Introduction to Dog Harnesses
Although you can find a number of dog harness reviews with an easy search, my hope is to deliver a bit more information regarding these products. Selecting the right dog harness is essential for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it goes a long way in providing security and solace during those daily strolls or outdoor activities. In addition, the proper dog harness can assist the dog owner in controlling the pet, especially those who tend to pull on the leash.
Why Use A Dog Harness?
The dog harness is becoming more popular with pet owners, as this specific product does provide a number of benefits. Safety comes to the forefront, with the dog harness distributing force of the pull to your pet’s back or chest. This is much safer than using the ‘traditional’ collar which puts strain on your dog’s neck and throat area. Obviously, you can see the advantage of the harness in this scenario.
In addition to the safety aspect, the dog harness also provides owners with control. This is especially important when walking your canine or participating in other outdoor activities. The dog harness accessory ensures that the pet parent maintains control of their pup as well as discouraging unwanted behaviors like pulling or jumping.
Dog Harness Reviews … Overview Of The Different Types
Like most pet accessories, the dog harness is available in a number of types. A one-size fits all is just not logical when it comes to these products, as our furry friends have unique needs. Companies (Brands) who manufacture these products, are well aware of this, and produce the dog harness in a number of variations. Here’s a look at a few of those:
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1. Back-Clip Harnesses
A popular choice to many dog owners, this type of harness is designed with the leash attachment (Ring) placed on the back of the canine. (See Picture Above)
Pros:
- Allows for a certain amount of freedom when walking your pet, great choice for those dogs who are less inclined to pull.
- When pulling does occur, the harness will apply pressure to the chest, which helps in discouraging this movement.
- This this specific type of harness with its placement (Back) is less likely to get raveled across your pet’s front legs.
- Dogs seem to adjust to this type of harness in short manner.
- Suitable for most dogs, especially for the small to medium breeds.
- Reduces the chance of injury to the neck area, especially for those small pups with delicate throats.
- Easy to put on and take off.
- Available in a variety of colors and designs to match your pet’s personality.
Cons:
- Provides less control over dogs who tend to pull.
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2. Front-Clip Harnesses
What do other dog harness reviews have top say about the front-clip harness? For the most part, they are very similar in describing this type of harness. You will find that the front-clip harness is designed with the leash attachment (Ring) located on the front of your dog’s chest. (See Picture Above)
Pros:
- The front-clip harness is also a popular product with dog owners for a number of reasons. They provide dog parents with better control than other types of dog harnesses. With the attachment ring located on the front of your dog’s chest, redirecting and guiding your pet (pulling away) becomes much easier. As a result, the front-clip harness will discourage your pet from pulling and/or jumping, making your walks a positive experience.
- Decreased Neck Strain: In regards to those pet parents who use collars/chokers, which can come down on a canine’s neck and throat when they pull, front-clip harnesses is a much safer option. This specific type of harness will greatly reduce the risk of injury to the neck area.
- Many front-cut harnesses are manufactured with cushioned straps, making for a comfortable fit. This feature alone provides a much more positive experience for your pet, reducing the stress that can be associated with harnesses.
- According to other dog harness reviews that I researched, this specific type of harness is popular with the training aspect as well. Providing immediate feedback to your companion when they pull, reinforces the desired behavior you are looking to achieve.
Cons:
- The front-clip harness does have the potential of the leash tangling around your dogs legs. This is especially true for those dogs who are very active during those walks, making this an unpleasure experience for you and your pet.
- Front-clip harnesses may limit your pet’s natural movement with the front attachment interfering with the walking stride of your canine. Keeping the leash from getting tangled or wrapped around your dog’s legs can be an issue with the energetic pup.
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3. No Pull Dog Harnesses
When researching other dog harness reviews, one specific detail always came to the forefront. That is, this type of harness is also designed to discourage bad behavior (pulling), but may include a number of additional components and benefits as well. Certain styles contain both a back and front clip (Ring). (See Picture Above)
What Dog Harness Is Best To Stop Pulling?
One of the major concerns that dog parents is the ‘pulling’ of the pet when walking. This pull or tug can diminish the enjoyable experience between pet and owner. This is where the no-pull dog harness comes into play. This type of harness is specifically manufactured to alleviate or greatly diminish this unwanted pulling. The majority of the no-pull harnesses will come with front-clip design, where the leash is clipped on to the dog’s chest. This design allows the dog owner to redirect or steer the pet’s movements when pulling does take place.
Is The No Pull Dog Harness Safe To Use?
Watch this short video which will give you further insight to this question.
Pros:
- No-pull harnesses are specifically intended to repress the pulling behavior in our canines. Added features often include such things as front attachment points, chest straps, or tightening mechanisms that apply gentle pressure to discourage pulling.
- These harnesses also offer a comfortable fit to our dogs, with many offering straps that are padded, and other features to provide comfort. In my research of other dog harness reviews, this benefit was well received by dog owners.
- As mentioned just above, these harnesses are versatile in that some models are designed with both the back and front ring attachments. This allows the dog owner to switch from back to front or vice-versa for different walking situations or as a training aide.
Cons:
- May restrict the dog’s natural movements.
- Material being used in these harnesses may be abrasive, and irritating to your four-legged companion.
4. Step-in Harnesses
The Step-in harness are designed to be easy to put on and take off, making them convenient for both dogs and owners.
Pros:
- This type of dog harness is intended to be easy to put on and take off.
- These harnesses will generally have straps that are adjustable, making for a comfortable and snug fit.
- Step-in harnesses are available in a number of styles, colors and designs and materials giving you a great selection to choose from.
Cons:
- Step-in harnesses may increase the odds of the leash getting tangled around your pet’s legs and/or body. This is especially true for the energetic and active dog during these strolls.
- Step-in harnesses may not be as versatile as other types of harnesses, particularly those with multiple attachment points or specialized features. This may limit their suitability for certain activities or training purposes.
How Do You Put On A Step-In-Harness?
Check out this video below to see how simple this process can be:
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5. Reflective Dog Harness
Pros:
- Adds a protective layer of protection
- High visibility, making your pet easy to be seen
- Available in a variety of styles
Cons:
- Limited or reduced visibility during the daytime hours
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6. Designer Dog Harness
Pros:
- Fashionable and stylish
- Some of these harnesses offer customization (Pet’s Name)
- Produced with attention to detail
Cons:
- May be a bit more expensive than the traditional dog harness.
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7. Dog Harness With Handles
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8. Personalized Dog Harness
A customized dog harness is a unique kind of gear that has elements specifically designed to make your pet stand out. Usually, these harnesses allow you to immediately personalize the harness with your dog’s name, contact information, or other characteristics. There are a number of ways to do this customisation, including engraving, sewing, and adding bespoke patches or tags. Personalized dog collars have several advantages. If a dog wanders away from home, they might be used as a means of identification to assist find their owner. Furthermore, personalization gives your dog’s gear a distinctive touch that makes them stand out.
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9. Harnesses With Storage Pockets
Dog harnesses with storage pockets are made with integrated pockets or compartments that make it easy to transport small things or necessities for your dog on walks or other activities. To keep objects from falling out during exercising, these pockets are usually sewn or secured firmly along the sides or back of the harness. No more need for extra bags or pouches—the storage pockets are perfect for holding treats, poop bags, keys, or tiny toys. This eliminates the burden of having to carry extra equipment, making it easier for pet owners to maintain necessities on hand. Furthermore, the harness’s storage pockets enable quick and simple access to these things, facilitating smooth communication with your dog.
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10. Training Dog Harness
These harnesses are designed to give you more control in the complete training process. These harnesses are available in a variety of styles and colors with a number of options to provide support and comfort. The training harness will provide another level of safety as they distribute your pet’s pressure evenly when training. This goes a long way in helping your pet avoid injury, especially to the head area.
Cons:
- Dogs may come to rely too much on the training dog harness, making the transition back to the traditional harness more difficult.
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These harnesses are designed to give you more control in the complete training process. These harnesses are available in a variety of styles and colors with a number of options to provide support and comfort. The training harness will provide another level of safety as they distribute your pet’s pressure evenly when training. This goes a long way in helping your pet avoid injury, especially to the head area.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Dog Harness
- Size/Fit – It is imperative that you choose a dog harness that fits your companion to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness. A harness that offers straps that can be adjusted may be one to consider. In addition, choosing a dog harness that is breed specific regarding size would provide a good fit as well.
- Type of Harness – Consider the different types of harnesses available, such as back-clip, front-clip, step-in, or no-pull harnesses, and choose one that suits your dog’s needs and walking habits.
- Material and Construction: Don’t overlook the importance of how these dog harnesses are made. Comfort as well as durability are essential in the harness you choose. Materials such as polyester, nylon, canvas, mesh, leather, and cotton are common and ones to consider.
- Safety Features: Many of these harnesses are available with safety in mind as well. Harnesses with bright colors, reflective stitching, and other safety features should be ones to consider. These features, along with sizing your pet correctly, will go a long way in protecting your pet!
- Adjustability: Selecting a specific dog harness that offers adjustability should also be something to consider. Harnesses that comes with adjustable straps will not only keep your pet secured and comfortable in the present, but will be convenient when your pup grows. Simply adjusting a strap or two will provide a longer shelf life to this harness and saving you money as well!
The Dog Harness … How to Measure To Get the Best Fit
Now that you have an idea of what type of dog harness you feel would be the best choice, it is crucial that you get the best fit. Below I have outlined a number of steps you should take to ensure this, with the help of other dog harness reviews. In addition, I have inserted a video from Chewy, to further explain this process. Let’s take a look:
Measure the Neck Size: Around the foundation of your canine’s neck, where their choker regularly sits, take a delicate estimating tape estimation. Confirm that the tape is a perfect proportion of snugness. Record this measurement in either centimeters or inches.
Next, measure the area around the largest part of your canine’s chest, which is generally located behind their front legs. Once again ensure the tape is snug, but not excessively close. Record this measurement.
The next step is to compare these measurements to the sizing chart.The manufacturers of these dog harnesses will almost always provide this sizing chart that correlates with the same measurements you have taken on your pooch.
Assuming you know have the dog harness at your fingertips, it’s time for a test fit. Place the harness on your dog and be aware of fit and comfort. Be sure the harness sits where it is designed to, snug on your dog’s body but not to cause rubbing or chafing. Be aware of where the leash attachment rings are positioned, recognizing they are compatible for leash attachment.
Reviewing Popular Dog Harness Brands
K9 Explorer Dog Harness
PetSafe Dog Harness
Wild One Dog Harness
The comfort of your dog is the top priority in the creation of the Wild One harness line. With its soft, elastic, and durable construction, these lightweight harness will keep your best friend comfortable on lengthy walks. In addition, it has four connection places to accommodate various walking techniques. Asymmetrical straps around the neck, chest, and back suit a range of body shapes. The quick-snap buckles make it simple for pet owners to put on and take off.
Puppia Dog Harness
This brand is one that also provides pet parents with a wide range of harnesses. These harnesses are made with a soft, comfortable polyester material in a variety of styles and patterns. In addition, you will find that these harnesses will provide durability, ease in using, safety measures and fashionable designs.
Kurgo Dog Harness
The Kurgo brand is also a favorite with dog owners, as they are produces with strong, durable materials as well. Many of these harnesses are water-resistant, making them a favorite for the extreme outdoor types. Adjustable features, safety features, and comfortable padding are just some of the benefits this brand offers.
Julius K9 Dog Harness
These reflective, no-pull dog harnesses are made of nylon, offering your pet a comfortable yet sturdy accessory. Providing your companion with a weather tested harness will allow for that outdoor activity without the stress of escape. The chest strap consists of a reflective to provide another element of safety. Available in a number of sizes to meet the needs of dog owners.
Final Thoughts:
In conclusion, your selection of the right dog harness is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. As we have learned throughout this article, the right choice of a dog harness should provide comfort, security, and fit the needs of your pet. We took a look at a number of dog harnesses, including the back-clip, front-clip, step-in, and no-pull harnesses. In addition, we learned the pros and cons of each, hopefully providing some valuable information. We then moved on to the importance of other details, including size, durability, safety and adjustability.
We then moved on to how to measure our pet with our choice of harness. This is a critical step in assuring that our pet’s harness will be sized correctly. We learned that with the help of a soft measuring tape, obtaining the size of your pet’s neck girth and chest girth should be a simple task. After gathering this information ,simply refer to the dog harness brand to select the proper size. Once the the product has been received, take all the time you need in fitting your pup, making sure the harness is securely in place.
We wrapped up this article by suggesting a number of reputable and popular dog harness brands. These included the PetSafe, Wild One, Puppia, and Kurgo brands and a brief description of the harnesses they offer. As a disclosure, I mentioned that I have used the PetSafe harness brand with a number of my pets, being quite satisfied.
Well, there you have it. I certainly hope this article has provided you with some information that will be useful in your search for the dog harness. It certainly gives you a sense of security, knowing that your pet is safe and comfortable during those daily strolls around the block or across the field. I wish you the best in your selection process.To the health of your pet!
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