Dog Harness

Abstract

A dog harness comprising an adjustable neck strap 200, three removable protrusions 203, a lead attachment 206 attached to the neck strap, an adjustable chest strap 300, a lead holder 306 fitted at the

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a harness for a dog BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION Dogs naturally prefer freedom of movement, and being restrained by a lead can result in various behaviours such as lunging, pulling, slipping out of the collar or harness, biting the lead, or jumping at the handler. Many current training devices, designed to teach dogs to walk on a lead, rely on negative reinforcement These devices work by inflicting pain or significant discomfort when the dog pulls, which is alleviated when the dog stops pulling. These devices include traditional collar, Martingale collar, prong collars, choke chains, figure-8 leads, head collars, and other restraining devices so called anti-pull harnesses, For a dog to accept wearing some of these devices, they must undergo conditioning. It is important to note that asking a dog to wear a device that may cause harm or discomfort is challenging. Additionally, handlers must be properly trained to use these devices correctly. Improper use can lead to serious physical damage and emotional damage to the dog. For the handler, such behaviour from a dog can turn a walk into an unpleasant experience or even cause physical pain or injury. This situation can quickly lead to a negative emotional state like frustration, anger, and humiliation for not being able to control the dog. This will create a conflict between the handler and the dog. The handler, might respond by counter-pulling, tugging violently on the lead or yelling at their dog. These responses cause further harm and discomfort to the dog, potentially damaging the dog's emotional and physical well-being. This can crush the dog's confidence and break the trust it has in the handler, which may result in additional behavioural problems such as fear-based aggression or fear-based submission. Modifying undesirable dog behaviours: Three key steps and their limitations Training a dog to walk calmly on a lead involves correcting undesirable behaviours such as pulling, lunging, slipping out of the leash, escaping, jumping, and more. The following three key steps are essential for achieving successful results. However, these steps are limited either by currently available devices, a lack of handler knowledge, or a combination of both. 1. Understanding Dog Signals Dogs primarily communicate through body language, conveying their emotional state, intentions, and comfort level. Recognising these often subtle signals is crucial for effective behaviour modification. Limitations: Interpreting these cues requires a thorough understanding of canine body language and keen observational skills. 2. Correction using tactile feedback When the handler recognise the signal given by the dog, they should promptly provide a correction. This is commonly achieved by applying gende tension to a leash connected to the dog's collar or harness. The tension should be firm enough to capture the dog's attention without causing distress or harm. Prioritising self-correction is essential in dog training. Allowing the dog to experience the correction naturally when it reaches the end of the lead, without the handler's interference, enhances the learning process. This approach minimise the risk of harm that could occur if the handler tugs too forcefully. Limitations: Various equipment options exist, including standard collars, Prong collars, choke collars, Martingale collars, and head halters. Each requires considerable experience to apply the technique effectively and safely without harming the dog. The correction's location on the dog's body should remain consistent. While Prong collars, choke collars, Martingale collars distribute pressure evenly, traditional collar may shift. Maintaining a consistent contact point makes this technique even more challenging to master using a traditional collar. Frequent misuse of these devices can significantly harm a dog's mental well-being and cause physical injuries, particularly to the throat. Many handlers unintentionally apply excessive force in reaction to the pulling, while some tend to see correction devices primarily as tools for punishing bad behaviour rather than as instruments for teaching and guiding the dog. Self-correction is rarely implemented because current devices are typically perceived as tools for control rather than as instruments for guidance. 3. Predicting the correction: The Warning Signal To improve the effectiveness of corrections,the handler must introduce a precursor signal that can help the dog understand and respond better. This signal could be something like a specific hand gesture, a verbal cue a sound or a touch. Consistency is key in establishing any training protocol. Administering the warning signal and correction consistently in similar situations to reinforce the association between the signals and the desired outcome. Delivering the warning signal before the dog exhibits the unwanted behaviour, allowing them to anticipate the correction and self-regulate. This anticipation is key in preventing unwanted behaviours before they occur. In our case, pulling, lunging, barking, slipping out of the collar Limitations: The handler must be highly consistent in delivering the warning signal at the right time and in the correct manner, which requires a lot of practice and dedication. Once the handler has mastered the three steps in a quiet, distraction-free environment, they can gradually progress to more challenging settings. The entire process requires patience, dedication, and time, qualities that can be hard to balance with the demands of modem life. Understanding Dog Body Parts and Their Communicative Significance. Dogs primarily communicate through body language. Each part of a dog's body plays a role in conveying messages, with specific movements positions and contact carrying distinct meanings. These signals are deeply rooted in their instincts, reflecting their natural behaviours and emotions. 1. Body Parts Used for Communication Through Contact: The muzzle and forepaws (paws) are key body parts that dogs use to communicate with others through tactile contact, both with humans and other dogs. Because of their importance in communication, these body parts should be treated with care and respect. Using correctional methods or obtrusive devices on these areas can diminish a dog's confidence and impair its ability to communicate effectively. Therefore, no corrective actions should be directed at these parts. 2. Vital Body Parts the Dog Will Protect and Defend: The throat, abdomen, and genital areas are critical regions that dogs instinctively protect because they are vulnerable and vital to their survival. These sensitive regions cariy their own communicative significance and should never be used for correction. Unsolicited touch in these areas can trigger a defensive response, breaking the trust between the dog and its handler. No correctional methods or obtrusive devices should be used in those regions. 3. Body part used for movement: The front and back legs are the primary sources of power for a dog's movement. Dogs need to move freely and comfortably to engage in instinctive behaviours like chasing, escaping danger, or quickly confronting threats, all of which are vital for their well-being. If any device causes discomfort or restricts legs movement, the dog will feel uneasy and insecure. Therefore, no part of a device should be interfere with the legs. 4. Body Parts Where the Dog Will Accept Correction Instinctively: Dogs instinctively recognise certain well-muscled areas of their body as appropriate targets for tactile corrections. These include the scruff of the neck, shoulders, upper thighs, chest, and sternum (breastbone). These regions are naturally more resilient and are often used by dogs in social interactions to assert dominance or correct behaviour within their pack. When necessary, gentle corrections can be applied to these areas, as dogs instinctively understand them as non-threatening. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention introduces a dog harness designed for optimal fit and comfort. This harness consists of six main components: a Neck Strap, three distinctive removable protrusions, a Lead Attachment, a Chest Strap, a Lead Holder and a Dorsal Strap. The Neck Strap is placed around the dog’s neck, while the Chest Strap is secured around the dog’s chest. The Dorsal Strap links Neck Strap and the Chest Strap together. Each of these straps is adjustable, allowing the harness to be customised to fit the dog’s unique body shape. The Neck Strap and Chest Strap are equipped with buckles to ensure easy fitting and removal. The Neck Strap features three removable protrusions providing three contact points with the dog’s neck, and a Lead Attachment for connecting a lead. The Chest Strap is fitted with a Lead Holder through which the lead will be threaded. The present invention integrates all three steps, ensuring consistent performance and precise timing while effectively addressing the challenges outlined in the background and overview section. The present invention is carefully engineered to guarantee the dog's safety, even in cases where the handler might unintentionally apply excessive force. It is designed to touch only those areas of the dog's body that naturally accept and respond to correction, avoiding any contact with parts that are vital or used for communication outlined in the background and overview section. Consequently, dogs readily accept the present invention without the need for conditioning. The present invention ensures that the dog cannot harm or choke itself or escape. This helps keep the handler at ease. As a result, the dog picks up on the handler's calmness and mirrors this emotional state, fostering a more peaceful and harmonious interaction. The present invention promotes self-correction. The dog feels the gentle pressure from the collar when it pulls on the lead, prompting it to adjust its behaviour independently, without direct intervention from the handler. Over time, the dog learns that any discomfort is a result of its own actions, leading it to choose to stop pulling on its own. Therefore, the handlers do not require specialied training or knowledge about dog communication to use the present invention. The functionality of the present invention relies significantly on the dog’s own communication skills using tactile sensoiy input. Specifically, the present invention operates based on three distinct types of touches applied at three different locations, each triggering specific actions or responses without the intervention of the handler. Touch 1: The Neck When the dog begins to misbehave by pulling, lunging, or jumping, the lead will tighten and pull the collar downward. This action creates a gentle touch on the dog’s neck. As a result, the dog will instinctively calm down and become more attentive to the handler. This is where the dog’s natural communication instincts are activated. For dogs with thick fur or / and an undercoat, as well as those previously trained with a choke chain or prong collar, the three removable protrusions can be utilised. Dogs with thicker coats might not feel light pressure, and dogs accustomed to choke or prong collars may be less responsive to gentle pressure. The three protrusions help by focusing the pressure on three consistent points of contact, ensuring effective communication with the dog. The neck is particularly effective, as it taps into instinctive responses developed from puppyhood. When touched in this area, many dogs naturally become calmer and more responsive to their handler. This behaviour has its roots in early canine development. Puppies learn to remain still and calm when their mother carries them by the scruff of their neck. This early experience creates a lasting association between touch in this area and a state of calm submission. As dogs mature, they often incorporate this instinctive response into their social interactions. Adult dogs may paw at, grab, or place their head over another dog's neck-shoulder region as a way to assert control or calm a tense situation. By utilising this innate canine communication, this touch can effectively: • Reduce a dog's stress or anxiety • Redirect attention during moments of overexcitement • Reinforce a calm state during training sessions • Strengthen the bond between dog and handler Touch 2 : The chest bone After a few touches on the neck, the dog will begin to anticipate the consequences of its actions. When the lead starts to tighten enough to pull down on the collar, it first comes into contact with the dog's chest bone. Unlike conventional harnesses, this design lacks a strap running from the collar to the base of the chest strap, allowing the lead to touch the dog directly on its chest bone. This light touch acts as a warning signal for the dog. For this method to be effective, the touch must be consistent in both timing and location. This consistency is achieved by using the Lead Holder on the chest strap, which holds the lead in place from the Lead Holder up to the lead attachment on the collar. As a result, the lead always touches the chest bone at the same location, providing a consistent interval between the two touches—the chest bone and then the neck. The dog will learn to calm down when touched on the bone chest, anticipating the desired behaviour indicated by a touch on the neck. This anticipation helps the dog become calm before it starts pulling, and therefore prevent pulling. Touch 3 : The flank After a few training sessions, the dog will naturally start walking in the heel position next to its handler. However, the dog might still occasionally stray sideways. To address this, the handler can hold the lead on the dog’s side opposite the handler. This allows the handler to gendy tug the lead and redirect the dog back towards them. The lead will touch the dog’s flank, prompting it to return to the heel position. By leveraging elements of the dog's natural tactile communication, the present invention elicits an instinctive and immediate calming response. This clear, instinctive communication avoids confusing the dog and enhances trust and respect between the dog and the handler. The present invention aligns with the dog's inherent ability to predict future events through consistent warnings, making it intuitive and effective to use. The positioning of the lead allows the handler to easily redirect the dog if it moves off heel, maintaining control and proper positioning. The present invention allow the dog to learn and modify its own behaviour through self-correction and self-learning, without the handler needing to actively intervene in the training process. By simply holding the dog's leash, the handler can provide guidance and structure, while giving the dog the freedom to figure things out on its own. The present invention is designed to prevent the dog from slipping out by pulling backward or choking by pulling forward. This secure fit ensures the dog's safety at all times which helps keep the handler at ease. The calming effect on the dog allows the handler to work in a calm manner on the underlying causes of unwanted behaviour rather than merely addressing the symptoms. This leads to a calmer handler and a more relaxed dog, accelerating the learning curve. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1. Simplified overview of the invention fully installed on the dog with a slack lead attached. FIG 2. Simplified overview of the invention installed on the dog with a tight lead attached. FIG 3. Perspective view of the invention fully connected with the lead attached. FIG 4. Perspective view of the invention, disconnected state. FIG 5. Perspective view of the invention fully connected with the lead attached. FIG 6. Perspective view of the invention installed on a dog with the lead attached. FIG 7. Perspective view of an alternative design of the invention, fully connected with the lead and owner’s collar attached. FIG 8. Perspective view of an alternative design of the invention, disconnected state with the owner’s collar attached. FIG 9. Perspective view of an alternative design of the invention in a detailed, disconnected state. FIG 10. Perspective view of an alternative design of the invention, installed on a dog with the lead attached. Figll. Perspective view of the invention installed on a dog with the handler standing on the right side, holding the lead. Figl2. Perspective view of the invention installed on a dog with the handler standing on the left side, holding the lead. SIMPLIFIED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION Referring now to FIG.l a dog harness comprise of a Neck Strap 200 and a Chest Strap 300 connected together by a Dorsal Strap 400. The Neck Strap 200 is fitted around the dog’s neck and the Chest Strap 300 is fitted around the dog’s chest. The Lead 700 is connected to the Collar’s Attachment Lead 206 via the Lead's Clip 702. The lead 700 is passed between the dog’s front legs, threaded through the Lead Holder 306, then brought out on one side of the dog. It finally runs along the dog's flank before reaching the handler's hand. FIG 2. In this perspective view, the dog harness is shown securely fitted on the dog. When the handler gently pulls on lead A, it comes into contact with the dog’s chest bone at point B. This action causes the collar at point C to be pulled downward, which generates pressure at point D. This pressure is concentrated by the three protrusions located on the back of the dog’s neck. This setup prevents: • The Neck Strap 200 to shift out of position ensuring a consistent point of contact with the dog’s neck, (used for the correction) • The Chest Strap 300 to shift out of position keeping the Lead Holder 306 and therefore the Lead 700 in place • The Lead 700 to move out of position relatively to the dog’s Chest Bone insuring a consistent point of contact with the dog’s Chest Bone, (used for the warning signal) • Choking the dog when the dog is pulling or lunging • The dog to slip out of his Neck Strap 200 • The Lead 700 to interfere with the front legs DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG 3. Fig 4. Fig 5. Fig 6. illustrate a perspective view of the first embodiment. This dog harness consists of a Neck Strap 200 , Chest Strap 300 and a Dorsal Strap 400. The Neck Strap 200 , Chest Strap 300 and the Dorsal Strap 400 could by non limiting example be made of a fabric, leather, cord, rope, cloth or any flexible material. The Chest Strap 300 is further divided into two parts: a Top Chest Strap 304 and an adjustable Bottom Chest Strap 302. On one side, the Top Chest Strap 304 is connected to the Bottom Chest Strap 302 via a Female Buckle 307 attached to one end of the Top Chest Strap 304 and a Male Buckle 308 attached to one end of the Bottom Chest Strap 302. The Buckles 307 and 308, could be made of plastic or metal. Theses buckles make it easy to put on an off the Chest Strap 300 On the opposite side, (FIG 5) the Top Chest Strap 304 is connected to the Bottom Chest Strap 302 using a Connector Ring 312. The Connector Ring 312 could be made of plastic or metal. A Lead Holder 306 strategically placed is attached at the base of the Bottom Chest Strap 302. The Lead Holder 306 could be a O-ring, D-ring made of plastic or metal or any other ways to thread through and hold the lead in place. The Lead Holder 306 allow the Lead 700 to thread through and help to maintained the Lead 700 in a straight line along the dog’s chest bone up to the Lead Attachment 206 fitted on the Bottom Neck Strap 202. The Bottom Chest Strap 302 includes two Length Adjusters 310 , one on each side. These Length Adjusters 310 allow to customise the The Bottom Chest Strap 302 length to fit the dog's chest securely, ensuring that the Lead Holder 306 is properly and strategically positioned at the base of the Bottom Chest Strap 302, under the dog’s chest. The Neck Strap 200 is further divided into two parts: a Top Neck Strap 204 and an adjustable Bottom Neck Strap 202. On one side, the Top Neck Strap 204 is connected to the Bottom Neck Strap 202 via a Female Buckle 207 attached to one end of the Top Neck Strap 204 and a Male Buckle 208 attached to one end of the Bottom Neck Strap 202. The Buckles 207 and 208 could be made of plastic or metal. On the opposite side, the Top Neck Strap 204 is connected to the Bottom Neck Strap 202 using a Connector Ring 212. The Connector Ring 212 could be made of plastic or metal. A Lead Attachment 206 is attached at the base of the Bottom Neck Strap 202. The Lead Attachment 206 could be made of plastic or metal. The Bottom Neck Strap 202 includes two Length Adjusters 210 , one on each side. These Length Adjusters 210 allow to customise the The Bottom Neck Strap 202 length to fit the dog's neck securely, ensuring that the Lead Attachment 206 is properly and strategically positioned at the base of the Bottom Neck Strap 202, under the dog’s throat. The Top Neck Strap 204 is designed with three removable protrusions 203 facing the dog's neck. The removable protrusions could be studs, pins, made of metal or plastic. These 3 protrusions 203 are strategically placed to apply pressure on three specific contact points, ensuring targeted and effective pressure distribution on the dog's neck. The Top Neck Strap 204 comprises a Male Buckle permanently attached to its centre. The Male Buckle 205 is connected to the Female Buckle 407 of the Dorsal Strap 400 The Dorsal Strap 400 connect the Neck Strap 200 and the Chest Strap 300. One end of the Dorsal Strap 400 is securely attached to the centre of the Top Chest Strap 304. The other end includes a Female Buckle 407 to connect with the Neck Strap 200 via its Male Buckle 205. The Dorsal Strap 400 includes a Length Adjuster 410, allowing for customisation to fit the dog's unique body shape. The Dorsal Strap 400 is crucial in ensuring that the entire harness remains properly in place. The lead 700 is clipped via its Clip 702 to the Lead Attachment 206, pasted between the dog’s front legs, threaded through the Lead Holder 306, then brought out on one side of the dog. It finally runs along the dog's flank before reaching the handler's hand. When the Chest Strap 300 is removed, (FIG 4) the Neck Strap 400, remains in place on the dog, allowing for a quick and easy reconnection of the Chest Strap 300 when needed. FIG 7. FIG 8. FIG 9 and FIG 10. illustrate a perspective view of an alternative embodiment. The Neck Strap 400 of the first embodiment is replaced by the Owner’s Collar 600 of his choice. The Looped Strap 500 is designed to provide a temporary connection between the Chest Strap 300 and the Owner's Collar 600. The Looped Strap comprise a Loop 502, a Stopper 510 and a Male Buckle 508. The Owner’s Collar is threaded through the Loop 502 of the Looped Strap 500 and held in place by the Stopper 502. The Looped Strap 500 is then buckled with the Male Buckle 508 to Female Buckle 407 of Dorsal Strap 400 . When the Chest Strap 300 is removed, the Owner's Collar 600, along with the Looped Strap 500, remains in place on the dog, allowing for a quick and easy reconnection of the Chest Strap 300 when needed.

Claims

25Claim 1 (amended):A dog harness comprising:- an adjustable neck strap configured for attachment around the neck of a dog, the neck strap being capable of delivering tactile feedback for behaviour guidance,- wherein the neck strap may optionally include three removable protrusions spaced evenly along the top portion, the protrusions being configured to enhance tactile correction in dogs with thick coats or prior collar desensitization,- a lead attachment positioned on the bottom portion of the neck strap under the dog’s throat, configured to transmit tactile feedback when tension is applied,- an adjustable chest strap configured for attachment around the chest of the dog,- a lead holder located precisely on the bottom portion of the chest strap under the dog's chest, configured to guide the lead to maintain consistent contact with the chest bone for tactile signalling,- and an adjustable dorsal strap connecting the neck strap to the chest strap, configured to maintain die positional stability of the harness for reliable tactile interaction during movement.Claim 2 (amended):The dog harness according to claim 1, wherein the optional removable protrusions are shaped and positioned to maintain consistent pressure contact with the dog’s neck during movement, enhancing instinctual behaviour correction through tactile communication.Claim 3 (amended):The dog harness according to claim 1, wherein the lead attachment is positioned at the midpoint of the bottom portion of the neck strap to clip the lead directly under the throat, such that the lead transmits tactile cues upward toward the neck for corrective feedback.Claim 4 (amended):The dog harness according to claim 1, wherein the lead holder is integrated into the midpoint of the bottom portion of the chest strap, enabling the lead to pass between the dog’s front legs and remain aligned with the chest bone, thereby serving as a predictive tactile signal point in anticipation of corrective feedback.Claim 5 (amended):The dog harness according to claims 3 and 4, wherein a lead is clipped to the lead attachment, passed between the dog’s front legs, threaded through the lead holder, and guided along the side of the dog to reach the handler's hand, wherein the lead delivers consistent tactile communication to the chest, neck, and flank areas to guide behaviour instinctively.Claim 6 (amended):The dog harness according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the configuration of the neck strap, lead attachment, lead holder, and lead routing forms an integrated tactile communication system that operates as a feedback loop:— delivering corrective tactile input at the neck,— predictive tactile cues at the chest, and— directional guidance along the flank.The neck strap is capable of providing tactile correction independently of any protrusions, which are optionally included to enhance feedback strength and consistency in dogs with thick coats or prior collar desensitization.LDCM

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