Research Links
The following works are copyrighted and the full published papers may not be accessible by ordinary citizens; URL links are included here should you want to do delve further into the research. We’ve included more than one URL when the work is published on multiple sites.
Research on Dog Harnesses:
Effect of harness design on the biomechanics of domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)
Ellen Williamsa, Violet Huntona, Jacqueline Boydb, and Anne Carter
Research Published September 20, 2023
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/10888705.2023.2259796
Abstract excerpt: … the impact of harness design on canine biomechanics, and thus physical health and welfare is largely unknown … Differences varied across breeds/breed types. It is recommended that, when purchasing and fitting harnesses for dogs, owners and harness fitters treat dogs on an individual basis. The impact of pulling in harness on dog gait requires investigation as dogs may experience greater restrictions when pulling than during locomotion on a loose lead.
Conclusion excerpt: … it is recommended that owners and harness fitters treat dogs on an individual basis, with consideration being given to age, breed conformation, predisposition to injury, musculoskeletal impairments, and the harness functionality. Factors which may affect the impact of harnesses on dogs could include pulling or, for assistance dogs, to be in a particular position in relation to the handler. It is recommended that research is undertaken in respect of dogs which are pulling into the harness and for the removal of blanket recommendations on harness types.
Effects of Restrictive and Non-Restrictive Harnesses on Shoulder Extension in Dogs at Walk and Trot
M Pilar Lafuente, Laura Provis, Emily Anne Schmalz
First published: 12 January 2019 Veterinary Record, Volume 184, Issue 2 p. 64-64 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.104946 PMID: 30455191
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30455191/#:~:text=Shoulder%20extension%20was%202.6%C2%B0,more%20restriction%20to%20shoulder%20extension – https://bvajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1136/vr.104946
Abstract excerpt: Significant decrease in shoulder extension was found with both types of harnesses in comparison with no harness, except for the restrictive harness with weights. Shoulder extension was 2.6° and 4.4° less in dogs wearing a non-restrictive harness than in dogs wearing a restrictive harness, at walk and trot, respectively. The addition of weights did not consistently add more restriction to shoulder extension. The results of this study indicate that harnesses do limit shoulder extension, but perhaps not in the way originally anticipated, as results show extension is significantly reduced under the non-restrictive harnesses compared with the restrictive harnesses, with and without weights.
Pressure Distribution Under Three Different Types of Harnesses Used For Guide Dogs
Peham, S. Limbeck, K. Galla, B. Bockstahler
The Veterinary Journal Volume 198, Supplement 1, December 2013, Pages e93-e98
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1090023313004681?via%3Dihub – https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.09.040
Conclusion excerpt: This work highlights the importance of the correct selection and adaption of the harness to the dog and to the blind handler. There are differences among harnesses which are likely to affect the interaction between dog and its handler. A suitable harness will reduce load on the guide dogs.
The Influence Of Three Working Harnesses On Thoracic Limb Kinematics And Stride Length At Walk In Assistance Dogs
Holly Knights, Jane Williams
Journal of Veterinary Behavior, Volume 45, September–October 2021, Pages 16-24 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jveb.2021.05.011
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1558787821000629
Dog Pulling on the Leash: Effects of Restraint by a Neck Collar vs. a Chest Harness
Hao-Yu Shih, Clive J. C. Phillips, Daniel S. Mills, Yifei Yang, Fillipe Georgiou, and Mandy B. A. Paterson
Front Vet Sci. 2021; 8: 735680. PMCID: PMC8450523, PMID: 34552977 Published online 2021 Sep 6. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.735680
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8450523/
Biomechanical Analysis of The Kinematics of Different Dog Harnesses
Rita Kiss, Gergely Nagymáté, Otília Biksi
Cooperation Research Center for Biomechanics Budapest University of Technology and Economics
chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://julius-k9.com/pdf/biomechanical-analysis.pdf
A Systematic Review of the Biomechanical Effects of Harness and Head-Collar use in Dogs
Scott Blake, Rhian Williams, R Ferro de Godoy
2019/09/05 DO – 10.1101/759258
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335660240_A_Systematic_Review_of_the_Biomechanical_Effects_of_Harness_and_Head-Collar_use_in_Dogs – https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/759258v1.full
Working Dog Health
2021 AAHA Working, Assistance, and Therapy Dog Guidelines (for Veterinary Professionals)
Abstract: The guidelines are the first comprehensive consensus report on veterinary healthcare recommendations for working, assistance, and therapy dogs. This category of canine patients includes a broad assortment of animals, some with well-defined functions and others that provide a more generalized support role. The guidelines discuss recommendations for dogs trained for protection, odor/scent detection, service functions for people with diagnosed disabilities or physical limitations, emotional support, and therapeutic intervention … Many working dogs undergo extensive training and have rigorous physical demands placed upon them. These factors make working, assistance, and therapy dogs inherently valuable and impose a need for a high level of primary veterinary care as described in the guidelines. Because working dogs have a particularly close relationship with their handlers, a trust relationship between the practice team and the working-dog client is imperative. © 2021 by American Animal Hospital Association.
Working Dog Structure: Evaluation and Relationship to Function
Chris Zink and Marcia R. Schlehr
Front Vet Sci. 2020; 7: 559055 Published online 2020 Oct 20. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2020.559055 PMCID: PMC7606876 PMID: 33195533
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7606876/
Using the Incidence and Impact of Health Conditions in Guide Dogs to Investigate Healthy Ageing in Working Dogs
G. Caron-Lormier, G.C.W. England, M.J. Green, L. Asher
School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.10.046 – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1090023315004578?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-2&rr=7ee66af81b0a2c95
Working Dogs: Form and Function (Volume 1, 2019)
Cynthia M. Otto, Mia L. Cobb, Erik Wilsson https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2019.00351/full
Research Topic Article Collection Volume 1: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/4253/working-dogs-form-and-function/articles
Working Dogs: Form and Function, Volume II (2021)
Nathaniel J. Hall, Cynthia M. Otto, Wendy I. Baltzer https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/veterinary-science/articles/10.3389/fvets.2021.732304/full
Research Topic Article Collection Volume 2: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/11294/working-dogs-form-and-function-volume-ii/articles
Comparing Cooling Methods for Exertional Hyperthermia in Working Dogs
T. Ramos; A. Mallikarjun; S. Parnes; C. M. Otto
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/371476207_Comparing_Cooling_Methods_for_Exertional_Hyperthermia_in_Working_Dogs
Canine Mobility Maintenance and Promotion of a Healthy Lifestyle
Huasong Bai, Tong Liu, Songjun Wang, Zhanzhong Wang
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/360517469_Canine_Mobility_Maintenance_and_Promotion_of_a_Healthy_Lifestyle
The Animal Welfare Science of Working Dogs: Current Perspectives on Recent Advances and Future Directions
Mia L. Cobb, Cynthia M. Otto and Aubrey H. Fine
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355339991_The_Animal_Welfare_Science_of_Working_Dogs_Current_Perspectives_on_Recent_Advances_and_Future_Directions
Enhancing the Selection and Performance of Working Dogs
Emily E. Bray, Cynthia M. Otto, Monique Udell, Nathaniel J. Hall
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/351527140_Enhancing_the_Selection_and_Performance_of_Working_Dogs
The Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Conditions in Service and Working Dogs – WSAVA 2014 Congress – VIN
D. Millis, M.G. Drum, A.L. Henderson, J.S. Tobias
https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/defaultadv1.aspx?pId=12886&meta=Generic&id=7055020&f5=1
Growth and Development
Other Useful Resources
International Working Dog Association Knowledge Base
A library of FREE resources including early socialization for puppies (videos), behavior assessment testing for puppies and dogs entering training, and much more: https://www.iwdba.org/working-dog-resources/
Knowledge Base Example: Early Socialization Project: https://www.iwdba.org/working-dog-resources/early-socialization-project-introduction/
A Low-cost IWDA membership allows access to more information, including all past conference sessions
Collection articles on working-dogs-form-and-function:
https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/11294/working-dogs-form-and-function-volume-ii/articles
Links to articles on Canine Heat Injury:
Canine Heat Injury Prevention & Field Treatment
Veterinary Voices UK Public Page
Links to General Articles on Working Dog Health:
Impact on Risk Factors on Loss of Working Life
Canine Elbow Dysplasia and Serving Time in Guide Dogs
An Update on Mobility Assessment of Dogs…
Links to Articles on Military Working Dog Health
Noncombat injury and illness prevalence…
Analysis of Service Discharge and Decreased Service Life
Collection of articles by Dr. Chris Zink
https://caninesports.com/articles/
How to Make Your Dog Live Longer Read the PDF.
Gonadectomy — Rethinking Long-Held Beliefs Read this PDF. Watch this Video.
Corpulent Canines: Why Are So Many Dogs Overweight? Read this PDF.
Do the Dew(claws)? Read this PDF.
Sports Retraining for Agility Athletes Read this PDF.
Harnesses for Agility Dogs Read this PDF.