Dog harnesses are devices that fit around your dog’s chest and back, and attach to a leash. They are designed to give you more control over your dog during walks, training, or other activities. They can also prevent your dog from pulling, choking, or injuring themselves with a collar. Dog harnesses come in different types, sizes, and styles to suit different breeds and purposes. Dog Harnesses: A Guide for Pet Owners. Here are some tips on how to choose the best dog harness for your canine companion.
Types of Dog Harnesses
There are many types of dog harnesses available on the market, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Some of the common types of dog harnesses are:
Back-clip harnesses:
These are harnesses that have a leash attachment point on the back of the dog. They are easy to put on and take off, and they don’t put pressure on the dog’s neck or throat. They are suitable for small, calm, or well-trained dogs that don’t pull or jump a lot. However, they may not offer enough control or correction for large, strong, or unruly dogs that tend to pull or lunge.
Front-clip harnesses:
These are harnesses that have a leash attachment point on the front of the dog’s chest. They offer more control and guidance over the dog’s direction and movement, and they can discourage pulling by turning the dog’s body towards you when they pull1. They are suitable for medium to large dogs that need more training or correction. However, they may cause the leash to get tangled under the dog’s legs, and they may not be comfortable for dogs with sensitive skin or short hair.
Dual-clip harnesses:
These are harnesses that have both back-clip and front-clip attachment points. They offer more versatility and options for different situations and preferences. You can use either clip depending on your needs, or use both clips with a double-ended leash for more balance and stability. They are suitable for most dogs of any size or temperament. However, they may be more expensive and complicated than single-clip harnesses.
Tightening harnesses:
These are harnesses that tighten around the dog’s chest or shoulders when they pull, creating an uncomfortable sensation that discourages pulling. They can be effective for dogs that are hard to control or train with other methods. However, if you do not fit or use them properly, they may cause pain, injury, or fear in some dogs. You should use them with caution and supervision, and only as a last resort.
Vest harnesses:
These are harnesses that have a vest-like shape that covers most of the dog’s chest and back. Typically, they are padded, soft, and cozy for the dog. They can also provide warmth, protection, and visibility for the dog. They are suitable for small to medium dogs that don’t pull much. However, they may be too hot or bulky for some dogs, especially in warm weather.
Step-in harnesses:
These are harnesses that have two loops that the dog steps into with their front legs, and then fasten around their back with a buckle or a clip. They are easy to put on and take off without going over the dog’s head. Additionally, they can stop rubbing or chafing on the dog’s armpits. They are suitable for small to medium dogs that are calm and cooperative. However, they may not be very secure or adjustable for some dogs, especially if they wriggle or squirm a lot.
How to Choose the Right Dog Harness
When choosing a dog harness for your pet, there are some factors you should consider:
Size:
The size of the dog harness should fit your dog snugly but not too tightly. It should be possible to fit one or two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. You should also measure your dog’s chest girth and neck girth before buying any dog harness online or offline. To take the measurements, use a string or a tape measure. Different brands may have different size charts, so always check the size guide before ordering.
Material:
The material of the dog harness should be durable, breathable, and comfortable for your dog. You should avoid materials that are too rough, scratchy, stiff, or heavy for your dog’s skin and fur. You should also avoid materials that are too hot or too cold for your dog’s body temperature. Some of the common materials used for dog harnesses are nylon, polyester, cotton, and leather.
Style:
The style of the dog harness should match your dog’s personality and preferences. You should choose colors, patterns, and designs that suit your dog’s coat color and breed. You should also consider the purpose and the occasion when choosing the style of the dog harness. For example, you may want to choose a bright-colored or reflective harness for better visibility at night or a tactical harness for hiking or hunting.
Functionality:
The functionality of the dog harness should meet your dog’s needs and lifestyle. You should choose a dog harness that is easy to put on and take off your dog, especially if your dog is not used to wearing them. You should also choose a dog harness that has features such as multiple attachment points, adjustable straps, buckles or clips, handles or loops, pockets or pouches, etc., depending on what you want to do with your dog.
Where to Buy Dog Harnesses
There are many places where you can buy dog harnesses for your pet, both online and offline. Some of the popular places are:
Amazon.com:
Amazon.com is one of the largest online retailers in the world, where you can find thousands of products for dogs of all sizes and breeds. You can browse through different categories such as back-clip harnesses, front-clip harnesses, dual-clip harnesses, tightening harnesses, vest harnesses, step-in harnesses, and more. You can also read customer reviews and ratings to help you make an informed decision.
Wirecutter:
Wirecutter is an online review site that tests and evaluates various products in different categories. They have a guide on the best dog harnesses based on their research and testing with real dogs of different shapes and sizes. They recommend their top picks such as Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Walking Harness, 2 Hounds Design Freedom No Pull Dog Harness, Ruffwear Web Master Dog Harness, etc., as well as their pros and cons.
PetSmart:
PetSmart is a leading pet retailer that offers various products and services for pets in their physical stores and online site. They have a wide selection of dog harnesses from different brands such as Top Paw, Good2Go, PetSafe, etc., in different types such as back-clip, front-clip, dual-clip, etc., in different sizes such as x-small, small, medium, large, x-large, etc. You can also book an appointment with their groomers who can help you fit your pet with a proper harness.
Conclusion
Dog harnesses are devices that can help you control your pet during walks, training, and other activities. They can also prevent your pet from pulling, choking, or injuring themselves with a collar. Dog harnesses come in different types, sizes, and styles that suit different breeds’ purposes. When choosing a dog harness for your pet, you should consider the size, material, and style of the product. You can find a wide variety of dog harnesses online and offline from different places, such as Amazon.com, Wirecutter, and PetSmart. By choosing a suitable, safe, and comfortable pet, you can improve their appearance, comfort, and well-being