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Biomechanical analysis of the dog kinematics of different harnesses

The aim of the study is to determine, using 3D motion capture, how the usage of different harnesses changes the dog’s walking kinematics compared to free (unleashed) movements.

Biomechanical analysis of the canine kinematics of different harnesses

Download the FULL biomechanical analysis

Otília Biksi dog physiotherapist on the IDC®Powerharness

IDC® Powerhám – Biksi Otília fizioterapeuta

Translation:

I have carried out an analysis on the use of IDC®Powerharnesses on behalf of Julius-K9®. I looked at dogs wearing the harnesses while being led on a leash, as well as observing them moving freely, without a leash.

Putting the harness on a dog was a simple, one-step procedure, with easy-to-make adjustments to ensure a perfect fit for a wide range of shapes and sizes of dogs. The harness is made of rugged, durable materials, but the lining is soft. This combination delivers a long-lasting product which is comfortable for the animal to wear. An additional chest pad is available, which can make the harness even more comfortable.

Examination:

I carried out an assessment of the harnesses using two subjects: a Labrador Retriever and a crossbreed Border Collie. As part of my job as an animal physiotherapist, I am familiar with working with dog harnesses of this type although I use them to lift the dogs since this is generally the best way to ensure the safety of the animal during rehabilitation exercises. In this case, when observing the dogs wearing the harness, we were primarily interested in watching the extent of their free movement while wearing a harness, checking for any restrictions. We also observed the dogs with and without a leash, due to the different levels of force, to see if this had any effect on the impact of the harnesses.

Result:

The chest strap of the harness stayed above the level of the shoulder joint when the dogs were moving freely, and also when they were being led on the leash. However, when the dogs jumped forwards, raising their legs, the chest strap moved up towards the neck, ensuring that it did not restrict the movement of the forelegs in any way. The clear conclusion is that as long as the correct size is chosen, the forelegs are not restricted by the harness. This is true in case of being led on a leash (even if the dog is pulling) and also without the use of one. The harness has no immediate effect on the biceps brachii muscle on contact, therefore the movement of the tendon is unimpeded.

The history of dog harnesses

Dog harnesses were originally designed for pulling loads such as dog sledges, for attaching equipment or simply for displaying attention grabbing signs. Why then, in modern times, would a dog owner choose a harness instead of a collar for their dog? Modern day dog harnesses are practically all based on harnesses used in the equestrian…

Animal Welfare Inspection / Julius-K9® Powerharness

When used as intended and in compliance with the following conditions of use, the products – K9® Powerharness, IDC® Powerharness, IDC® Longwalk Harness and Hard Dog Race® harness from JULIUS-K9® – meet the requirements of the Austrian Animal Welfare Act.

JULIUS-K9® IDC® Powerharness movement

We have determined that JULIUS-K9® IDC® Powerharness doesn’t hinder the movement of the dog during running.

Summary of scientific study based on the effects of dog harnesses

There are currently more and more studies regarding the effects of dog harnesses on the movement of dogs…

Summary of the “Jena Study”

Prof. Dr. Martin S. Fischer, Professor of Special Zoology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Jena, and his team presented their study on the locomotion of dogs in 2011.

University Research backing up Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses contribute in a major way to allowing us to spend more time and have more experiences with our pet. It could even be said that the message of the dog harness is: ‘’Go together! Everyday. Everywhere.” The only thing left to decide is which harness is used for what.

IDC® Powerharness Durability Test at “Ebárvaház” Animal Welfare Association

We, at the “Ebárvaház” Nonprofit Association, also want to provide our protégés with the best possible dog equipment used in the shelter. For daily walks, we have recommended the IDC® Powerharness from the very beginning. Here, they really need indestructible and reliable pieces!

Lyubov Koshevaya About Mantrailing Harness

It is very nice because it is lightweight, comfortable for the dog, very convenient to maintain and has excellent fasteners…

IDC® Powerharness Review

For the most part, my dogs walk well on leashes, but sometimes Pete will lunge if he sees a cat, squirrel or another dog. Even gentle Ernest can pull if he gets it into his head that he wants to go somewhere off the beaten path. I don’t like the idea of putting so much tension on their necks, so we always use a harness.