HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST AND THE SAFEST HARNESS FOR YOUR DOG
We understand the advantages and effects of walks for dogs because we own dogs. Your pet enjoys two to three daily walks, which may be when they are happiest and feel most content. The quality of his walks significantly impacts your pet’s general wellness. Ensuring that your pet’s walking equipment is appropriate for their age, size, and activity levels are one way to ensure that your pet enjoys a comfortable walk. Above all, the walking equipment for your dog should be comfortable and durable for her.
Generally, walking is an excellent idea to walk your dog on a leash, especially in public spaces. You can choose to walk a dog harness, a dog collar belt, or occasionally even a dog body belt when walking your dog. Depending on your dog’s demands and degree of training, each provides advantages.
Pet owners are increasingly using body belts or harness to replace dog neck collars. Your pet’s breed and body type may make a harness the best fit. There are a variety of harnesses available for selection. But how can you fit the best-fitting harness for your dog?
Here are some recommendations to help you choose the best dog harness.
1. Consider your dog’s breed and size.
Dog collars and neck belts can inflict pain and possibly neck injuries on your dog if misused by the pet parent. If your dog tends to pull and lunge a lot while you’re walking, a well-fitting body harness is preferred to a neck collar.
Consider your dog’s breed, size, and weight when selecting a harness to ensure the best fit. Ensure sure the harness fits your pet correctly; it shouldn’t be too tight or loose so that it could simply fall off.
2. The importance of choosing the suitable fabric or material
Most dog harnesses are constructed from cushioned leather, nylon, or another synthetic material, and such dog harnesses with a polyester base. Even though your dog may experience skin sensitivities and find nylon harnesses comfortable, they are best avoided in humid climates.
It is better to select soft polyester-based or imitation leather dog harnesses because they are durable, long-lasting, and kind to your dog’s skin. Cotton webbing or fabric-based harnesses are also excellent options for your dog from a comfort standpoint. Still, they demand a lot of maintenance, especially in damp conditions.
Another option is a harness with minimal cushioning. Thanks to the padding inside, your dog will find the harness more pleasant to wear.
3. Measure your dog’s size.
Although different breeds of harnesses are usually available and adjustable, it is always advisable to measure your dog before purchasing a harness. Due to the possibility that your dog may be larger or smaller than the average size for the breed, knowing the exact measurements can help you find the harness that fits your dog the best.
Using a measuring tape is the most straightforward method to measure your dog’s size. Hold your dog still and measure accurate measurements of its body with the help of a family member or friend.
Start by measuring the chest. Make sure the tape is stretched tightly but firmly around them.
This method allows for the acquisition of accurate measurements. Next, use the measuring tape to measure your dog’s neck and entire body, from the front of its stomach to the back.
Depending on the measurements of your dog’s body, choose a size.
4. Easy to clean
Due to continuous use throughout the day, your dog walking equipment may amass a lot of dust and dirt. Leashes are occasionally dragged across parks, sidewalks, and other areas. Your dog’s harness, leash, and collar belt must therefore be washed frequently. Make sure your walking accessories are easy to maintain and clean.
5. Apply the two-finger principle.
When you put the harness on for your dog, put two fingers between the harness and the animal’s body to ensure it is not too tight and suffocating. Adjust the harness to get the ideal fit if it is too loose.
What types of harnesses exist?
There is no “one type fits all” rule regarding harnesses. It’s just as personal to buy your dog a harness as it is to buy your clothes. Before making a purchase, consider the many types of dog harnesses and their applications.
a. Harness with a back clip.
The ring for the leash is fastened to in this harness design at the top of the dog’s back. The type of walking gear that most dogs may quickly get used to is the back-clip harness—small dogs with delicate necks, which collars could hurt, benefit most from the harnesses. Back-clip harnesses are employed for calm dogs who have been trained not to pull on the leash. They are pleasant for a dog to wear and simple to put on.
b. Harness with Front-Clip
Where the leash is fastened to a front-clip harness in the middle of your dog’s chest, trainers frequently choose front-clip harnesses to reduce the dog’s leash pulling. The owner controls the dog’s movement thanks to the chest clip. These harnesses are not as safe for a dog’s anatomy as a back clip or dog H-Harnesses, and they might cause muscle stress and injuries.
c. Keeping the Harness Secure
These dog harnesses are used with dogs that pull a lot when walking. This harness exerts uncomfortable pressure to discourage this undesirable behavior. When your dog first starts pulling, the harness fits perfectly. Once your pet starts pulling, this harness tends to become more restrictive. The pet may feel uneasy from the slight tightness and begin to pull less or stop pulling altogether to switch to a slack leash. But the harness’s tightening needs to be carefully considered, as some types may cause a substantial amount of discomfort when the dog pulls, which is not at all advised. Lana Paws does not recommend using a tightening harness on your dog because it can cause pain and serious injuries.
d. Individual Clip Harness
Dual-clip or multi-clip harnesses offer pet owners a variety of control options. They also have D-Rings on the chest and back for attaching leashes. Dog owners are given the flexibility and opportunity to select either a front-clip or a back-clip harness. Those who own it can use a secondary leash for even more control. Furthermore, using a double leash more equally distributes pressure, reducing the chance of accidents brought on by pulling. This is an excellent technique for teaching large breeds or energetic tiny dogs to walk nicely on the leash.
e. Headscarf and harness
Using this type of harness can stop your pet from eating trash from the road. A second lead is looped over your pet’s muzzle, and a head halter securely secures its neck. A head halter harness’ primary function is to direct your dog’s attention forward while you walk, which curbs distracted behavior. Since a dog’s walk also gives him time to sniff and explore his surroundings, this may not be ideal from the dog’s time of view.
f. Step-In Harness
A step-in harness is ideal for dogs who detest having a harness put over their heads. Let your dog fit into the two loops created by the straps by laying the harness flat on the ground. The side straps need to be pulled up after the back has been firmly fastened. These fit little dogs well and are simple to put on.
g. Security harness
Just as they are essential for people, invest in a safety harness if you take your dog on trips or travels. Thanks to this, they are protected and kept out of harm’s way. One choice is a safety harness, which is simple to fasten to the seat belt and keeps your dog safe and secure while driving.
In summary, dog harnesses are among your dog’s most important everyday necessities. Investing some time researching and choosing your dog’s proper size is recommended. Before making a purchase, you should consider the harness’s material, durability, upkeep needs, and necessary features. Canine experts strongly suggest choosing your dog a back-clip or H harness for comfort and safety reasons. You must spend time walking and teaching your dog if you want the two of you to enjoy your outdoor adventures.
To provide other dog owners with the knowledge they need to select the best dog harness for their four-legged family members, if you find this article to be helpful, please share it with them.