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How to Choose Your Dog's Harness

How to Choose Your Dog's Harness

When it comes to choosing a harness for your dog, you often find yourself facing a multitude of brands and models. Each brand offers a wide range of designs, which can make the choice particularly complex.

Several criteria must be considered, including the shape, the material, the intended use, and of course, the color. These numerous questions can easily lead to a headache. To assist you in this process, here is a practical 10-step guide to help you choose the right harness for your canine companion.

Additionally, Instinct Vagabond has selected for you some harnesses suited to dogs' body shapes, combining comfort, durability, and affordable prices.

We will present them to you at the end of this article. You will find models that will meet both your practical needs and your faithful companion's well-being.

How to Properly Choose Your Dog's Harness

Choosing a harness for your dog should not be taken lightly. Although the color is an aesthetic choice, it should never be the main criterion. What matters most is your dog's comfort: the straps must be adjusted in a way that does not cause injuries or irritations.

Depending on the body shape, weight, size, and the sports activities you practice with your dog, a harness that suits one dog may not be suitable for another, even if they are the same breed.

Here is a 10-step guide to properly choose your dog's harness:

  1. Choose the harness based on the activity you do with your dog
  2. Take measurements of your dog for a perfect fit
  3. Perform tests to check for the right size
  4. Check the shoulders: make sure the straps do not interfere with movement
  5. Check the shape of the neckline for optimal comfort around the neck
  6. Observe the position of the chest plate to ensure good support
  7. Adjust the straps for a perfect and secure fit
  8. Feel the linings to assess their comfort and softness
  9. Test the handles for extra control if needed
  10. Check the attachment rings to make sure they are solid and well-positioned

By following these steps, you ensure that you choose a harness that meets both your dog's needs and your requirements.

1. Sports Activity: Crucial in Choosing Your Dog's Harness

Depending on the activity you want to engage in with your dog, the choice of harness will be completely different. It's common for dog owners to have several harnesses suited to each situation. This is perfectly normal, as each harness design, each material, and the materials used are designed to meet specific needs based on the activity, the forces exerted, and the pressure points that vary according to use.
For example, a car safety harness will be nothing like a mountain safety harness. Similarly, a ski-joring harness will be very different from a walking harness, and a hiking harness will not resemble a rescue harness. In short, it is crucial to first determine the specific use of the harness for your dog in order to make the most suitable choice based on their needs and the activity being practiced.
There are also walking aid harnesses specially designed to prevent your dog from pulling on the leash during walks. Additionally, special safety harnesses are available to secure your dog in the car, ensuring its safety during trips.
As you can see, there is a wide range of models, each designed for specific activities, to meet the particular needs of your dog in different situations.

2. Measuring Your Dog: A Crucial Step in Choosing the Right Harness

First and foremost, it is essential to take accurate measurements of your dog to avoid mistakes with the harness size. Your dog’s body shape is a fundamental factor, as not all harnesses are suitable for every dog.

Depending on the brands and models, sizes may vary, but in general, you’ll need to measure:

  • The weight of the dog
  • The chest circumference
  • Sometimes the neck circumference of the dog
Attention: Not all harnesses are suitable for all breeds. For example, traction harnesses (for ski-joring, cani-cross, etc.) are often not suitable for mastiffs due to their overly square shape. Similarly, harnesses fastened with clips may not be appropriate for dogs that tend to pull strongly, as these models may not hold up well.
Important Note: Once you have taken the measurements, you will obtain a harness size: XS, S, M, L, or XL, in general. However, this size is specific to each harness model and may differ from one model to another. Therefore, make sure to carefully check what the sizes correspond to before purchasing.

Here’s how to properly take these measurements:

To weigh your dog:

  1. Option 1: Visit your veterinarian or a veterinary clinic (usually, scales are available in the waiting area). Have your dog sit and note its weight.
  2. Option 2: At home, use your regular scale. First, weigh yourself and note your weight. Then, pick up your dog and step on the scale. Note the total weight and subtract your weight. This will give you your dog’s weight.

To measure the chest circumference:

  1. Use a soft measuring tape, or if unavailable, a piece of string which you will measure afterward.
  2. Ask your dog to stand, then place the tape or string behind its front legs.
  3. Place your hand under your dog, behind the front legs, with 4 fingers flat to determine where to start measuring. This corresponds to the widest point of the chest.
  4. Take the measurement and note the result in centimeters.

To measure the neck circumference:

  • Refer to the specific instructions on the manufacturer’s website, as the method may vary depending on the harness model.

By taking the time to properly measure your dog, you will be able to select a harness that is perfectly suited to its needs and comfort.

3. Fitting the Harness on Your Dog

You’ve identified several harnesses and you’re still unsure, or everything seems unclear? It’s now time to move on to the fitting process. This step is crucial to directly check all the important points listed below. Indeed, even within the same breed, the morphologies can vary (a bit like with humans), and the harness that fits your neighbor's labrador perfectly might not be the right one for yours.
On the Instinct Vagabond store, you can easily return or exchange an item if it doesn’t suit your dog. Furthermore, our team is available to advise you on the most suitable harness for your canine companion.
This allows you to shop with confidence, knowing that we will be here to guide you.
Don't forget to read the comments from other customers, which may provide valuable information on the sizes and quality of the harnesses. Also, make sure that the shapes, materials, and other features match your expectations before finalizing your choice.

4. Check the Movement of the Dog's Shoulders with the Harness

Once the harness is in place on your dog’s back, several checks are necessary. One of the most important is the shoulder movement: your dog must be able to move its shoulders freely without the harness restricting its motion.
Since dogs have a wide range of leg movements, simply watching them walk isn’t enough to check this point. If possible, make your dog run with the harness, or lift its paw to perform a forward and backward rotation movement, lifting the paw to almost the maximum of its range, without applying excessive pressure.
The shoulder should remain free, without the fabric rubbing. It’s important to note that some brands don’t always respect this freedom of movement, which could impact your dog’s comfort.

5. Checking the Shape of the Harness Neckline

Another crucial point to check is the shape of the neckline of the harness, where you pass your dog's head through to put the harness on. Depending on the activities involved, the shape of the neckline may vary: it can be diamond, cross, or round.

In all cases, it’s essential to check the pressure points: your dog’s throat must remain free and not be compressed. The harness must not restrict or irritate this sensitive area.

Ensure that the harness allows for good airflow and doesn’t cause friction that could lead to injuries or discomfort.

6. Properly Positioning the Harness Chest Plate on the Dog

It’s also essential to position the chest plate of the harness correctly. This adjustment is primarily done by adjusting the straps, but it’s important to note that not all harnesses allow precise adjustments at this level. If the chest plate is poorly positioned and the model doesn’t offer adjustments, it likely means that this harness isn’t suited to your dog’s morphology.
When adjustments are possible, locate the point of the sternum, the bone located on your dog’s chest. The chest plate should be positioned precisely at this spot. This way, your dog won’t be compressed, and the pressure will be evenly distributed across the entire harness, which is especially important if the harness is meant for traction activities.
Proper positioning ensures both comfort and safety for your dog, especially during intense physical efforts.

7. Adjusting the Straps of the Harness on the Dog

Once the chest plate is properly positioned, you can proceed to adjust the other straps. The first adjustment may take a bit of time and attention: start by adjusting the chest straps, then the sides and underbelly straps, and don't forget to recheck the chest straps after the other straps are in place. However, once this initial adjustment is done, it shouldn't require frequent modifications. That said, it's still important to check the fit at each use to ensure your dog's comfort.
Depending on the harness model, the other straps to adjust are typically on the sides, passing under the dog, but there may also be some on the back or, in certain cases, one or two straps passing under the belly.
It’s crucial to adjust the straps so that the harness doesn’t twist during use, while ensuring that it doesn’t compress your dog. The harness should be firm, but never too tight, to ensure a good distribution of pressure and the comfort of your dog during movement.

8. Checking the Pressure Points and Potential Friction Areas of the Harness on the Dog

Once the harness is properly adjusted on your dog, it’s essential to check the pressure points and friction areas.
  • The linings should be comfortable, made from soft materials like neoprene, honeycomb, or lightly padded depending on the area. These materials provide better comfort and reduce the risk of friction.
The harness should not be tight around the armpits or the neck. The side straps should be positioned under the ribs, not on the belly, which is softer, less hairy, and for males, could create an additional "obstacle."?
  • During movement, your dog should feel free. If your dog freezes, lies down, or refuses to move, it’s probably a sign that the harness is exerting uncomfortable pressure at a specific point. In this case, recheck the adjustments and if the friction is too pronounced, it may be necessary to switch to another model.
Your dog's comfort and freedom of movement are crucial for them to fully enjoy their activities with the harness.
Don’t worry, the models selected in the Instinct Vagabond shop have been carefully chosen to ensure comfort, adaptability, and quality, meeting the requirements outlined in this article. You can rest assured: each harness has been designed to provide your dog with a pleasant and comfortable experience.

9. Testing the Dog’s Harness Handles

On some harnesses, you will find handles. It's important to note that these are not meant to lift your dog to carry them!
They are primarily used to help in difficult passages, particularly during hiking, providing your dog with extra impulsion and security.
To test the handle, you can grab it and gently lift your dog. This will allow you to check if the straps under the dog are positioned correctly and won't injure your companion.
You can also observe if the harness stays in place without twisting or bothering the dog during movement. This check ensures the harness provides both comfort and support during activities.

10. Checking the Position of the Dog’s Harness Attachment Rings

Finally, pay attention to the various rings of the harness. Are they made of plastic or metal? How many are there? Where are they located and for what purpose?
As you can imagine, metal rings will be much stronger than plastic rings. This also applies to the attachment clips. Some clips are made of simple plastic, others with a safety catch, and some are made of metal, offering a different way to secure.
All of this affects the strength, durability of the harness, and of course, your dog’s safety. While plastic clips, especially those with a safety catch, may be sufficient for certain uses, it's always better to opt for metal rings for safety, particularly when used to attach a leash or elastic long lead.
In some cases, you will find several rings. This is typically the case for puppy training harnesses, which have one ring on the chest and another on the back. The same applies to car safety harnesses. For other types of harnesses, such as those for walks or hiking, there may be a single ring, located either on the back or near the tail, for traction harnesses (such as for ski-joring, canicross, or even jogging).
  • The rings placed on the chest are particularly used to teach the dog not to pull. However, this is not the method we recommend at Instinct Vagabond.
  • The rings located in the middle of the back are meant to be attached to a leash or, even better, to an elastic long line, which can be held in hand or attached to a back belt worn by the dog owner. This allows you to have your hands free, ideal for hiking or walks.
  • The rings positioned above the tail are specifically designed to be attached to an elastic long line connected to a back belt. These traction harnesses are perfect for canine sports such as ski-joring, jogging, canicross, cycling, pulka, or even sports scooters and sled dogs. They are designed to distribute loads across the entire body of the dog, which is essential for traction sports.
In summary, always choose metal rings for the most demanding activities and ensure that their placement corresponds to the specific use of the harness to guarantee your dog's safety and comfort.

Some Dog Harness Models

. What we like: its comfort, little details, and the new colors inspired by the colors of Oregon.

In Conclusion

That’s it for these 10 essential steps to choose the right harness for your dog. Have you made your choice? We hope this guide has been helpful. If you still have doubts or questions, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help you find the most suitable harness for your needs and your dog’s comfort.
If you have questions or would like to share your experience with a harness, leave your comments below or share your thoughts with us. Whether you already have a harness or are still searching, we’ll be happy to exchange ideas and offer more advice.
How to Choose Your Dog's Harness

Instinct Vagabond

on janv. 4, 2025

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