The Pressures of Guide Dogs: Forces at Work on Canine Harnesses

Guide dogs can be lovable and needed companions for those with disabilities. During their working day, these canines communicate with a blind person via a harness and its handle. Yet how comfortable are these harnesses for the dogs? Scientists have investigated the forces guide dogs are exposed to during their work and have found the best types of harnesses to use for both owner and dog.

In order to examine the pressures these dogs were under, the researchers placed pressure sensors beneath the harnesses. Eight guide dogs were then filmed with a trainer while climbing steps, avoiding obstacles, turning left and right and walking straight ahead. The trainers, animals and harnesses were all equipped with reflective markers, which allows the scientists to visualize the movements.

So what did the researchers find? The bottom right of the dogs' chests is particularly stressed during a working day. In fact, the pressure on the right side of a dog's chest may equate to up to 10 percent of the animal's weight. In contrast, the dog's back experiences far less pressure.

"Guide dogs walk under constant tension," said Barbara Bockstahler, one of the researchers, in a news release. "They are usually on their owners' right and in front of them. It is important for guide dogs to exercise regularly without a harness to compensate for the lopsided pressure they experience in their work."

The scientists found that very rigid harnesses enable quick and finely tuned communication between dogs and owners. At the same time, though, this causes stress to the animals. The more stiffly the harness is anchored to the handle, the more pressure the animal experiences. The researchers found that the most comfortable harness relies on a hook-and-loop connection, which provides the least pressure on the dog.

"The importance of matching the dog to its owner is well known: the blind person should suit the dog not only in character but also in size," said Christian Peham, one of the researchers, in a news release. "But it seems that the choice of harness is also vital. Flexible and adjustable harnesses, e.g. with telescopic handles, are ideal."

The findings are published in The Veterinary Journal.