We are most certainly a nation of pet lovers – an unavoidable fact when more than half of us own a pet! And more than half of pet owners own a dog, bringing fresh meaning to the term ‘man’s best friend’. Well, man’s best friend deserves the best – and when it comes to choosing the right accessories for your dog, only the best should do. Harnesses can be a confusing thing for many pet owners, but we’re here to demystify them a little, and help you choose the right one for your dog.
Collar Or Harness?
When it comes to choosing a dog harness, there is first a decision you need to make – do you need a harness or a collar? The two are similar in function but actually have different applications; a collar is often better suited for convenience, and for attaching personal information to your dog in the event of them running away.
However, unless you have an aggressive dog in need of discipline, a collar can actually be unsuited to the task of allowing you to lead your dog. Leading by the neck can lead to difficulty breathing and even injury to your dog, especially if they are small or excitable.
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A dog harness, meanwhile, allows you to safely lead your dog by the body – distributing any strain around the body and making for a much more comfortable experience. The only real downside is the time it takes to put one on your dog. But as a pet lover, you will naturally want what’s best for your furry friend!
A word of warning, as the Mirror reports “dog owners who switch from a collar to a harness on walks could be breaking the law if their four-legged friend isn’t also wearing a collar with an identity tag”. The paper goes on to explain “that’s because failing to put your name and address on your dog’s tag when out in public is illegal and could land you a hefty fine – and even time in jail”. Indeed, according to The Control of Dogs Order 1992 law for Scotland and England a dog must wear a collar with the owner’s name and address on it.
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Choosing A Harness Type
If you’ve settled on getting a harness for your dog, your next step is to choose what kind of harness to get. The most common types of harness are back-clip, front-clip and dual-clip in design; the clips refer to where the leash is attached, and allow you different kinds of control over your dog.
Here you should also consider how you get your dog into the harness; do you want to slip it over-the-head or have a step-on one? As the New York Times explains “The way you get your dog into a harness will vary greatly depending on the one you buy”.
Tightening harnesses are available for dog training and discipline, but should be avoided if you are not experienced with dog discipline.
Harnesses are ultimately a practical item, but that doesn’t mean they need to be ugly. There is a whole host of designer dog harnesses of all different types available, allowing you to show off your dog in style while keeping them safe and comfortable on walkies.
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The Right Size
Harnesses do not only differ in type; there is also size to take into consideration. The harness you choose must fit your dog snugly, but not too tightly so as not to incur injury when walking. Harnesses are generally adjustable, but should be purchased with the rough size of your dog in mind.
To fit a harness properly, there are three key measurements you need: the widest parts of your dog’s chest and neck, and your dog’s overall weight. These can help you make a more informed decision on a comfortably sized harness that does not cut or restrict.
Introducing Your Dog To A New Harness
Your dog is not likely to immediately take to their new harness – new things can be scary, especially if they do not smell of home. As such, you should take care when introducing your dog to their harness. Do not rush things, and do not get too overzealous in tightening it first time around. Let your dog get used to the harness, positively reward them for wearing it, and soon they will be bounding into it whenever it’s time for walkies.