The Lead Is Only as Honest as the Equipment It’s Attached To
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Apr 25, 2024
- 4 min read
The Lead Is Only as Honest as the Equipment It’s Attached To
Front-attach harnesses, back-attach harnesses, collars and headcollars explained properly
By Tori Lynn Crowther
Dog walking equipment is one of the most misunderstood parts of this industry.
Tools are often chosen based on trends, social media advice, or what a client already owns, rather than on biomechanics, learning theory, and real-world handling.
But equipment is not neutral.
Every point of attachment changes how pressure is felt, how information travels through the dog’s body, and how the dog responds emotionally and physically.
This blog breaks down the four most common walking tools used by professional dog walkers, what they actually do, and when they help or hinder.
Front-Attach Harnesses
Front-attach harnesses clip at the chest or sternum and are commonly marketed as “no-pull” solutions.
What they do well
Can reduce raw strength advantage in some dogs
May help handlers manage large dogs short-term
Can offer a sense of control for inexperienced handlers
The reality professionals must understand
Pressure is applied directly to the chest and shoulder girdle, the dog’s centre of forward drive.
This often:
Triggers the opposition reflex
Encourages leaning rather than yielding
Increases frustration in excitable or reactive dogs
Creates crooked movement and restricted gait
Many dogs simply learn to pull through the pressure, using their body weight rather than their neck.
Best suited for
Short-term management
Low-drive, low-arousal dogs
Transitional use alongside training
Not ideal for
Reactive dogs
High-drive breeds
Long-term loose lead training
Dogs with shoulder or gait issues
Back-Attach Harnesses
Back-attach harnesses clip between the shoulders or along the spine.
What they do well
Distribute pressure across the body
Reduce neck strain
Allow more natural shoulder movement
Often feel more comfortable for the dog
The trade-off
Back-attach harnesses offer very little directional feedback.
If a dog pulls, the pressure simply reinforces forward motion.
For many dogs, this becomes:
Sled-dog mechanics
Increased endurance pulling
Reduced handler influence
Best suited for
Dogs with solid loose lead foundations
Decompression walks
Sniff-based enrichment walks
Dogs with medical or neck sensitivities
Not ideal for
Teaching loose lead walking from scratch
Strong pullers without training support
Collars (Flat and Limited Slip)
Collars attach at the neck, where dogs naturally receive social and physical information.
What they do well
Provide clear, immediate feedback
Allow precise communication
Do not interfere with gait
Encourage dogs to follow pressure rather than lean into it
When used correctly, collars often reduce pulling because pressure is not placed on a power muscle group.
The responsibility factor
Collars require:
Educated handling
Soft hands
Timing and awareness
Poor handling can lead to:
Neck strain
Increased tension
Suppression rather than learning
Best suited for
Trained or training dogs
Professional handlers
Dogs with good emotional regulation
Teaching clear lead mechanics
Not ideal for
Inconsistent handlers
Dogs with existing neck injuries
Situations where control is poor
Headcollars
Headcollars work by controlling the head, which influences the body’s direction.
What they do well
Offer significant control over large, powerful dogs
Reduce pulling force dramatically
Provide safety in high-risk situations
The risks professionals must respect
Headcollars create strong leverage on:
The cervical spine
The neck muscles
The dog’s balance
Sudden movements can cause:
Neck injury
Whiplash-style strain
Heightened stress responses
They can also increase:
Frustration
Shutdown behaviour
Avoidance if not carefully conditioned
Best suited for
Short-term safety management
Dogs walked by professionals only
Dogs fully conditioned to the equipment
Not ideal for
Reactive dogs without conditioning
Unskilled handlers
Jerky or unpredictable environments
The Tool Is Not the Training
No piece of equipment replaces:
Clear communication
Consistent reinforcement
Good timing
Calm, confident handling
If a dog pulls on every tool, the issue isn’t the equipment. It’s the education happening at the other end of the lead.
Professionals choose tools based on:
The individual dog
The handler’s skill
The environment
The goal of the walk
Not convenience. Not trends. Not fear.
Final Thoughts
Equipment should make communication clearer, not louder.
A professional dog walker understands that:
Tools manage behaviour
Training changes behaviour
Handling determines outcomes
Choose wisely, handle thoughtfully, and remember:
The lead doesn’t teach the dog. You do.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Comments