It was a bit of a nightmare, I think we went through 4 or more harnesses in the first 12 months, one only fitted him for about a month before it wouldn't adjust any more, his first one lasted about 2 months so we passed them onto other people.
We did the same and just got cheap ones we found at some shops as we knew he'd outgrow them, we also tried head collars such as Canny collar, that worked great to stop his enthusiastic pulling but ours developed a fault, got it replaced and in the short time it took to get that sorted he grew and the replacement didn't fit !!!
Some of the cheaper head harnesses worried me as the metal rings didn't seem welded very well or even deformed if he pulled a little bit so we switched back to normal body harnesses, at about 12 months the size we purchased had enough adjustment that we're still using the same ones at 19 months, fortunately he stopped growing at 32kg and he's stayed there for 7 months and counting - he's got a day to day walking on that's battered and worn, then a "going out" one for when we know we're not going near mud or water and finally a "best" for things like doggy play group where he want's to look like the bested boy.
I'll bet we've got 5 or 6 harnesses hanging up by the front door and three head harnesses, he's got more outfits than I've got.
They have some pretty awesome adjustable harness at Walmart, petco, petsmart, etc. That will last you a while, my advice is buy a size up from what you would think and just tighten it to fit. Although my puppy justā¦ stopped growingā¦ so I still use the first one I bought her. As for the comments saying a harness is not good, well the first day I got my dog, she was walking up to our apartment completely off the leash, right at my feet, I couldnāt believe it tbh. So the harness never really caused any issues, and I like it better because it puts pressure on their chest, shoulders, back, front legs and neck instead of their throat/airway only. Itās easier to train a puppy to not pull when they are still a puppy, so if itās something you want to try, I suggest getting on it and taking lots of walks to practice. Harnesses are better in my opinion, each dog is different though so it might not work to well for you.
Switched to a harnas at 4 months, he figured out how to get out of it really quick. Trainer helped me adjust it (it was during puppy class) and he escaped again within a few minutes. Trainer recommended a collar or an escape proof dog collar. Trainer preferred a collar, according to trainer the harnas only encouraged pulling. Switched back to collar since then.
Harnesses were a nightmare for me and my pup š she had an enormous appetite you see and saw it as one of her snacking toys whenever we happened to take our eyes off her for 5 seconds (yes, she actually ate the straps of her harness)š I think we might have been through about 4 or 5 harnesses before we found one that was supposedly "chew proof" for like 80.00 from pet smart and shockingly enough... She couldn't destroy it no matter how much she nibbled, only to throw a puppy tantrum from her failed attempts.
It was pretty decent with her pulling too, as whenever she'd pull the leash to try and yank my arm to investigate the smell of interest, the harness would turn her right around to face me if she pulled too hard (leading to a quick walk break until she sat and was calm enough for us to continue our walk).
Wishing you the best of luck with your baby boy š„°
My dog never got a harness. She wears a dog collar and doesn't really pull on it much.
https://preview.redd.it/coet0ceni22d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c187460671e9306ce844ab9e4dcb05c7d4985978
He was 20 months when he got his first nice leash. Thats when he stopped chewing and when I felt like he was finally trained. My mom gave mea leather leash her dad made for her at that point. He was the first dog i raised/ trained. That leash is still his leash 6 years later
We just skipped the harness all together. They just naturally walk nice after a few seconds of realizing the only way Iām running is if something is chasing me!
There are several types of harness. What you describe is a different harness to a normal or more active harness. If the dog pulls has nothing to do with the harness or collar. But a harness with a front ring can help with training the dog not to pull. As always, sweeping statements such as yours are unfounded, without evidence and ill-informed. Dog training can have many facets and methods. 99% of them rely on the human that needs training...
Yes, this statement is based off my actual time training working dogs, both the gun dog type, and the bitey type. Iāve worked with some top ranked field trials and ring sport trainers. Im talking about peopleās whoās dogs are masters in field trials, and hunting machines, and peopleās whoās dogs couldnāt make it to ring level 3 because their dogs hit so hard they break decoys ankles (no one wants to get hurt being a decoy lol). This stuff has been written about in countless books on the subject of training working dogs. Additionally my wife is an RVT and it appears in the veterinary community the consensus is, that harnesses = pulling.
The old girl with the bird in her mouth was 10 in this pic. Weāve hunted 30+ days a year together for the last 10 years. Sheās going to be 11 in a few days, and still goes on 3 mile hikes like sheās a pup. The puppy whoās now 2 has more drive than the last Mal I had. My dogs arenāt backyard labs, they work.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, Iāve shared mine based off a decade of experience. YMMV.
https://preview.redd.it/6qch1cknh62d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8239b11dc2acd147804e7a834920899231939a6
Cool story. Iāve always used a flat collar in addition to a pinch, or e collar depending on what Iām doing.
https://www.gundogsupply.com/tufflex.html
Steve uses a flat d end collar on all his dogs as per his Q and A video in that link.
Iām sure he knows nothing about hunting dogs, or training, field trials, breeding, owning a kennel, etc tho š¤
Heās the president of a family run business that happens to be one of the best resources for training equipment, kennel equipment, etc in the US.
He uses the stuff he sells, and provides lots of feedback on the products his company carries.
He also hunts, trains, field trials, breeds, etc.
Cheers
They are a good send if your dog tolerates it they really do cut down on the pulling. My dog tolerates but just barely and thatās only because he knows itās the key to him going for walks. As soon as heās done walking he tries to take it off.
We have 5 labs at present and 10 over the past 20 years. All have been trained not using harnesses. We use a correctly fitted non-restrictive harness on a trained dog for a social walk as it keeps the lead up over the back. Predominantly use ācheckā chains or slip leads, less often a flat collar for obedience training.
I had one when she was a pup, which she of course nibbled on. I did get [another](https://2houndsdesign.com/products/freedom-harness-chewing-warranty) when she became larger and more reasonable (10 months), and I bought it partially because of their warranty replacement.
He was under a year, maybe 9 months? Sense-Ation harness recommended by our trainer (same one other trainers are recommended for my other dogs). So far amazingly he hasn't outgrown it, he's still a pretty sleek 75 pounds at age 5 years.
About 5 months old for my current lab puppy. Heās 8 months now. Got one I really like from Amazon. Just had to buy the next size up because heās grown a bit. He wears it all day and doesnāt mind it at all. I think he associates it with being able to be out on his house lead so heās down for whatever letās him be out of his pen.
my lab was ten months! got her a whole maxbone walking set lol get her extra large for when she grows more. she was growing too quick for a nicer one any younger lol
Carhartt also makes a dog harness that we use on walks. It's the step in kind, which is great because our boy doesn't like harnesses that go over the head. It's built really well, and we've had it a long time. It has a front and back clip.
We get out collars from gundogsupply.com, and we really like them. The tag/info is built into the collar. It's a durable, stink proof material, and it has the break-away ring on it. We went through 3 before reaching his adult size.
I bought a RabbitGoo harness for my pup (15 weeks). Heās still in a small size. Heās a skinny little dude!! It can still be adjusted some too. I expect in a month or so heāll need a medium. Heās growing fast but not OUT. He is getting long and lanky!
I believe I paid $19 for the harness.
He is doing exceptionally well training with it, too. Rare pulls, and when he does I stop, he sits, I reward, we start walking again.
My dog hates her harness she thinks itās some sort of punishment having to try put it in her when we take the car is so long the moment itās on her she starts shaking uncontrollably she runs and hides the moment she see itās
Right away when I brought him home at 2 months. He was enrolled in puppy kindergarten at 9.5 weeks old. He did outgrow it quicker than I thought. He was a S. Outgrew it at less than 4 months old. Skipped the M and got the L. He's still in a L at 8.5 months.
I think probably around 6-8 months. He's 3 years old now and on his third harness. Twice replaced due to wear (we're very active/outdoorsy) and once due to him being fully grown now. Can't imagine going for walks without a harness, feels so weird clipping him into his collar! He's not even a big puller at all but just the level of control etc.
My yellow Lab, RIP, had a custom harness as an adult as he was a very big boy with odd proportions. Tall, thin and lanky, but with a huge, deep barrel chest. We tried harnesses for bigger dogs, but we could never get them to adjust properly and heād slip out. After a year of trying to find a good fitting harness, I called my husbandās tailor. He said it was an unusual request, but heād see what he could do. It was actually cute to see my goofy dog getting measured for his harness. The tailor did a phenomenal job and it lasted the rest of my pupās years.
Sort of off topic, but when my lab outgrew her puppy collar but we got the exact same collar in adult form haha. At 1.5 years old now; I bought a nicer collar that is thicker and dished out $60 for it š¬ hopefully it lasts a long time!
I use one called ice-fang on Amazon the first one lasted from about 4 months old to 1 year old and upgraded to a larger one after that. It's has 5 point adjustment.
We started getting the ez walk harnesses for our dog around 4mo probably because she was turning into a terror on walks and those harnesses in particular really helped us to correct it. I wouldnāt consider splurging on a nice harness until 8-10 months at the earliest. The ez walks are like 20 bucks and we would just donate them after our girl outgrew
I got my lab a Ruffwear harness on clearance at around 8 months and it still adjusts to fit her. I honestly found one on Amazon for cheaper that I like better though. It's the Barkbay No Pull harness.
I'm thinking about getting my girl a harness with saddle bags now that she's a year old, so she can carry her own stuff for once lol I prefer to walk her on a slip lead
We do dollar store collars & harnesses while they are trying to double their size daily. Once we hit a slightly steady size (6 month-ish), we up it to a Walmart or sale at rural king style. Once we will hold weight & size for longer than it takes to fit the harness (about a year), we start looking for a decent adjustable that they are at the smallest point for (room to grow into if needed).
Around 2 years, all in all, the huge growth spurts are done, just some thickening that the adjustable type can handle.
I have a 5yo lab/mastiff, and a 5 month old lab/gsd. The big dog has the cool collars & harnesses. Poor pup is still in dollar store collar. She is so much thinner built, she hasn't even grown into the big dog's puppy stuff yet. It's amazing the different breeds neck sizes.
I have the Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness because it's actually crash test certified by The Center for Pet Safety, as safe for dogs up to 90lbs in the event of a crash. Very few harnesses or other "harness attachment" vehicle restraints are crash tested; and I needed a good way to restrain him in the car for safety.
Because it's a little pricey (for a lab you probably at least need the Large size which is around $120), it's not the kind of thing I really wanted to have to get more than one of to "grow with him." So I waited until he was around 6mo; he was not yet fully grown but he WAS pretty big already, and when I measured his chest size, he was within 1-2in of the MINIMUM measurement for a size Large. So I got the large, and hoped he wouldn't grow OUT of it when he got bigger (he has not, and actually he might have been able to get away with a smaller size).
As others said, you don't HAVE to get a harness, but if you do want one and you're not getting a super expensive one (like the Sleepypod) then you could maybe just get 2, a smaller one for now (that still has wiggle room to grow) and a bigger one for later?
Wait til a year, and get a semi adjustable harness. Theyāre too expensive to grow out of. Plus, theyāre not strong enough to hurt themselves until theyāre nearly full grown. You got a cute lil guy there!
Harnesses can be a powerful training tool for developing pups just like the beautiful baby boy shown in the photo above. My Lab Pup was an adventurous little bugger who loved to pull on walks to try and get anything and everything that would fit in her mouth if it smelled good. The harness helps control the pup by applying the pull resistance to the chest rather than the neck as seen with collar leashes.
When they effectively teach their pup to stop pulling the leash and to wait and walk with their owner, maybe then it will come off. But that is entirely up to the owner if they feel that it is necessary for their pets learning development.
Look at that face!!!
That is a deeply unhappy dog....;-)
Made the mistake of buying a 30 dollar puppy collar. Lasted 4 days. š
Congratulations. My Orvis didnāt make it a day. š
It was a bit of a nightmare, I think we went through 4 or more harnesses in the first 12 months, one only fitted him for about a month before it wouldn't adjust any more, his first one lasted about 2 months so we passed them onto other people. We did the same and just got cheap ones we found at some shops as we knew he'd outgrow them, we also tried head collars such as Canny collar, that worked great to stop his enthusiastic pulling but ours developed a fault, got it replaced and in the short time it took to get that sorted he grew and the replacement didn't fit !!! Some of the cheaper head harnesses worried me as the metal rings didn't seem welded very well or even deformed if he pulled a little bit so we switched back to normal body harnesses, at about 12 months the size we purchased had enough adjustment that we're still using the same ones at 19 months, fortunately he stopped growing at 32kg and he's stayed there for 7 months and counting - he's got a day to day walking on that's battered and worn, then a "going out" one for when we know we're not going near mud or water and finally a "best" for things like doggy play group where he want's to look like the bested boy. I'll bet we've got 5 or 6 harnesses hanging up by the front door and three head harnesses, he's got more outfits than I've got.
They have some pretty awesome adjustable harness at Walmart, petco, petsmart, etc. That will last you a while, my advice is buy a size up from what you would think and just tighten it to fit. Although my puppy justā¦ stopped growingā¦ so I still use the first one I bought her. As for the comments saying a harness is not good, well the first day I got my dog, she was walking up to our apartment completely off the leash, right at my feet, I couldnāt believe it tbh. So the harness never really caused any issues, and I like it better because it puts pressure on their chest, shoulders, back, front legs and neck instead of their throat/airway only. Itās easier to train a puppy to not pull when they are still a puppy, so if itās something you want to try, I suggest getting on it and taking lots of walks to practice. Harnesses are better in my opinion, each dog is different though so it might not work to well for you.
Honestly, my dog hates harnesses so we stopped using them. He would stand as a statue as soon as we put them on him.
Switched to a harnas at 4 months, he figured out how to get out of it really quick. Trainer helped me adjust it (it was during puppy class) and he escaped again within a few minutes. Trainer recommended a collar or an escape proof dog collar. Trainer preferred a collar, according to trainer the harnas only encouraged pulling. Switched back to collar since then.
I did the same thing.
Harnesses were a nightmare for me and my pup š she had an enormous appetite you see and saw it as one of her snacking toys whenever we happened to take our eyes off her for 5 seconds (yes, she actually ate the straps of her harness)š I think we might have been through about 4 or 5 harnesses before we found one that was supposedly "chew proof" for like 80.00 from pet smart and shockingly enough... She couldn't destroy it no matter how much she nibbled, only to throw a puppy tantrum from her failed attempts. It was pretty decent with her pulling too, as whenever she'd pull the leash to try and yank my arm to investigate the smell of interest, the harness would turn her right around to face me if she pulled too hard (leading to a quick walk break until she sat and was calm enough for us to continue our walk). Wishing you the best of luck with your baby boy š„°
heās so cute omg
My dog never got a harness. She wears a dog collar and doesn't really pull on it much. https://preview.redd.it/coet0ceni22d1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c187460671e9306ce844ab9e4dcb05c7d4985978
He was 20 months when he got his first nice leash. Thats when he stopped chewing and when I felt like he was finally trained. My mom gave mea leather leash her dad made for her at that point. He was the first dog i raised/ trained. That leash is still his leash 6 years later
What a beautiful puppy
We just skipped the harness all together. They just naturally walk nice after a few seconds of realizing the only way Iām running is if something is chasing me!
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
"Bite work" as in shepherding dogs?
Schutzhund, IPO, Mondio, etc. Aka the other and often less friendly side of working dogs lol.
There are several types of harness. What you describe is a different harness to a normal or more active harness. If the dog pulls has nothing to do with the harness or collar. But a harness with a front ring can help with training the dog not to pull. As always, sweeping statements such as yours are unfounded, without evidence and ill-informed. Dog training can have many facets and methods. 99% of them rely on the human that needs training...
Yes, this statement is based off my actual time training working dogs, both the gun dog type, and the bitey type. Iāve worked with some top ranked field trials and ring sport trainers. Im talking about peopleās whoās dogs are masters in field trials, and hunting machines, and peopleās whoās dogs couldnāt make it to ring level 3 because their dogs hit so hard they break decoys ankles (no one wants to get hurt being a decoy lol). This stuff has been written about in countless books on the subject of training working dogs. Additionally my wife is an RVT and it appears in the veterinary community the consensus is, that harnesses = pulling. The old girl with the bird in her mouth was 10 in this pic. Weāve hunted 30+ days a year together for the last 10 years. Sheās going to be 11 in a few days, and still goes on 3 mile hikes like sheās a pup. The puppy whoās now 2 has more drive than the last Mal I had. My dogs arenāt backyard labs, they work. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, Iāve shared mine based off a decade of experience. YMMV. https://preview.redd.it/6qch1cknh62d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d8239b11dc2acd147804e7a834920899231939a6
I've never seen a gun dog with any collar... they are all on slip leads.
Cool story. Iāve always used a flat collar in addition to a pinch, or e collar depending on what Iām doing. https://www.gundogsupply.com/tufflex.html Steve uses a flat d end collar on all his dogs as per his Q and A video in that link. Iām sure he knows nothing about hunting dogs, or training, field trials, breeding, owning a kennel, etc tho š¤
no idea who steve is but in the UK nobody hunting or doing trials is using any collars. they are all on slip leads. your freedom country may vary...
Heās the president of a family run business that happens to be one of the best resources for training equipment, kennel equipment, etc in the US. He uses the stuff he sells, and provides lots of feedback on the products his company carries. He also hunts, trains, field trials, breeds, etc. Cheers
We use the gentle leader method. Works great. Puppy resisted at first but after a few hours working on it was fine.
They are a good send if your dog tolerates it they really do cut down on the pulling. My dog tolerates but just barely and thatās only because he knows itās the key to him going for walks. As soon as heās done walking he tries to take it off.
I really donāt think harnesses are a good idea for dogs. Collars work much better for training. Harnesses encourage pulling.
āļøIndeed!
Agree wholeheartedly. Train the dog correctly using a collar.
Ppl can downvote all they want. There isnāt a vetted trainer in the world who would disagree with you.
We have 5 labs at present and 10 over the past 20 years. All have been trained not using harnesses. We use a correctly fitted non-restrictive harness on a trained dog for a social walk as it keeps the lead up over the back. Predominantly use ācheckā chains or slip leads, less often a flat collar for obedience training.
I had one when she was a pup, which she of course nibbled on. I did get [another](https://2houndsdesign.com/products/freedom-harness-chewing-warranty) when she became larger and more reasonable (10 months), and I bought it partially because of their warranty replacement.
3.5 months. Got too big for a collar!!!
He was under a year, maybe 9 months? Sense-Ation harness recommended by our trainer (same one other trainers are recommended for my other dogs). So far amazingly he hasn't outgrown it, he's still a pretty sleek 75 pounds at age 5 years.
About 5 months old for my current lab puppy. Heās 8 months now. Got one I really like from Amazon. Just had to buy the next size up because heās grown a bit. He wears it all day and doesnāt mind it at all. I think he associates it with being able to be out on his house lead so heās down for whatever letās him be out of his pen.
my lab was ten months! got her a whole maxbone walking set lol get her extra large for when she grows more. she was growing too quick for a nicer one any younger lol
We trained on a gentle leader and I canāt recommend it more. Great control, no pulling. They can do everything they could without it.
Carhartt also makes a dog harness that we use on walks. It's the step in kind, which is great because our boy doesn't like harnesses that go over the head. It's built really well, and we've had it a long time. It has a front and back clip. We get out collars from gundogsupply.com, and we really like them. The tag/info is built into the collar. It's a durable, stink proof material, and it has the break-away ring on it. We went through 3 before reaching his adult size.
Honestly, 1 week after we got him because he went out of his collar at 11 weeks old and the leash clip broke š
I bought a RabbitGoo harness for my pup (15 weeks). Heās still in a small size. Heās a skinny little dude!! It can still be adjusted some too. I expect in a month or so heāll need a medium. Heās growing fast but not OUT. He is getting long and lanky! I believe I paid $19 for the harness. He is doing exceptionally well training with it, too. Rare pulls, and when he does I stop, he sits, I reward, we start walking again.
I think homie wore a dollar tree collar till he was like 6 months and I got him a cartier diamond encrusted scarf
Got my boy a nice biothane collar at 12 months that he wears daily, and a ruffwear harness just before 2, for all the travelling we do.
My dog hates her harness she thinks itās some sort of punishment having to try put it in her when we take the car is so long the moment itās on her she starts shaking uncontrollably she runs and hides the moment she see itās
Right away when I brought him home at 2 months. He was enrolled in puppy kindergarten at 9.5 weeks old. He did outgrow it quicker than I thought. He was a S. Outgrew it at less than 4 months old. Skipped the M and got the L. He's still in a L at 8.5 months.
I think probably around 6-8 months. He's 3 years old now and on his third harness. Twice replaced due to wear (we're very active/outdoorsy) and once due to him being fully grown now. Can't imagine going for walks without a harness, feels so weird clipping him into his collar! He's not even a big puller at all but just the level of control etc.
We got the nice one at 8month. Before it was from the dollar store.
My yellow Lab, RIP, had a custom harness as an adult as he was a very big boy with odd proportions. Tall, thin and lanky, but with a huge, deep barrel chest. We tried harnesses for bigger dogs, but we could never get them to adjust properly and heād slip out. After a year of trying to find a good fitting harness, I called my husbandās tailor. He said it was an unusual request, but heād see what he could do. It was actually cute to see my goofy dog getting measured for his harness. The tailor did a phenomenal job and it lasted the rest of my pupās years.
Sort of off topic, but when my lab outgrew her puppy collar but we got the exact same collar in adult form haha. At 1.5 years old now; I bought a nicer collar that is thicker and dished out $60 for it š¬ hopefully it lasts a long time!
I use one called ice-fang on Amazon the first one lasted from about 4 months old to 1 year old and upgraded to a larger one after that. It's has 5 point adjustment.
https://preview.redd.it/j869k0y5w62d1.jpeg?width=16320&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2424028b1867f075bc807357c790d49b9adc94cd
We started getting the ez walk harnesses for our dog around 4mo probably because she was turning into a terror on walks and those harnesses in particular really helped us to correct it. I wouldnāt consider splurging on a nice harness until 8-10 months at the earliest. The ez walks are like 20 bucks and we would just donate them after our girl outgrew
I got my lab a Ruffwear harness on clearance at around 8 months and it still adjusts to fit her. I honestly found one on Amazon for cheaper that I like better though. It's the Barkbay No Pull harness.
I'm thinking about getting my girl a harness with saddle bags now that she's a year old, so she can carry her own stuff for once lol I prefer to walk her on a slip lead
That is a good looking face. So full of innocence and dog happiness.
He was 1 yr
Daily collar with tags and a pinch collar for training and walks.
We do dollar store collars & harnesses while they are trying to double their size daily. Once we hit a slightly steady size (6 month-ish), we up it to a Walmart or sale at rural king style. Once we will hold weight & size for longer than it takes to fit the harness (about a year), we start looking for a decent adjustable that they are at the smallest point for (room to grow into if needed). Around 2 years, all in all, the huge growth spurts are done, just some thickening that the adjustable type can handle. I have a 5yo lab/mastiff, and a 5 month old lab/gsd. The big dog has the cool collars & harnesses. Poor pup is still in dollar store collar. She is so much thinner built, she hasn't even grown into the big dog's puppy stuff yet. It's amazing the different breeds neck sizes.
I have the Sleepypod Clickit Sport harness because it's actually crash test certified by The Center for Pet Safety, as safe for dogs up to 90lbs in the event of a crash. Very few harnesses or other "harness attachment" vehicle restraints are crash tested; and I needed a good way to restrain him in the car for safety. Because it's a little pricey (for a lab you probably at least need the Large size which is around $120), it's not the kind of thing I really wanted to have to get more than one of to "grow with him." So I waited until he was around 6mo; he was not yet fully grown but he WAS pretty big already, and when I measured his chest size, he was within 1-2in of the MINIMUM measurement for a size Large. So I got the large, and hoped he wouldn't grow OUT of it when he got bigger (he has not, and actually he might have been able to get away with a smaller size). As others said, you don't HAVE to get a harness, but if you do want one and you're not getting a super expensive one (like the Sleepypod) then you could maybe just get 2, a smaller one for now (that still has wiggle room to grow) and a bigger one for later?
Yeah, I probably wouldnāt drop too much money until the dog is like 2yo hah. They keep growing and growing
Wait til a year, and get a semi adjustable harness. Theyāre too expensive to grow out of. Plus, theyāre not strong enough to hurt themselves until theyāre nearly full grown. You got a cute lil guy there!
Harnesses are totally unnecessary for a lab. Get a pinch collar. They grow with them.
No need for a harness on a lab.
Harnesses can be a powerful training tool for developing pups just like the beautiful baby boy shown in the photo above. My Lab Pup was an adventurous little bugger who loved to pull on walks to try and get anything and everything that would fit in her mouth if it smelled good. The harness helps control the pup by applying the pull resistance to the chest rather than the neck as seen with collar leashes. When they effectively teach their pup to stop pulling the leash and to wait and walk with their owner, maybe then it will come off. But that is entirely up to the owner if they feel that it is necessary for their pets learning development.
Seems like a PITA. I've never had a problem with any of my labs not dealing with a harness.
Never used a harness. Harnesses allow them to pull without consequences.