Harnesses vs Collars
Dogs necks are vulnerable to injury just like ours.
What your leash is attached to can make a big difference in your dogs' health plus the enjoyment of your walk. Dogs require regular daily exercise for optimum health so it's worth getting the right tools for the job. While walking your dog responsibly off-leash is best, it's not always an option.
Prong collars, shock collars, and choke chains- Oh my!!! I know it is usually well meaning dog owners at their wit's end resorting to these "training" devices....but they are truly torture devices! There are much kinder and more effective options available.
Front leading harnesses, also known as "no pull" harnesses, are awesome. They are the healthiest option for your dog's spinal/ neck alignment, and they offer better control over your dog.
How they work is that you attach the leash right at the dog's centre of gravity. If the dog attempts to pull in any direction, they slightly throw themselves off balance just enough so that they don't gain any traction to really pull. Most dogs get the idea pretty quickly and correct themselves/ try not to pull.
Some exuberant dogs however will flip themselves in circles, and in these cases additional training is needed! You can also get harnesses that clip in the front AND back, which would stop them from flipping around. (I want to try one of these fromt & back latching harnesses, they look awesome)
Harnesses that latch only in the back tend to promote pulling, as this is what they were designed for...think sled dogs! They are an improvement over collars though.
Spinal Alignment & Health
Sections of the spine and the organs they affect.
The spinal column is a major channel for vital energy, and when the spine is injured or out of alignment it disrupts the flow causing a blockage that can manifest itself as chronic disease. Areas of the spine correspond with specific organs, as pictured above. Some holistic vets have observed a connection between spinal injuries and the development of seemingly unrelated tumours corresponding to that area.
Which Would You prefer to wear?