Dog harness

The Optimal Dog Harness for Your Four-Legged Friend

A dog harness not only provides safety and control during walks but also protects the health of your loyal companion. Only high-quality materials should be used for chest harnesses. These ensure both durability and comfort for your dog.

Advantages of Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses offer many advantages, especially a more even distribution of pressure on your dog's body compared to collars, particularly for dogs with sensitive necks or respiratory issues (such as chronic wheezing). They reduce the risk of neck and larynx injuries and offer better control, especially for dogs that tend to pull. But even if your furry friend catches a whiff of a rabbit and wants to sprint off, you're at an advantage here. In case you need to hold your pet back, it's less threatening for them if you hold them by the harness rather than by the neck. It’s also less likely that they’ll slip out of a chest harness. In combination with a long leash, a dog harness is essential to prevent injuries.

Types of Dog Harnesses

There are different types of dog harnesses:

• Lead harnesses and Y-harnesses
• Norwegian harnesses and saddle harnesses
• Step-in harnesses
• Pulling harnesses
• Safety harnesses

Each type offers different advantages in terms of fit, control, and comfort for your dog. Choosing the right harness depends on your dog's individual needs and preferences.

Lead Harnesses and Y-Harnesses

Lead harnesses are suitable for walking, cycling, and using long leashes. They are adjustable in multiple places and can be customized for the perfect fit. Additionally, there are special trekking and touring harnesses. Lead harnesses come in different forms, such as H-, X-, and Y-shapes. In an H-shape, two straps run along the back and belly, with two loops from the neck and chest forming an H. In an X-shape, the straps cross over the back and sometimes the belly. In the Y-shape, the chest area is formed into a Y, making it more snug-fitting.

Norwegian Harness and Saddle Harness

A Norwegian harness has a belly strap and a chest strap, making it easy to put on but also easier to slip off. It is more popular for dogs that need more space, such as after surgeries. Saddle harnesses are Norwegian harnesses with a backplate, which can be quite warm, restrict your dog's movement, and potentially cause chafing.

Step-In Harness

Step-in harnesses are put on by having the dog step through two loops with their front legs, much like putting on pants. They are favored by dogs who do not like being dressed over their heads or where pressure on the chest area is disadvantageous, such as with puppies or very lively animals. However, we do not recommend them for large animals.

Special Harnesses like Pulling Harnesses & Safety Harnesses

Pulling harnesses are designed for dogs that are supposed to pull things, where the leash is attached to the rear end of the harness. This type is not suitable for walking.

Safety harnesses have an extra belly strap and are suitable for anxious dogs and those that frequently try to escape their harnesses.

Lastly, there are special harnesses for certain breeds with unique features, such as greyhounds with a narrow waist, or a pug that needs a chest harness with a short back piece.

Choosing the Right Material and Size for Dog Harnesses

The right size for a dog harness is best determined by measuring your dog's chest circumference. Use a flexible measuring tape to measure the largest part of your dog's chest directly behind the front legs. Add about 2-3 cm to ensure a comfortable fit. Depending on the harness, you may also need the neck circumference, back length, or the chest strap between the legs. You can measure the neck circumference to ensure it’s not too tight. To allow enough room, there should be about 2 cm between the measuring tape and the neck. If your dog's measurements fall between two harness sizes, the larger size is usually recommended. If you need assistance choosing the right size, feel free to contact us.

Material Selection

A well-fitting dog harness evenly distributes pressure over the chest area of the dog, rather than concentrating it on the neck. This is especially important to avoid breathing problems and uncomfortable pulling on the collar. The shoulders should be free and not restricted by the harness. The dog harness fits well when the back piece lies centered on the back, the belly strap rests on the rib cage (about 3-5 finger-widths behind the armpits, depending on your dog's size), and the chest strap sits on or below the sternum. The harness should neither be too loose and slip around nor too tight and cause discomfort or chafing. The dog harnesses in our range are designed to offer your pet the greatest possible freedom of movement without compromising safety and control.

Individual Adjustments

Of course, broad-chested dogs need different chest harnesses than narrow breeds, and those with short backs need a different one than those with long backs. Also, ensure that the material is soft and light as well as easy to wash and quick-drying, like polypropylene or nylon. For your large, heavy-coated dog, it’s best to opt for a well-padded dog harness, as it generally fits better.

Getting Your Dog Used to the Harness

Before you even show or put the dog harness on your pet, make sure you know how it works. Specifically, you should know where the opening is, how the straps run, where the buckles are, and how to adjust it. Be aware that if you’re struggling with the model or feeling nervous, your dog will sense this, which can stress them out. When the dog harness finally arrives, let your dog sniff it first. Then, gently slip it over their head, feed them treats, and praise them in a calm voice. If your dog seems comfortable, you can gradually increase the amount of time they wear the harness. Give your dog treats or toys when they wear the harness to help them associate it with positive experiences. Initially, practice putting on the dog harness at home to build trust with your four-legged friend. This will make it easier for your pet to learn to trust the new equipment. Don’t let your dog carry their harness all day; instead, take it off after your walk to prevent them from feeling restricted by the dog harness. Keep these tips in mind when purchasing your dog harness, and remember that only a comfortable harness that fits well is a good harness.