Choosing the Right Walking Equipment for Your Dog - A Physiotherapist’s Perspective
- Samantha
- Dec 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Dec 18, 2025
In an ideal world, dogs would be able to walk freely or with minimal tension on the leash. This allows for a more efficient gait, full joint movement, and balanced muscle use on both sides of the body.
However, in reality, this is often difficult—especially in Singapore. High-density housing, narrow and crowded walkways, frequent stops (lifts, crossings, traffic lights), and limited access to large green spaces mean that many dogs spend much of their walk with their leash pulled tight.
As a result, even well-trained dogs often walk with some degree of constant tension on the leash. When this tension is unavoidable, the focus shifts to minimising strain on the neck, spine, and limbs while still maintaining safety and control.
With so many collars, harnesses, and leashes available, choosing the “right” option can feel overwhelming. Many owners, myself included, end up researching extensively and trying several setups before finding one that works.
That’s why I’m writing this blog post from an animal physiotherapist’s perspective, to help dog owners who:
Want to understand how everyday walking equipment can affect their dog’s movement and comfort over time
Have dogs with existing joint or spinal conditions
Live in urban environments where leash walking is part of daily life
Collar vs Harness: Key Physiotherapy Considerations
Choosing between a collar and a harness is never one-size-fits-all. We consider:
1. Individual Dog Factors
Body structure
Brachycephalic breeds (e.g. Pugs, French Bulldogs)
Dogs with short muzzles or excessive skin folds
Chondrodystrophic breeds (e.g. Dachshunds, Corgis)
Orthopaedic or neurological conditions
Hip or elbow dysplasia
Shoulder pathology
Cervical spine issues
Size and airway health
Small breeds prone to tracheal collapse
2. Walking Behaviour
Pulling tendencies
Sudden lunging or reactive behaviour
Handler strength and control
Collars: When Can They Be Appropriate?
Collars can work well for dogs that:
Walk calmly without pulling
Have no airway or neck concerns
Do not lunge suddenly
as collars allow natural forelimb stride with minimal shoulder movement restrictions.
They are generally less suitable for dogs that pull, are brachycephalic, are prone to tracheal issues, or have cervical spine problems.
Harnesses: Not All Are Created Equal
Harnesses are often preferred when avoiding neck pressure is important. From a physiotherapy perspective, harnesses can be very useful tools when their design and fit support comfortable, symmetrical movement.
Most harnesses are designed primarily for control and safety rather than long-term biomechanics. This does not make them wrong, but it does mean intentional selection matters
Common Harness Designs
1.
Often well tolerated and avoids direct pressure on the neck
Poor fit or strap placement close to the shoulder joint may restrict movement in some dogs
2.
Highly adjustable, useful for dogs with broad chests or unusual proportions
Allows good shoulder movement when fitted correctly but may shift if not secured well
3.
Designed to reduce pulling by altering movement patterns
May increase asymmetrical loading when tension is present
Useful as a short-term training aid, but not ideal for long-term daily walking
4.
Step-in harnesses may restrict shoulder movement if straps sit close to the axilla (arm-pit)
5.
Used for senior dogs, neurological conditions, or post-operative support
Beneficial when clinically indicated and properly fitted
7. Padding: Helpful but Not a Solution
Padding can improve comfort and reduce chafing
Does not compensate for poor design, strap placement, or incorrect fit
Excess padding may trap heat
Fit Matters More Than Brand
Research and clinical experience consistently shows that:
The same harness can affect different dogs very differently
Brand popularity does not equal biomechanical suitability
Poor fit can alter gait, reduced range of motion and increase uneven loading
A harness that fit well previously may no longer be suitable due to changes in weight, coat, muscle mass, or age.
Leashes: More Than Just a Handle
Leashes influence how force is transferred from handler to dog.
Additional considerations when using standard leash:
Sudden pulling can transmit sharp forces, especially when combined with collars or restrictive harnesses
So… Which Setup Is Right for Your Dog?
The table below summarises common considerations we see clinically. These are not strict rules, but starting points to help owners think about fit, movement quality, and context.
General Walking Equipment Considerations
🐶 Dog / Situation | ✅ Generally More Suitable | ⚠️ Use Thoughtfully / Short-Term |
Dogs that pull consistently | Well-fitted Y-shaped harness with double-ended leash | Front-clip or bungee leash (Training or management tool) |
Brachycephalic breeds (E.g. French Bulldogs, Pugs) | Harness designs that minimise neck pressure and allow shoulder movement | Front-clip harnesses (Monitor symmetry and comfort) |
Small breeds/trachea-sensitive dogs | Lightweight, well-fitted padded harness | Elastic/bungee leash (Monitor control) |
Chondrodystrophic breeds (E.g. Dachshunds, Corgis) | Stable harnesses prioritising symmetry and trunk support | Front-clip harnesses (Monitor for asymmetry) |
Dogs with shoulder pathology | Harnesses with straps positioned behind the shoulder joint | Some Y-front designs (Fit-dependent) |
Senior or post-operative dogs | Supportive or extended harnesses when clinically indicated | — |
Urban Singapore walks (Crowded, frequent stops) | Harness + fixed-length or double-ended leash | Front-clip harness (Short distances) |
Key Takeaways for Dog Owners
From a physiotherapy perspective:
No collar, harness, or leash is universally “best”
Movement quality, symmetry, and comfort matter most
Fit of walking equipment and individual anatomy outweigh trends and brand popularity
Regular observation of your dog’s movement and behaviour helps identify issues early
If your dog has an existing condition or something just doesn’t feel right during walks, professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. Feel free to drop us an email (hello@nimblepaws.sg) if you have any concerns!
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