dizzy! By the way, saying the words “easy” and “oops” will help your dog to catch on to this new routine a little faster, but don’t worry if you can’t remember to say them at first (learning new things is hard, isn’t it, your dog thinks so too!). Feel free to substitute different words that come more naturally to you. Keep repeating the above exercise during your walk. You should start to see your dog staying with you more for your yummy treats (at least when he’s not too distracted). Be sure to reward him generously for every step he stays with you at this point. Your generosity will pay off in the next few walks. You should also start to see your dog slowing up or looking at you when you say “easy” or “oops” which is great! Let your dog know that you think he is very smart and handsome! Especially if your dog is very energetic or has been used to pulling on the leash in the past, it may take some practice to teach your dog to adjust his pace to yours and to build this new habit of walking with you. Don’t expect to get too far on your walks in the beginning! Consistency is very important in teaching your dog to stop pulling on the leash. To ensure success, make sure that your dog never gets to take one step forward into a tight leash while wearing his no-pull harness. If he pulls and gets closer to what he wanted, he will learn that pulling works and our clever dogs will always continue to do what works for them. So, to ensure success, stop walking and turn and go the other way as soon as you feel pressure on the leash. Quick Summary of Leash Training with a Front-Attachment No-Pull Harness: Hold leash at knot. Say “let’s go” and start walking. Reward your dog when he is by your side for each step. If your dog will pull soon say “easy”. Say “oops” when your dog pulls, let go of the knot, and turn and go in other direction. Reward when dog is by your side when he goes by you and for each step he continues with you. Continue repeating the above pattern. “Hooray, He’s Pulling Less!” Because no-pull harnesses are such an effective dog training aid, you will start to see improvement in

Are harnesses good for Dogs?

Indeed, non-pull harnesses are undoubtedly beneficial for dogs. They represent a humane, considerate approach to guiding and communicating with our canine companions. In the past, dogs were often led by their necks or throats, similar to how horses are guided. However, unlike horses which are large animals requiring substantial control, dogs benefit from a more empathetic and less forceful approach. Non-pull harnesses are akin to a comfortable piece of clothing for dogs – like a shirt, jacket, or vest – but with the added functionality of communication. These harnesses enclose and wrap around the dog’s body, and the simple moving parts within the harness serve as cues to help train the dog. So, are non-pull harnesses good for dogs? Absolutely. They enable us to interact with our dogs in a safe, loving manner. They ensure that our dogs stay connected to us, maintaining their safety without compromising their comfort. It’s an approach that respects the dog’s well-being while enhancing the bond between human and pet. Benefits if the SPORN compared to other No-Pull Harnesses Non-pull harnesses, especially those that engage the brachial plexus or the ‘tickle spot’, present a world of benefits compared to other pull control harnesses. The Sporn No-Pull Harness, first of its kind, introduced a moving part that operates on this principle. This feature provides a subtle cue to the dog, assisting us in communicating what we expect from them. Since a dog’s primary focus is on these cues, they respond effectively to them. Before the Sporn Non-Pull Harness, dog harnesses were simply wraparound devices that ensured the dog’s safety but offered no functionality to aid with pull control, aside from causing discomfort or even pain to the dog. The Martingale harness, for instance, tightens around a dog’s neck when they pull. While this creates a conditioned response in the dog to stop pulling, it essentially functions by choking the dog, a practice many consider cruel. Since the creation of the non-pull harness category in 1989, numerous imitations have emerged. Some of these designs have included moving parts intended to capture the dog’s attention. While some of these inventions are better than others, the original Sporn Non-Pull Harness remains the best in class due to its simplicity, speedy communication with the dog, and preservation of the dog’s trachea. Other designs have sought to control the dog’s direction by pulling their head to either side. While these can be effective, they can also be seen as medieval in their approach. Rather than providing a signal for the dog to change direction, they rely on physical force. Sporn introduced a head halter that operates on a natural principle: when a dog pulls, a strap around the dog’s muzzle pulls downward, causing the dog’s muzzle to move downward. This action mimics a mother dog’s behavior when she needs to get her pup’s attention or control their movements – she pushes her pup’s head downward. Thus, when a dog’s muzzle is directed downward, they instinctively stop pulling. In conclusion, non-pull harnesses are beneficial for dogs as they alleviate pressure on the neck and throat. Sporn products, in particular, embody a commitment to communicate and connect with dogs in a loving, effective manner. Their design and function prioritize the dog’s comfort and health, aligning with our priority to serve the dogs as they serve us. How to fit your non-pull harness: Fitting your non-pull harness involves two key parts – the shoulder assembly and the torso assembly. Shoulder Assembly: This consists of two evenly spaced straps that comfortably fit over your dog’s head. Make sure you leave enough space for at least four fingers in all directions – underneath, both sides, and top. Torso Assembly: This is comprised of the restraints that thread through the top of the shoulder assembly, go down under the dog’s front leg pits, and attach to the bottom of the shoulder assembly. These restraints are adjustable with a cord block at the top of the shoulder assembly. When your dog pulls, the restraints tighten under its front legs, triggering the pull control reaction. Once the dog stops pulling, you should be able to fit 2 to 4 fingers under the restraints. This is the adjustment for maximum comfort and safety for your dog. To remove the harness, simply unclip the top of the shoulder assembly and your dog will step out of the restraints. Finally, pull the shoulder assembly over your dog’s head and off. Getting the right fit with your non-pull harness ensures maximum comfort and safety for your beloved pet.

How Does the Non-Pull Dog Harness Work

We appreciate your curiosity, your time, and your decision to stop by and read this blog. We aim to foster a tone of friendliness and approachability in everything we write, and it’s our greatest hope that you feel that as we explain the workings of the non-pull harness. The non-pull harness operates using a patented system whereby restraints, or nylon webbing loops, ride up the dog’s front four legs only when the dog pulls. When the dog is prone, standing, or even just walking, these nylon restraints are loose and do not apply any pressure. The pressure is only applied when the dog pulls. This pressure goes into the dog’s armpits, causing a sensation much like the ticklish feeling we get when someone puts their finger in our armpit. Just as we pull away when someone does that because we don’t like it, the dog stops pulling immediately to stop that tickling sensation. The beauty of the non-pull harness is its simplicity and safety. Compared to a choke chain that strangles a dog, causing pain or the inability to draw breath to get its attention to stop pulling, the non-pull harness works in a very subtle and humane way. That’s how the non-pull harness works. Thank you for your curiosity and for reading about this remarkable product.