Scientific consideration of dog harnesses

In our previous article on dog movement, we explained how dogs move and summarised the latest scientific findings from the Jena study.

At HUNTER, we took these findings as an opportunity to take a scientific look at our harnesses. Discussions about collars and harnesses (and the different types of harnesses) are often very emotional these days, and there are many opinions on the subject. 

The state of research on dog harnesses

There are relatively few truly scientific approaches and studies on the subject. Therefore, most discussions refer to subjective observations and experiences.

Examples of scientific studies

• Effect of harness design on the biomechanics of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), Ellen Williams, Violet Hunton, Jacqueline Boyd & Anne Carter (Journal of applied animal welfare science, 2023)
• A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Harness and Head-Collar use in Dogs, Scott Blake, Rhian Williams, Roberta Blake, 2019
• Effects of restrictive and non-restrictive harnesses on shoulder extension in dogs at walk and trot, Lafuente et al., Vet Record 2019

Testing HUNTER dog harnesses: This is how we proceeded 

We used an instrumented treadmill (GanidGait® from Zebris) to examine the various harnesses on different dogs in order to find out whether and how they restrict the dogs. All studies conducted to date (see above) agree that a harness will always restrict the dogs' movement to a certain extent.

Using scientific data such as

• stride length,
• joint angle,
• centre of gravity shift and much more,

generated by the treadmill's measurement systems, we ensure that our harnesses are state-of-the-art and therefore as comfortable as possible for the dogs.

Expert Dr Kirsten Häusler tests HUNTER dog harnesses

In order to objectively examine our harnesses, an expert in biomechanics and rehabilitation medicine was invited to HUNTER International's headquarters in Bielefeld. This is the heart of our company, together with the factory where our beautiful leather products are manufactured.

Dr Kirsten Häusler brought the CanidGait® treadmill with her and, together with HUNTER veterinarian Dr Julia Vietmeier, tested a total of four of our harnesses over several days:

• Maldon Up,
• Divo Up,
• Hilo and
• the Racing harness.

They were fitted to the dogs and, after a basic measurement with a collar (to see how each individual dog moves freely), all the dogs were allowed to try out the different harnesses. A total of 16 dogs took part in this examination and, with a lot of fun and motivation, we were able to learn a great deal about our harnesses.

The results

In summary, none of our harnesses showed any negative findings during the examinations. When properly fitted, the harnesses result in only minimal restrictions to our dogs’ freedom of movement.

We found that each harness slightly altered the dog’s movement pattern:

• in some cases, the strain on the front paws was increased,
• in others, the hind paws were subjected to slightly more stress.

It is noteworthy that all HUNTER harness types — both the Y-harnesses and the Norwegian harness — showed no significant restrictions in the running behavior of our four-legged friends. This is a great result that we are very proud of!

As we all know, there is always room for improvement. That is why we are now moving into the development phase, using all the insights we have gathered to make our harnesses even better and more comfortable. Our furry companions should be able to enjoy their doggy lives as healthily and happily as possible — and the right equipment plays a crucial role in this.

Veterinarian Dr. Julia Vietmeier

is a board-certified veterinary specialist with a doctoral degree and incorporates chiropractic care and acupuncture into her practice.
She places great importance on the holistic treatment of her four-legged patients.