Choosing a Dog Harness
A dog harness can be a great alternative to a collar for controlling pulling, and it can help prevent injuries such as neck strain, throat irritation, and tracheal collapse.dog harness It can also improve comfort, particularly for small breeds that tend to suffer from neck pressure and discomfort. The most important thing is to find a harness that fits your dog properly. A harness that is too loose can cause chafing or restrict movement, while one that is too tight can lead to discomfort, abrasions, and even skin irritation.
The best harnesses will sit away from the dog’s shoulders and chest, so they are less likely to impede motion or inhibit breathing.dog harness They will have multiple points of adjustment, so you can fit the harness snugly around your dog without causing pain or discomfort. They will also have leash attachments on both the front and back, which provide more versatility for walking or running with your dog.
Choosing a Harness
There are many different types of harnesses on the market, so it’s important to consider which is best for your dog before purchasing one.dog harness For example, if your dog is uncomfortable with anything being placed over their head, consider a neck-based harness such as the Y-harness, which is less likely to interfere with movements of the front legs and shoulders. A chest-based harness such as the Ruffwear Web Master can also be comfortable and is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the chest and back.
For dogs that are new to wearing a harness, it’s important to introduce them to the concept in a safe and controlled manner.dog harness Start by rewarding them just for sniffing the harness, then moving on to rewarding them for putting their nose in it, and finally for wearing it for short walks with you. By building up positive associations, your dog will be more willing to wear their harness and walk in it safely.
During our testing, the Y-harness and Web Master were both easy to put on and adjust, with quick-release buckles. They were also lightweight enough to keep your dog comfortable, while still providing sufficient control for walking and running. They also offer ample padding in critical areas, which is especially important for smaller dogs.
For more advanced features, the No Pull Adjustable offers a great balance of comfort, flexibility, and versatility at a reasonable price. It is not as lightweight as the Y-harness, but it performs very well on all metrics and has an impressive list of additional features to boot.
The Ruffwear Front Range offers the most protection, versatility, and support of any harness we tested. However, it is not particularly comfortable, as it uses a water-resistant nylon that can cause your dog to overheat or chafe over time. This is a good choice for an occasional day hike, but not the best option for hiking multiple warm days and racking up miles.
The simplest and most popular harness is the classic chest strap model that attaches to your dog’s chest and connects to the shoulders horizontally near the front of the collar. This type of harness is more common in Europe, and it can be used to discourage pulling but won’t provide as much freedom of movement as other designs.