Whether you’re out for a walk or plan to do some intense activities with your dog, it’s important to find a well-fitting harness that’s snug for your dog. At the same time, the right harness shouldn’t restrict your furry friend’s movement that’s not too loose or too tight. For those of you who want to know more about putting the harness perfectly, follow these guidelines to ensure the perfect fit.
What is a harness?
A dog harness is a type of accessory made up of straps that surround a dog’s torso, which is used to hold and guide your dog. Compared to a collar, a harness is a better fit for dogs since it reduces the tension on their neck whenever they pull, providing comfort and security during activities. It also provides support for your dog’s back and legs while also giving you more control over their movement.
What are the different types of harnesses?
It’s no secret that Australians have a pretty active lifestyle, which is why it’s not surprising that many of them love to include their dogs in their activities. Depending on the activity, there are many available dog harnesses in Australia, but before you choose which one works, it’s better to have general knowledge about the different types of harnesses available.
H-harness. This type of harness is the most common on the market, with straps going over your dog’s chest and back. It’s a great choice that provides just the right fit, giving you control over the movement without suffocating them.
Back clip harness. Based on the name itself, the back clip harness has its leash attachment at the back of your dog. Similar to the previous type, it provides just the right control over your furry friend’s movement and is easy to put on.
No-pull harness. This type of harness is specifically designed to discourage your dog from pulling and restricts their movement more than the back clip and h-harness. This harness is ideal for those who want to focus on training their dogs without the need to yank their leash.
Finding the right fit: measuring your dog for the right size.
Now that you have a general idea of the kinds of harnesses available on the market, it’s time to choose the best one for your dog. Follow the tips below to make sure that your dog’s harnesses fit them comfortably and safely.
Check the chest and neck measurements. When choosing the right harness, the two important body parts you should be mindful of are the neck and chest area. Since the dog’s harness usually goes across the chest and neck, see if the straps are aligned and positioned just right. You don’t want your furry friend to suffocate over them, but at the same time, the straps shouldn’t be loose so that they can take it off easily.
Adjust the straps accordingly. Although the straps are produced with a certain size in mind, one of the great things about them is that they can be adjusted depending on your dog’s proportions. To make sure that it’s the right fit, try putting the harness on your dog with the loosened straps and adjust them so it fits your dog’s body. As a general rule, if you can insert two fingers between the straps and your furry friend’s body, then it’s a snug fit for your dog.
Check if they can move freely. Once the harness is put on, let your dog run around for a bit to see if they are able to move without constrictions. Your dog should be able to walk and run normally, with the straps digging or chafing into their skin.
Do a leash test. Once you’re done letting your dog run loose with their harness, it’s time to check if your harness is aligned properly with your dog’s body through a leash test. Try tugging the leash to check if the straps are placed comfortably. With this, you can see where the straps dig into your dog’s skin, so once you determine which parts need adjustment, you can do it properly later.
See if there are any loose parts or a tight fit. Let your dog wear your harness for quite a bit to see if there are parts that need adjustment. Sometimes, certain straps tend to get loosened when the dog gets too rowdy. But make sure not to leave the harness for too long and without your watchful eyes since it can lead to discomfort, irritation, sores, or chafing.
These are the general guidelines you should follow if you want to learn how to properly put on your dog’s harness. By doing so, it would greatly improve your dog’s activity, ensuring it’s enjoyable for you both.
