Leash pulling remains a frequent frustration for dog owners and a major behavioral concern in companion animals. In this **2024 study published in PeerJ**, researchers **Anamarie C. Johnson** and **Clive D. L. Wynne** conducted a controlled trial comparing the **pulling reduction** and **behavioral welfare impacts** of four common leash-walking tools: a **martingale collar**, **front-connection harness**, **polymer prong collar (Starmark)**, and **metal prong collar**.
Using a battery-powered **strain gauge** to measure pulling force, 23 dogs were walked using each type of equipment for five minutes. Each walk was also video-recorded to assess behavioral indicators of stress or discomfort. The goal was to determine whether any equipment significantly reduced pulling force without adversely affecting the dogs’ welfare.
The results showed **significantly less pulling impulse** for the **harness**, **Starmark collar**, and **metal prong collar** compared to the martingale collar. However, **no statistical difference** was found between the three alternative tools themselves in terms of pulling force. Behavioral analysis revealed **no strong evidence of welfare compromise**, although **lip licking**—often considered a stress-related behavior—occurred significantly more when using the **harness** compared to the martingale.
Importantly, while **prong collars** did not show definitive signs of causing more stress in this short-duration test, the authors caution against overgeneralizing the findings. They note that longer, real-world walks and diverse handler contexts may yield different welfare outcomes, especially given the ongoing ethical debate around aversive equipment.
This study provides a **data-driven comparison** for pet owners and trainers making choices about walking tools. It emphasizes that **pulling reduction** can be achieved through various equipment, but **welfare impacts require further exploration** in more realistic settings.
Source: Johnson, A. C., & Wynne, C. D. L. (2024). Comparing efficacy in reducing pulling and welfare impacts of four types of leash walking equipment. PeerJ, 12. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.16847
