
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.
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:
- Choose the harness based on the activity you do with your dog
- Take measurements of your dog for a perfect fit
- Perform tests to check for the right size
- Check the shoulders: make sure the straps do not interfere with movement
- Check the shape of the neckline for optimal comfort around the neck
- Observe the position of the chest plate to ensure good support
- Adjust the straps for a perfect and secure fit
- Feel the linings to assess their comfort and softness
- Test the handles for extra control if needed
- 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
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
Here’s how to properly take these measurements:
To weigh your dog:
- 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.
- 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:
- Use a soft measuring tape, or if unavailable, a piece of string which you will measure afterward.
- Ask your dog to stand, then place the tape or string behind its front legs.
- 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.
- 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
4. Check the Movement of the Dog's Shoulders with the Harness
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
7. Adjusting the Straps of the Harness on the Dog
8. Checking the Pressure Points and Potential Friction Areas of the Harness on the Dog
- 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.
- 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.
9. Testing the Dog’s Harness Handles
10. Checking the Position of the Dog’s Harness Attachment Rings
- 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.
Some Dog Harness Models
- Car Safety Harness: Harnais Drive by EzyDog. What we like: the high quality of materials selected and its comfort.
- Saddlebag Harness for Hiking: Harnais Summit V3 by EzyDog. What we like: its integrated saddlebags and high-performance materials.
- Harness for Everyday Walks and Hikes Without Pulling:
- Harnais X-Link by EzyDog. What we like: its comfortable padding, elastic strap, and color options.
- Harnais Front Range by Ruffwear
- Long Paws Earth Friendly Harness. What we like: its recycled materials, durability, and comfort.
- Multi-purpose Harness for Experienced Hikers:
- Ruffwear Web Master Harness. What we like: its comfort, double belly straps, and its visibility in hunting season with its orange color.
- Ruffwear Flagline Harness. What we like: its lightness, durability, and the fact that it helps lift the dog in tricky passages.
In Conclusion