If you want to walk or drive with your dog, selecting the right type of harness will make all the difference. A good dog harness will keep your pet comfortable, controlled, and safe during a walk, training, or even a road trip. With many types of harnesses available in the market, it is not easy to choose which one can best suit your canine friend. In this blog, we will learn something about dog harness which will help you to choose the perfect dog harness for your furry friend.
Why use a dog harness?
Dog harnesses are generally preferred over the regular collars. While regular collars pull your dog's neck and throat, the harness evenly distributes that pressure across the chest and shoulders. Not only does this make walks easier on your pup, but it also gives you a lot better control-especially whenever your dog pulls on the leash.
Types of dog harness
Before learning how to choose the best dog harness, it is essential to learn about the types of harnesses that exist in the market. Major ones include the following:
- Standard harness
It is the harness that wraps around your dog's chest and back. It comes with a top attachment for the leash. It is usually sufficient for daily walks and other general purposes.
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No-pull harness
No-pull harnesses are designed to discourage pulling. They normally have a leash attachment on the front, which redirects your dog's forward motion to allow you to regain control. If you are thinking about what is the best no-pull dog harness, look for one with adjustable straps and padding for added comfort.
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Heavy duty dog harness
Heavy duty dog harness is designed to be strong and durable for large or strong dogs. Normally, they are stitched and made of strong materials, hence ensuring that they can withstand even energetic dogs.
Having considered these types of harnesses, you need to choose wisely which harness would be the best one for your furry friend. Explore PetBuds, which is a UK based website dealing in all kinds of pet accessories, including dog harnesses.
How to choose the right harness for your dog
The type of harness chosen will have much to do with the size of the dog, the behaviour of the dog, and the particular needs of the dog. Following are some guidelines to choose the correct harness for your dog:
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Size and fit
More than anything else, a harness should fit properly on your dog. One that is too tight may be uncomfortable, and one that is too loose will not be able to provide much control. You need to measure your dog's chest and neck, and follow the sizing guide presented by the manufacturer to find your dog's ideal fit.
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Material and durability
If you have a large or powerful dog, you want a heavy-duty harness made from heavy-duty materials like nylon or leather. Lighter animals can go with lightweight and breathable materials that provide comfort without giving away anything in terms of security.
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Purpose
Consider what the harness's primary purpose will be for your dog. If he pulls while walking, then a no-pull harness will be great. If you need to drive with your dog frequently, spend money on a great dog car harness. Know your needs properly to help guide you toward the best fit for your application.
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Ease of use
An easy-on/easy-off harness is always welcomed by pet parents. Adjustable straps are an advantage as one can adjust them to get a comfortable fit. Besides, quick-release buckles save time and effort.
A dog harness is not only an accessory for keeping your pet in control while going for walks outdoors, rather it is a gear which can help to provide comfort to the dog and prevent from any possible injuries.
How to put on a dog harness
Once you've chosen the correct harness, it's very important to learn how to put it on properly, for the sake of your dog's safety and comfort. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to correctly put a no-pull dog harness on the body of your dog:
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Position the harness
Lay down the harness on the floor and let your dog stand over it, with the back loop near your dog's shoulders and the chest strap hanging in front.
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Step in
You will have your dog step into the harness; depending on the design, either lift your dog's front legs in one at a time or both together into the harness openings.
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Lock the buckles
After placing the harness on, pull upwards to lock the buckles around your dog's body. The harness should not be too tight but firm-fitting, allowing two fingers between the harness and your dog's skin.
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Adjust for comfort
Allow the harness to fit comfortably without causing any restriction to the movement of your dog by adjusting the straps. Ensure that the leash attachment points are secure.
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Fit test
Before going on a walk with your dog, simply lightly tug on the harness to ensure it fits him comfortably. Your dog should feel no harness slippage or shifting during activity.
Which harness is best for my dog
A perfect no-pull dog harness is the best harness for your dogs. It gives good control while walking and spreads the tension uniformly all over the body of your dog to avoid pulling. If you are that person who is asking, "Which harness is the best for my dog," then consider your dog's breed, size, and behaviour. You can make both car rides and walks more pleasant and safe with your pet by getting a sturdy, padded no-pull dog harness.
Dog harness wear tips
To get the maximum benefit from the dog harness, it is important to use the harness in the right way. Some of the tips to be followed while using the dog harness are:
- Your furry friend must wear the dog harness indoors for a short period of time. In the later stage, the harness can be used for long outdoor walks.
- Check for wear and tear of the harness. You need to replace the harness if it shows signs of damage.
- Choose the harness keeping in mind the comfort of the dog. Make sure the harness is neither too tight nor too loose.
Conclusion
A dog harness is one of the most important accessories any dog owner could use, since it can be much safer and ensure comfort to your furry friend. Basically, starting with simple harnesses for everyday walks, moving on to no-pull harnesses intended for training, and ending with a heavy-duty harness for a strong dog, all shall be chosen with extreme care by every owner in favour of his dog. At PetBuds, we have a wide range of harnesses to suit every possible need. Come visit us today to find the perfect harness for your dog and make those walks and travels much safer and much more enjoyable. Visit www.petbuds.co.uk for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, a harness is said to be better than a leash. A dog harness ensures that your pup stays comfortable and you also have complete control over them while training and while going for walks.
Most of the vets suggest pet parents to use a dog harness over a collar. Using a collar can put strain on the dog’s neck and increases chances of injury.
A dog should not wear a dog harness all the time as it will make your dog feel uncomfortable and increase the chances of your pup to start disliking the harness.
Yes. A dog harness discourages pulling, thus making the walk time more enjoyable for you as well as your pup.
A no-pull harness is the best for all kinds of dogs. You need to make sure that the dog harness is padded and is secured with buckles.