Random Pet Photo of the Day - 2026

[BGpa]

Seems like a strange question...
Harnesses are Multi-purpose, so I'll assume you want to know specifically why/how I am using a harness for a walk. For just learning loose leash walking I've clipped the lead to the front chest D-ring.

A dog harness with a front D-ring functions primarily to prevent pulling and lunging by redirecting the dog’s forward momentum to the side when tension is applied. Because the attachment point is located on the chest rather than the back, pulling causes his body to rotate back toward me, breaking his distraction focus and making it difficult/nigh impossible to drag me forward.

It provides greater steering ability and leverage, making walks safer. It distributes pressure across the chest and shoulders, eliminating the risk of neck or throat injury associated with traditional collars. It serves as a humane tool for loose leash training and redirection from distractions by gently guiding his attention back to me. Especially useful for a hard dog, which, sadly, he is, doesn't respond to pinch or choke collars.

Thanks, I assumed multi-purpose and given your deep experience, asked open-ended for you to choose.

I have read similar cautions about over doing it on prongs, martingales, flat collars at neck in the old "yank and crank" (Larry Krohns description of back in the day)

And some say Gentle Leader style are contra-indicated in long necked breeds esp Dobes that are genetically inclined to Wobblers...

So a front attach on well made chest harness is best practices, if all the above is true, in a strong young dog still getting the hang of things on side heel or longer length walk.

Is that the consensus here, amongst the cognoscenti, or?

 

[Katyusharocket]

Is that the consensus here, amongst the cognoscenti, or?

I have heard people say that the gentle leader type is not good for the longnecks, too. I use front hook harnesses for my dogs to teach leash manners, too, for the same mechanism that @Nordika appreciates about the way it redirects physical but also mental energy. I use a much smaller one, though, and it works great for all my dogs. We use Petsafe EasyWalk harness. It's a lot less bulk, but also lacks some of the features of a full chest harness.

Easy Walk® Harness, No Pull Dog Harness | PetSafe®

Buy the Easy Walk® Harness, No Pull Dog Harness in the official PetSafe® store for your pet.

www.petsafe.com

 

[Nordika]

I have heard people say that the gentle leader type is not good for the longnecks, too. I use front hook harnesses for my dogs to teach leash manners, too, for the same mechanism that @Nordika appreciates about the way it redirects physical but also mental energy. I use a much smaller one, though, and it works great for all my dogs. We use Petsafe EasyWalk harness. It's a lot less bulk, but also lacks some of the features of a full chest harness.

Easy Walk® Harness, No Pull Dog Harness | PetSafe®

Buy the Easy Walk® Harness, No Pull Dog Harness in the official PetSafe® store for your pet.

www.petsafe.com

Yes I have my own reasons for using a full harness with 3 handles in the event I need to lift him from a bog or quicksand, either of them are deadly and you can do some serious damage ( trachea ) when you have to pull a dog out by a collar, been there, and done that

 

[JanS]

I use front hook harnesses for my dogs to teach leash manners, too, for the same mechanism that @Nordika appreciates about the way it redirects physical but also mental energy.

I know it worked really well for Elroy too when you let us borrow yours for the ATT evaluation.

I remember years ago trudging through 3 feet of snow to get water because they close the roads into this area in the winter, nevertheless, carrying a full five gallon bottle on my back in winter through the snow only happened once

Oof I can't even imagine. We used to get our water from a spring down the road too when I was young and that was using big milk cans and putting it in the back of the car or truck. We still have an artesian well on our property across the road and some people want to by the property for that reason.

 

[Js4fn]

Fall colours are starting

 

[Ravenbird]

A little boutique pet shop downtown. Tried on this jacket, but honestly didn't need it, so didn't buy it, but the owner of the store wanted to take a photo for local advertising. Of course I agreed.

 

[JanS]

the owner of the store wanted to take a photo for local advertising.

And what a perfect model!

 

[Nordika]

A little boutique pet shop downtown. Tried on this jacket, but honestly didn't need it, so didn't buy it, but the owner of the store wanted to take a photo for local advertising. Of course I agreed.

View attachment 163975

It's very stylish, and she's a lovely model for sure!

 

[BGpa]

A little boutique pet shop downtown. Tried on this jacket, but honestly didn't need it, so didn't buy it, but the owner of the store wanted to take a photo for local advertising. Of course I agreed.

View attachment 163975

Asha is a star and so are you@Ravenbird
Don't be afraid or too humble to get paid,
You and @Asha earned it...!

 

[BGpa]

Yes I have my own reasons for using a full harness with 3 handles in the event I need to lift him from a bog or quicksand, either of them are deadly and you can do some serious damage ( trachea ) when you have to pull a dog out by a collar, been there, and done that

Yes, I can see utility from multiple handles, from SD to MWD/LEO holdback to launch (my words) plus pick up my own dog in extremis...
Like a sudden dog fight- interested in feedback here...

I haz questions how to separate my dog in an entanglement, now I am older but wiser...

I don't pretend to know much, just defaulted to viking mode a couple times:

A husky with a hardon for my old soft BC tripod made a beeline for old Andy, my tripod BC cross rescue of many years, at the beach near sandstone cliffs...(long story on why but cut to chase...)

I sprinted across sand and caught the big husky just as ge was about to kick ass... picking that 100lb dog by collar and ruff both sides of neck, hoisted six feet up vertical slam-pinned it to cliff face and screammed GRRRRRR! In face.


That was in the alpha rollover days and I confess I hadnt thought it thru...in advance.

Fortunately...
The husky went completely stiiff arms out wide eyed and when I came to, dropped it on the sand and stalked off.
Never saw that dog again on that beach.

Sort of embarrassed as I could have got my face bit off by a stronger dog...I wasnt really thinking.

Not a humble brag but reminder there are smarter ways...

 

[BGpa]

Do your dobes watch TV?
Bonnie was into iit!

Arthur the King - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

@LifeofRubie heads-up for running buddy...

 

[Nordika]

Yes, I can see utility from multiple handles, from SD to MWD/LEO holdback to launch (my words) plus pick up my own dog in extremis...
Like a sudden dog fight- interested in feedback here...

I haz questions how to separate my dog in an entanglement, now I am older but wiser...

I don't pretend to know much, just defaulted to viking mode a couple times:

A husky with a hardon for my old soft BC tripod made a beeline for old Andy, my tripod BC cross rescue of many years, at the beach near sandstone cliffs...(long story on why but cut to chase...)

I sprinted across sand and caught the big husky just as ge was about to kick ass... picking that 100lb dog by collar and ruff both sides of neck, hoisted six feet up vertical slam-pinned it to cliff face and screammed GRRRRRR! In face.


That was in the alpha rollover days and I confess I hadnt thought it thru...in advance.

Fortunately...
The husky went completely stiiff arms out wide eyed and when I came to, dropped it on the sand and stalked off.
Never saw that dog again on that beach.

Sort of embarrassed as I could have got my face bit off by a stronger dog...I wasnt really thinking.

Not a humble brag but reminder there are smarter ways...

Get a guarddog

Stun Gun with Flashlight – 320 Lumen and 3-Function Light | Diablo 2

The Diablo II Stun Gun Flashlight offers concealed protection with LED light and rechargeable power—ideal for self-defense, night walks, and travel safety.

guarddog-security.com

 

[BGpa]

Get a guarddog

Stun Gun with Flashlight – 320 Lumen and 3-Function Light | Diablo 2

The Diablo II Stun Gun Flashlight offers concealed protection with LED light and rechargeable power—ideal for self-defense, night walks, and travel safety.

guarddog-security.com

View attachment 163984

Thanks! Good idea!

I actually did buy one of these after a thread here about them awhile back and now carry it on dog hikes after night. Mostly to habituate coyotes (who could care less about the crackle snap blue zapping arc...)
but move on with light shined in eyes.

Its ok, but lame vs other basic options.
Not very bright light- a smaller Surefire is half the size, twice as powerful and recharges 3 ways. The cheapo charge plug on the Diablo has a 12" wire thats already slipping out of case, and ends in a non-standard tiny charge port...kind of cheap junk used in online hype marketed junk. And a cheapee cigarette lighter charger that is non-standard pops out of car outlet if bumped.

The sliding on/flash/off/bright switch takes some practice, and the tiny zapper button other side more, daily for muscle memory so I dont fumble it in extremis...

I'm actually not that worried about coyotes, tbh but having been bum rushed by charging snarling defensive dogs protecting homeless twice, I think I'd find a separate proven taser to be useful deterrent, something that only has one button...tho I never have used that kind of thing yet, just bot a couple for wife, daughter purse or glove box carry.

Anyone have a suggestion on LEO quality, legal civilian carry?

And tbh not sure how well the Diablo works-Too chicken to zap myself, need brave test dummy...anyone got teens willing to do that? Probly not courteous at all to walk up to a strange dog to do so...

I actually had BYB Bonnie habituated to the sound and light after a few walks then made the mistake of enthusiastically showing to wife and daughter who shrieked at the zap...which of course gave BYB Bonnie a suspicious belief its taken two months of hikes to re-socialize to use at night...

I was thinking the other day: instead of a gimmicky lame flashlight combo, why not just get the real thing?

Amazon.com : cattle prod

A little longer standoff distance better proof of purpose!


Dont get me wrong, the Diablo works, I think.
Its just heavy and awkward as EDC.

Once it dies or breaks I'll default to Surefire and something else less lethal option. I also carry one of these hiking that comes in very handy.

 

[Ravenbird]

Don't be afraid or too humble to get paid,
You and @Asha earned it

My contribution to support small business!

It's very stylish

One of the only jackets that I've seen that fit her well & cover her rump! If it had been a lighter weight I would have purchased for a house jacket.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Don't be afraid or too humble to get paid,

I have a great little story along these lines... we go Sturgeon Spearing in February up on Lake Winnebago. The first year I went, I took a bunch of pictures (naturally) and then discovered you could submit them to the Wisconsin DNR for use in emails and publications, etc. Cool, right!? Of course, you give them permission to use it however and whenever they want.

Gosh darn if two of my photo's aren't in what seems like 50% of the email/news updates regarding Sturgeon Spearing I've even made it to print at least once (the photo's below)! My SIL also has a photo that is cycled through publications quite a bit (not pictured). My BIL has become the Face of Sturgeon Spearing and not a dime to go around hahahaha



To bring it back...

My bad that I didn't put the bed down flat and Rubie had to find the tiniest bit of blanket on the ground to lay on of course some one needed yelled at as soon as went to take a picture

 

[Sunje]

And some say Gentle Leader style are contra-indicated in long necked breeds esp Dobes that are genetically inclined to Wobblers...

Not just the physical implications. This article completely changed my views on them some years ago. I think they're horrible.

"At any rate, the halter went on, and the change in this dog was awful. From alert, eager and happy, she became a very depressed dog who stood with tail slightly tucked, head lowered and no longer interested in engaging with the trainer. In short, there was an overall suppressive effect similar to that on dogs experiencing non-contingent punishment. This is a good thing?The trainer in question seemed to think the results were wonderful."

https://suzanneclothier.com/article/problem-head-halters/

 

[Nordika]

Not just the physical implications. This article completely changed my views on them some years ago. I think they're horrible.

"At any rate, the halter went on, and the change in this dog was awful. From alert, eager and happy, she became a very depressed dog who stood with tail slightly tucked, head lowered and no longer interested in engaging with the trainer. In short, there was an overall suppressive effect similar to that on dogs experiencing non-contingent punishment. This is a good thing?The trainer in question seemed to think the results were wonderful."

https://suzanneclothier.com/article/problem-head-halters/

There is one collar that I can highly recommend, it might be considered a head collar but its design is fundamentally different, the leash attachment is behind the head. The Canny Collar: Originally designed by Brian Smith, an old-fashioned horseman and inventor from Crieff, a small town at the foot of the Scottish Highlands. It works more like a bridle/reins, whereas tension on the leash pulls the head/nose down toward the chest. It was extremely effective for my very aggressive and very large BRT and it enabled me to loose lead walk and eventually get to walking him on flat collar. It did not diminish the fire in his eyes, but allowed me to gain control/respect that was needed where every other tool had failed. So for an aggressive or leash reactive dog, I would definitely recommend a Canny Collar.