That cough on the leash isn't excitement

When a dog pulls against a collar, all of that force lands on the front of the neck, right where his windpipe, the nerves and the blood vessels to his head run just under the skin.

Researchers who tested collars on a model dog's neck found that even a light pull created more pressure than what's known to damage tissue in people. Another study found pressure inside dogs' eyes rose when they pulled on a collar, but not on a harness.

Your dog's windpipe is held open by a stack of soft, C-shaped rings of cartilage. When those rings weaken and flatten, the airway narrows. It's called tracheal collapse, and it's the reason behind that "goose honk" cough.

There's no cure for it. Once the rings have weakened, it's managed for the rest of the dog's life. And the advice owners hear first is always the same: stop putting pressure on the neck. Switch to a harness.

Dogs most at risk:

The Tailo harness has nothing around the throat. It slips over the head and the load rides on a padded strap across the chest and under the ribs, the part of the body made to carry it.

So when he lunges at a squirrel, the force goes to his chest, not his windpipe. No squeezing. No choking sound.

Most harnesses stop there. But a harness alone doesn't stop the pulling. Some actually make it worse.

Push your hand on your dog's chest and he pushes back. That's his opposition reflex. Clip the leash on his back, and you've built exactly how sled dogs are taught to pull.

The Tailo clips high on the front of the chest, on one single strap. When he pulls, the leash turns him back toward you instead of letting him lean in. Pull less, and there's less strain everywhere.

Add the matching Bungee Leash and every sudden lunge gets softened before it reaches him, or you.

For a dog with a sensitive neck, even getting dressed can hurt. No yanking a collar over his head. No twisting legs through straps.

The Tailo slips over the head in one gentle motion, then one big buckle clicks closed. His name stitched on the side, and your number for the "just in case" moment.

Then try it for 90 days. If it isn't right for you and your dog, send it back. No questions asked.