Written by
Softouch Concepts, Inc. via their Website under FAQ....
Your Important Questions Answered
- How are your harnesses different from other harnesses?
- Are the harnesses only for training?
- Is there an immediate result to stop pulling?
- Why does my dog still pull in the harness?
- Can my dog slip out of the harness?
- With the leash ring on the front of my dog, does the leash go
under him as we walk?
- Can a harness be left on a dog in place of a collar?
- What is the difference between the large 1” and large ¾”
harnesses?
- What is the collar-harness leash attachment?
- Can I use the harness with a long leash?
- Can rubbing or chaffing occur with the harnesses?
1. How are your harnesses different from other harnesses?
Our harnesses are unique in how they affect a dog's sense of touch.
The leash ring is located in front which helps prevent the signals that
cause dogs to pull. The chest strap is moved in different directions to
apply body cues. They are also easier to place on or take off; no need
to lift a dog’s legs.
2. Are the harnesses only for
training?
No. They are also for general management. The harnesses provide off
leash guidance, especially for puppies. Dogs can be managed easier in
vet offices, before competition events, and during general activities.
They are also a good solution for preventing collar-related injuries and
for dogs unable to wear collars.
3. Is there an immediate result to
stop pulling?
There is an immediate reduction of pulling behavior. For some dogs it
does not stop forging (walking in front) immediately without proper
leash use.
 4.
Why does my dog still pull in the harness?
First, pulling behavior stems from a dog’s natural response to brace
against pressure from the backward pull of a leash. The SENSE-ation™and
SENSE-ible™ harnesses are designed to work with pulling a leash upwards,
sideways or forward. As long as a leash is not pulled backwards, there
is an immediate reduction of pulling behavior. Most dogs that have been
pullers with other equipment will often forge ahead of their owners in
the beginning of using our harnesses.
To prevent forging, we recommend starting with your dog positioned
behind you. As you walk forward, encourage your dog to follow you. Pull
the leash gently forward and upward (keeping slack out of the leash).
When your dog reaches your side, lower your hand(s) to put slack in the
leash.
5. Can my dog slip out of the harness?
If the harness is fitted and used correctly, it is unlikely for a dog
to slip out of. We recommend a leash is attached to both the harness and
a regular collar at first. This offers general safety for unexpected
behaviors such as jumping and lunging.
6. With the leash ring on the front of
my dog, does the leash go under him as we walk?
No. The leash should go out to the side or in front. Your dog should
be walking behind or beside you instead of in front of you.
 7.
Can a harness be left on a dog in place of a collar?
We recommend not leaving a harness on puppies and not on adult dogs
at first. When dogs lie down, all of the straps loosen and it is easy
for them to chew the chest strap. For adult dogs that do not chew, the
harnesses can be left on in place of a collar. The leash ring can be
used for attaching I.D. tags.
8. What is the difference between the
large 1” and large ¾” harnesses?
The large 1” wide webbing is a better proportion to big shouldered,
wide-framed dogs. It is also better for high energy, reactive dogs. The
wider webbing distributes the effect on sense of touch. It can be easier
for both dogs and owners to get used to.
The large ¾” wide webbing is good for narrow-framed and
narrow-shouldered dogs. It is lighter weight for leaving on dogs in
place of a collar (for dogs that don’t chew). It fits with a narrower
girth strap behind the front legs.
9. What is the collar-harness leash
attachment?
It refers to clipping the leash to both the harness and a regular
collar simultaneously. The front strap of the harness is designed to
pivot up to make it easy to reach a collar. The benefits:
- Offers some head control and dog safety for unexpected behaviors
(jumping, lunging, sniffing).
- Helps prevent the harness from shifting.
- Helps keep the chest strap angled upward. This prevents
excessive shifting over a dog’s shoulders.
- Helps keep the leash fixed in position to give a dog consistent
body cues.
- Keeps the chest strap away from a dog's mouth (chewing) when
walking on leash.
After regular use, the collar-harness leash attachment is phased out.
However, for dogs that are easily distracted; the collar-harness is
recommended in high stimulus environments.
10. Can I use the harness with a
long leash?
We recommend using a 4 to 6 ft. leash at first. The collar-harness
leash attachment is best with a long leash. It will prevent your dog
from tripping over the leash and prevent excessive rotational effect if
he reaches the end of the leash.
11. Can rubbing or chaffing occur
with the harnesses?
Yes, if a harness is fitted too tight and or improper leash
techniques are used. If your dog develops any sore spots, please stop
using the harness and call us. We will go over fitting and leash
techniques to prevent rubbing. If you wish to provide extra protection
for sensitive skin/short hair dogs, we suggest the following products:
- Dr. Scholls - "Mole Skin". Drug Stores and Grocery stores have
it in the foot care area. Just cut a strip off and apply it to the
webbing/hardware.
- 3M Vet Wrap" – at some pet stores and horse supply (tack)
stores. It is a self adhesive wrap like an "ACE" bandage. You can
wrap any amount around the webbing to provide a cushion.
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