When you become a dog owner, there is a long list of items you need to get to be prepared to take care of them. A harness is an item that you will use every day as a dog owner from going on walks to taking them out in public places. Use this guide to find the perfect dog harness for your new furry friend.
Things to Consider
When starting your search for a harness, there are a couple of factors to consider to make sure that it is the right fit for your dog.
Pick the Right Size
The size and the way the harness fits on your dog are important because if you get a harness that is too big, your dog can easily slip out and escape and if you get one that is too small, they will quickly grow out of it and you will struggle to get it on. If you visit Gooby website, you can look at harnesses for your dog, no matter how small they are as they specialize in small breeds. Make sure to consider all dimensions of your dog and the breed so that you end up with the right size harness the first time.
Consider Pet Comfort
Sometimes, even if you get the right size harness for your dog, they may hate it. Some training will help them get used to it, but if they seem to not be getting used to the harness, you may need to try a different style so that they are more comfortable. Because you will be using the harness a lot with your dog, it is important that they are comfortable in it.
Types of Harnesses
Although the harness-choosing process may seem simple, there are actually severely different types of harnesses to choose from. Check out the list below for a brief overview of your options.
Back-Clip Harnesses
This style of harness is great for leisurely walks with a dog that is good on a leash. The leash can clip onto the back of the harness in between your dog’s shoulders. The benefits of this harness are that it is easy to put on, comfortable for the dog, and won’t get the leash tangled around their legs while walking. This kind of harness is not good for dogs that pull a lot or are not yet trained to walk.
Front-Clip Harnesses
In this model of harness, the leash is clipped onto the front of your dog’s chest. This is a great training harness as it firmly teaches your dog not to pull because as they try to pull, the leash will turn their body towards you. With this harness, it is important to make sure it is put on and secured correctly so that if you do have a dog that pulls, the leash and harness do not get all tangled up.
Dual Clip Harnesses
As stated in the name, this harness has two clips that can attach two different leashes at the front and the back. This gives the owner more control and helps a lot with leash training. The downsides to this harness are that it can be bulkier than other models and more expensive.
Step-In Harnesses
This is a good type of harness for dogs who get nervous when being put in a harness. All they have to do is step their front paws into the harness and then the owner can quickly clip it closed in the back. If your new dog is squirmy and nervous, this is the best option for you.
Vest Harnesses
If you live in a colder climate, a vest harness can be used in chilly months to double as a harness and a jacket. It has more coverage than a regular harness and you can also create a personalized message on the side like “do not pet” or “service dog” if your dog is in training to be a service animal. This kind of vest also provides a lot of support for dogs who need it.
Key Features to Look For
Adjustability
If you have a puppy that is going to grow, you should get a harness that will grow with them. There are many models out there that have this feature.
Material
Make sure that the material in your harness does not bother your dog, especially if they are prone to allergies.
Ease of Use
Finding a harness that is easy to put on will make you and your dog’s life easier. Easy and minimal clips are key for seamless daily use.
By understanding your dog’s needs, size, and behavior, you can find one or a few different harnesses to make your walks easier. Pay attention to each different harness to see which one your new dog would best accommodate.
