ArcaMax

Dear John,

Yes, it would be better, since yanking on the leash/collar may cause undue pressure and damage to a dog's windpipe -- not to mention the stress on your shoulder from the dog yanking on the leash.

But what type of harness you select depends on the breed of the dog and the extent of the problem during the walk. If a dog is a good walker, a regular collar works great. If a dog is a decent walker but pulls only occasionally, then a Martindale collar (limited cinch collar) or a harness along with additional training to learn how to heel will improve the walk.

However, if a dog constantly yanks with these collars or regular harness, then opt for a "no-pull harness." These harnesses offer better control of dogs and keep them from jumping or pulling during the walk. There are a lot of no-pull harnesses on the market, so read about them, check reviews, and decide which one would work best for your dog. A no-pull harness also is the best option for a short-nosed dog, like a pug, or a dog with respiratory issues.

Another option is a head collar, which fits over the dog's head and snout area, resembling a horse halter, and which allows for easier control of your dog. Your dog may paw at these collars at first and require some supplemental training to accept.

While all these harnesses and collars are intended to make walking your dog easier, combining them with reward-based training ensures your dog learns how to walk well on a leash.

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(Cathy M. Rosenthal is a longtime animal advocate, author, columnist and pet expert who has more than 25 years in the animal welfare field. Send your pet questions, stories and tips to cathy@petpundit.com. Please include your name, city, and state. You can follow her @cathymrosenthal.)

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