Clean Run - April 2017 - 17

Harnesses that are nonrestrictive and highly
adjustable are thought
to aﬀect gait the least.
Such harnesses typically are structured such
that bands encircle the
neck and meet a central
band at the front of the
chest, forming a "Y"
when viewed facing the
front of the dog's body.

Recommendations for
Choosing a Harness
It is important to consider how harnesses can alter canine gait when selecting a harness for your dog.
If your dog must wear a harness (for example, because he has having a medical
problem with the cervical spine, larynx,
or trachea), it is important to choose a
harness that will affect gait the least.
Harnesses that are non-restrictive and
highly adjustable are thought to affect
gait the least. Such harnesses typically
are structured such that bands encircle
the neck and meet a central band at the
front of the chest, forming a "Y" when

Given the wide
variety of shapes of
dogs' bodies, ideally
a harness should be
adjustable along
both sides of the neck
and the body as well
as along the back
and along
the sternum.

viewed facing the front of the dog's body. See Figure 4. Given the wide variety of
shapes of dogs' bodies, ideally a harness should be adjustable along both sides of the
neck and the body as well as along the back and along the sternum. See Figure 5.
For these reasons, we recommend that the selected harness fits the dog appropriately-the three sections of the Y should meet at the front of the dog's sternum so
that the pressure is supported by the dog's entire rib cage-and that the harness is
worn only when necessary. See Figure 6.

Recommendations for Wearing a Harness
Gait alterations caused by a harness may contribute to long-term repetitive strain,
which could either cause or predispose dogs to injury. Thus, it is recommended that
dogs not wear harnesses while training, conditioning, or competing. However, if it is
necessary for the dog to wear a harness during any of these activities, an objective
gait analysis should be performed with the dog wearing the harness to identify any
gait alterations. If gait alterations are identified, the harness should be adjusted (if
possible) to minimize these alterations and mitigate their effect.

Make sure the non-restrictive harness you choose fits your dog properly.

Only the girth strap of this Y harness
is adjustable. Although the three sections of the Y meet at the front of the
dog's sternum, the neck band is too
low so it crosses over the top of the
dog's shoulder.

April 17 | Clean Run

This Y harness crosses the dog's body
well above the shoulder; however, the
lack of adjustability in the front or neck
strap causes the center of the Y to be well
above the front of her sternum.

This Y harness is adjustable along
both sides of the neck and body as
well as along the sternum (there's no
back adjustability). The center of the
Y is at the ideal point and the harness
crosses the dog's body above
the shoulder joint.
17

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - April 2017