How to Choose and Introduce a Dog Harness
Copyright Tommy Taylor Why Use a Harness?
- Unlike collars, they avoid pressure on your dog’s neck and trachea which can impede proper respiration and may be harmful to the soft structures and vertebrae in the neck.
- A well fitted harness distributes pressure across the dog’s body, so is more comfortable and creates better balance.
- Harnesses that have 2 points of contact for using with a double clip lead, provides better and easier control.
- Help to prevent your dog from slipping out of their collar and potentially running away.
Choosing a Harness
Care should be taken when selecting a harness because one style doesn’t fit all and some with ‘anti-pull’ features can cause pain. Many styles can impede the normal range of movement in the forelimbs too. Veterinarian and physiotherapist, Dr Marianne Dorn, recommends designs that have a Y-shaped front. These act mainly on the dog’s breastbone at the front of the chest to promote a calming effect and do not inflict discomfort.
Designs with a T-shaped front are not recommended because they apply significant pressure directly over the sensitive shoulder joints or surrounding muscles. She also advises that a harness should never extend beyond the dog’s ribcage.
Thin skinned breeds of dog might be more comfortable in padded designs but, in all cases, look for harnesses with adjustable straps so they can be fitted snuggly to avoid rubbing, pinching or chaffing.
I recommend that a harness should have multiple D rings so that it can be used with a double clip lead. One should be located at the front on the chest panel and one on the back. This arrangement offers better control and balance and is great for Emergency U-Turns if you are managing a reactive dog.
Another thing to consider is how easy they are to take on and off. This is important for the nervous dog. Choosing one that has a variety of clasps means they can be dismantled which reduces the potential problem of looming over them or having to manipulate their legs into the straps, which can be perceived as a threat and, can be painful for dogs with joint pain.
Recommended Products
The harness that I am most familiar with, and one that fulfils the features mentioned, is the TTouch harness. You can find different sizes through this link: https://www.tilleyfarmshop.com/acatalog/Harnesses-and-Leads.html
There are others on the market including Mekuti, Perfect Fit, Company of Animals and Ruffwear and, because certain styles fit different shapes of dog better than others, it is worth looking at a variety of brands to see which one is the most suitable for your dog.
Most manufacturers are happy to provide advice on fitting but check on their replacement and refund policies, especially when purchasing online.
Here are a few to take a look at:
FLEECE LINED HARNESS: Halti Comfy Harness is lined with super comfortable fleece to ensure your dog's comfort at all times. Especially good for fine coated dogs or older dogs. — Fully adjustable chest strap and convenie…
FLEECE LINED HARNESS: Halti Comfy Harness is lined with super comfortable fleece to ensure your dog's comfort at all times. Especially good for fine coated dogs or older dogs. — Fully adjustable chest strap and convenie…
FLEECE LINED HARNESS: Halti Comfy Harness is lined with super comfortable fleece to ensure your dog's comfort at all times. Especially good for fine coated dogs or older dogs — Fully adjustable chest strap and convenien…
Lightweight and durable Ruffwear dog harness made for all-day outdoor adventures and designed for easy attachment and removal. Suitable for X-Small dogs (17-22 in/43-56 cm) — Foam-padded strips across the chest and bell…
Lightweight and durable Ruffwear dog harness made for all-day outdoor adventures and designed for easy attachment and removal. Suitable for Small dogs (22-27 in/56-69 cm) — Foam-padded strips across the chest and belly …
Lightweight and durable Ruffwear dog harness made for all-day outdoor adventures and designed for easy attachment and removal. Suitable for Medium dogs (girth measurement 27-32 in/69-81 cm) — Foam-padded strips across t…
Introducing a Harness
Like all new pieces of equipment, introducing a harness to a dog should be done sensitively and If they have never worn a harness before or are anxious, I would highly recommend that you introduce them to one gradually to ensure they don’t develop a fear related problem when they are being put on.
For a step-by-step training guide using positive reinforcement: https://www.petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/how-to-harness-traing-your-dog/
Harnesses generally tend to be more comfortable and help control a dog without putting pressure around the sensitive structures of the neck and throat. However…
Double-clip Leads
Because I recommend a harness with at least 2 points of contact, you will need a double-clip lead. Double-clip leads come in a variety of widths and lengths, ranging from 1.5 to 3 metres long. Depending on the size of the dog determines which one to choose. For my Labrador, I use a 3 metre length. The beauty of the double-clip lead is that it can be used on both of the harness connection points for greater control or clipped on the back connector alone, allowing the dog more freedom to enjoy sniffing and exploring when they are in a safe space.
Practice Makes Perfect
Practice is required because when used on both connections points it can feel a little strange to begin with. I recommend that this is done in the house or garden after a dog has already been exercised as this should help to get rid of their exuberance and aid concentration for both the dog and the handler.
Practice changing direction, guiding from the front clip and slowing your dog down using the back attachment. Sessions shouldn’t be any longer than a couple of minutes and praise and treats must be given to ensure the dog is rewarded for complying. Once the dog is comfortable and the handler is proficient it can be taken out on walks in slightly more distracting environments. But remember, choose somewhere quiet to begin with.
Recommended Product
There are a number of two clip leads to choose from. Here’s one to take a look at:
7 VERSATILE USES: The Halti Training Lead is a multi-functional double ended lead that can be used in 7 different ways. — DURABLE & DEPENDABLE: Made from lightweight premium webbing, giving it both strength and comfort …
