Do you use an EZ Walk or similar harness?

[Stella]

I was talking about this is another discussion, and thought I should post it here for wider viewing! I am a 'people' physiotherapist and have done a post-graduate diploma in Canine Rehabilitation. It has recently been noticed by several rehab experts that this style of harness can be responsible for causing injuries - primarily of the shoulder. This style of harness, horizontal strap across the front of the shoulder, works to prevent pulling by decreasing the stride length of the front legs and putting pressure across the front of the shoulder. This decreased stride, and pressure in the area can cause chronic injury. The EZ walk and other similar harnesses should be used as a training tool to teach loose leash walking, please don't continue to use them indefinitely. Once you have mastered loose leash walking, it is best to switch to a Y style harness which splits after it has come between the front legs and passes around the base of the neck. For more info, read these articles :)

http://www.pawsitive-performance.com/blog/does-your-dogs-harness-fi...

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2bvu0r7eYOvTmhmZlNFYWhRSkU/view?p...

https://alpineoutfitters.net/scripts/article.asp

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I used an Easy Walk harness during training when Ragley was a puppy, but she just uses a flat collar now. This is interesting information, though- good to know.

[Ginny Nightingale]

That type of harness did injure my youngest doodle who pulled a lot--I switched him to the halter type that goes around the muzzle and saw a huge improvement--my others were trained on the EZ walk harness and no longer pull so they never got an injury from it. 

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I have a sensation and also have the easy walk. I know that both products say that these harnesses are not for use during running or sports. I could see how misuse of the harness could come into play, but I didn't see any data being shared here. The one article clearly began with, "in my opinion". Also, the concept is similar to the harnesses used for horses. I have seen where people just let their dogs wear the harness at all times - and again that is a no-no as per the product instructions.
I also don't believe that all dogs will just learn not to pull. I have a bad back and my dog is close to 90 lbs. if I walk loose leash (which I do even with the harness) and she decides to take off, at least with the harness I can redirect her. Without it, I either lose her or my back. I wonder if the instances when injury occurs is because misuse either by letting the dog wear it when it clearly shouldn't or by not adjusting and fitting it correctly?

[Stella]

The "opinion" given is by Dr. Chris Zink, leader in canine sorts medicine and very well respected. The theory is that these harnesses, even when correctly fitted, can cause chronic shoulder injuries because of the way the harness works. The horizontal shoulder strap limits shoulder movement and puts pressure on the front of the shoulder joint.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I read that. I also found this article: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_7/features/the-no-pull-d...
If there are conclusive studies done to correlate that the harnesses are causing injuries while not being misused then, I would be more likely to believe that all use of the no pull harness causes injury during normal use. The articles seem to directly point to the use of harnesses on athletic dogs - which again is a misuse of the harness. The sensation harness uses the martingale system and when I put the harness on Gracie it's not even tight - in fact it droops a little as it is supposed to according to the instructions. The only time it disrupts her gait is when she pulls and I have to redirect her.
I agree with the second half of the article from whole dog journal, I will continue to use the harness as it is intended as a means to keep me and my dog safe. I work with her consistently and even use just the collar for short walks to the mail box. However, she is still a puller. I would rather her not hurt her esophagus. When she is out running, fetching, and playing she only has a collar on.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

Dr. Zink specifically pointed to performance dogs as well.

[Stella]

We all make the best choices for our dogs based on the information and resources available to us. The things that work for one dog and one owner don't work for others. I just wanted to make people aware of the current thinking on this style of harness. The best thing you can do is your own reading and research and make a choice that you are happy with having considered all the options.

[Sally M]

We use this harness with Penny and it made all the difference in the world. Basically, with a regular leash, she was walking us! Now she walks like she should and it happened right away.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

This is very interesting. I used and easy walk for Loki and currently use one for training Moose, who currently pulls as much as Balto probably did... -_- but I didn't realize that they are bad for them. I will have to look into some of the ones you posted. Even though Loki doesn't pull at all anymore it is almost a security blanket for if he did pull since he's a big strong guy.