They say that a dog is a person's best friend. For centuries, dogs have been loyal companions who have protected, guarded, and have shown unconditional love to their owners. They truly are one of a kind and should be your priority when considering adopting a pet.
Just like humans, every dog is different. Different dog breeds have different sizes and personalities with some being docile and friendly while others tend to be a bit more character.
On the same note, they also have different requirements that you have to cater to. One such requirement is the purchasing of a harness. Many people make the mistake of purchasing collars for their dogs when most experienced dog owners will tell you that a harness is more comfortable for the dog and gives you more control when going for walks.
WHY HARNESSES ARE BETTER THAN COLLARS?
A harness is quite simply multiple straps joined together around the torso and neck of dogs. Besides being comfortable for dogs and giving the owner more control, it has other multiple benefits as well.
Firstly, dog harnesses are a perfect training tool for little puppies learning to walk; it spreads out the pressure throughout the body and negates chances of injuries around the neck usually caused by collars.
Secondly, many dogs pull when on a collar which can be troublesome for owners. On the other hand, pulling on a harness is pointless for dogs as it gets them nowhere. It reduces pulling and makes it easier for you to handle the dogs during walks.
Lastly, walking big dogs that are powerful can be stressful for your back and shoulders. Harnesses make it easier to control them and hence reduce strain on the owner’s back and arms.
UNDERSTAND THE TYPES OF HARNESSES
It’s vital that you choose the right type of harness for your dog. As we mentioned earlier, different dogs have different requirements and you have to choose the best dog harness to maximize the benefits. Here are some of the different types of harnesses available.
FRONT-CLIP HARNESS
This one is more suitable for new dog owners who are still training their dogs or for dogs that pull a lot. This is because the clip of the leash is attached to the front giving you more control while also relieving stress on the dog’s neck.
BACK-CLIP HARNESS
Experienced dog owners who have trained their dogs well or owners with dogs that are lazy and inactive can opt for this harness as the clip position is on the top. The clip sits right on the dog's neck in this which is suitable for those that don’t pull as much.
DUAL-CLIP HARNESS
Lastly, a dual-clip dog harness has clips at the front and the back enabling owners to use either or both at the same time. It’s very versatile and can be a great solution as it offers all options.
MEASURE THE SIZE OF YOUR REQUIRED HARNESS
Once you’ve decided what type of harness you need, the most crucial step is then making sure that you buy the correct size. You want to make sure that the harness is neither too tight nor too loose. A tight harness might develop rashes and skin issues while a loose one would just slip right out. Here’s how you can determine the perfect size for your puppy.
STEP 1: MEASUREMENT OF THE TORSO
Firstly, you’ll have to measure the dog’s torso. This is done by measuring the broadest part of the dog’s torso. This is usually the area just under the armpits of the pet where the rib cage is located. Also, make sure the measuring tape isn’t wrapped around the torso too tight, as it may irritate the dog.
STEP 2: MEASUREMENT of THE NECK
Once you’re done with measuring the torso, the next step is to measure the girth of the neck which is fairly simple. Just measure the thickest part of the neck. Once again, make the tape isn’t wrapped too tightly.
STEP 3: WEIGHING THE DOG
After that, all you have to do is weigh your dog and follow recommendations on the size chart.
Note all these measurements down and you are ready to buy a harness for your dog.
TIPS AND ADVICE
It’s advised that you buy a larger harness if your dog is still growing. After all, you can tighten a large harness, but you can't loosen a small one. Secondly, to ensure that you’ve bought the right size, place two fingers between the harness after you fasten it to the dog – if the fingers fit perfectly, (BINGO!) it’s a perfect size.
