Dog Harness: A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing and Using One

A dog harness is an essential accessory for every pet own as it offers comfort, safety and control for both the dog and its owner. It is a suitable alternative to the conventional collar and helps to keep your furry friend safe in the care or out on a stroll. 

You may wonder why you should choose a dog harness over a collar; this article presents the benefits and different types available. Additionally, we will share tips on how to choose the best dog harness for your pet. At the end of this article, you will have enough data to make an informed decision so stay with us…

Why Use a Dog Harness?

Harnesses and collars serve the same purpose so what makes them a better option for pet parents?  There are many reasons why you should consider switching to this restrain; from health reasons to more convenience, find below some major benefits:-

  1. Better Control– With a harness, you have better control over your dog especially if they are of the energetic and larger kind. Due to the fact that pressure is evenly distributed over the torso of the animal, there is no strain on the dog’s neck. This therefore allows the owner to direct the dog without causing it any discomfort. 
  2. Enhanced Safety– Some dogs have the tendency of slipping out of their collar but with a properly fitted harness, this is not possible. Therefore because the pet is unable to escape from its restrain, it is more secure and its safety guaranteed especially on busy streets or environments. 
  3. Great for Training – Harnesses are great tools to use when training your dog to walk on a leash. Many of these restrains are designed in a way that discourages pulling and this makes it easier for the dog to learn goo walking behaviour. 
  4. Reduced Risk of Injury – Collars can aggravate tracheal issues or even cause chocking but the likelihood of this happening with a harness is by far lower. This restrain is therefore an ideal option for puppies, smaller breeds or dogs that have health issues. Click here for information on medical conditions in dogs and first aid treatments. 

Types of Dog Harnesses 

Types of Dog Harnesses 

The following are the different types of harnesses that are available:-

  1. Back-Clip – This is the most common type of restrain and the leash attachment is on the back of the dog. This well suited for dogs that are well-behaved and don’t pull too much. it is comfortable for daily walks.  
  2. Front-Clip – This is best for dogs that pull and its leash attachment is situated at the chest region of the animal. Its design helps to turn the dog’s attention back to its owner and also discourage it from pulling by turning it around whenever it tries to lung forward. 
  3. Dual-Clip – This design has attachment points both in front and at the back and provides flexibility for different scenarios (both training and walking).  This option is ideal for dogs that are growing from pullers to well-behaved walking behaviour. 
  4. Step-In – This is ideal for dogs that hate having things placed over their heads.
  5. No-Pull – This variety comes with features that discourage pulling.
  6. Car Harness – Just as the name implies, this is designed for use during car rides and integrates with seat belts to keep your pet safe. 

Quick Tips for Choosing the Right Harness

The following are factors to consider when selecting a harness for your pet:-

  1. Size and Fit – Measure the chest and neck of your dog to ensure that the restrain fits just fine; not too loose and not too tight.  Some manufacturer help out with size charts to guide buyers. 
  2. Material and Durability – Choose a restrain made with material that will withstand the wear and tear of constant use and also look out for a breathable fabric such as mesh or nylon. 
  3. Padding and Comfort – Look out restrains with padded straps especially if your pet has sensitive skin as padding provides more comfort. 
  4. Purpose – Consider the purpose for which you need the harness; this will determine the features to look out for. 

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

The following are the common mistakes about harnesses to avoid:-

  1. Incorrect Fit – Always follow the manufacturer’s size chart to ensure that you get the right size for your pet. If you pick a size that’s too tight, your furry friend will be uncomfortable while a loose one will allow it escape. 
  2. Relying on Harness Alone – This accessory alone cannot get your dog to stop lunging or pulling; you must also train the dog to address these issues. 
  3. Skipping Regular Adjustment – Ensure you reassess the fit of the restrain regularly. 

Conclusion

A dog harness goes beyond being an accessory to a functional tool that contributes greatly to the comfort, safety and behaviour of your dog. It is therefore important that you pay careful attention to the type you get for your furry friend. That is why this article has shared the above information to help you make the most of this tool. Therefore engage the tips shared here so that you can make informed decisions for your pet. 

Brenda Thompson

Brenda Thompson is an expert in dog behavior with over a decade of experience, and she is also passionate about working with cats and birds. In addition to contributing pet content to PetDogPlanet.com, she is a Certified Dog Behavior Consultant. She received her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and has over 16 years of experience in treating animals. Her expertise is in educating pet owners on common pet health problems and providing them with option-based care to help choose what is best for their companions

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