There are two types of dog harnesses: ones that your dog steps into, and ones that you place over the dog’s shoulders or chest. If you use a harness, you can safely walk your dog without placing a lot of pressure on the dog’s neck and keeping them from jumping or pulling. Although the harness may appear difficult to put on at first, it’s actually a lot easier than you think! The first step is to figure out what kind of harness you need; after that, you can put the harness on and go for a lovely, long stroll with your dog!
The use of a harness rather than a collar on a dog may be done for a variety of reasons, including making the dog more comfortable or preventing him from slipping off the leash. You can pick from three various kinds of harnesses, all of which can be difficult to put on. You’ll find all you need to know in this detailed guide.
Several reasons leash pulling can be dangerous
Especially if you hold the leash or yank it back, a pup with only an average dog collar can put a lot of strain on her throat as she strains forward. Regardless of your dog’s size, this kind of pressure might cause her neck to suffer, especially if she is a smaller breed.
Excessive pulling by little dogs can cause serious injury to their necks and tracheas if they are not properly trained, according to professional dog trainer Mikkel Becker.
Unwanted behaviours can arise as a result of excessive pulling. When your dog spots another dog, she starts pulling. If you yank, jerk, or drag her, she’ll begin to link you and other dogs with the unpleasant experience you’re trying to avoid.
For dogs, seeing another dog predicts a negative reaction from the owners because of the linkages they establish with their surroundings and what they’re looking at, says Huntsberry. Because of this, your dog will bark whenever she meets another dog because she is afraid.
To enjoy more pleasant walks with your dog, consider investing in a no-pull dog harness.
How to put a dog harness on your pet in 3 steps?
The overhead style of dog harness, which we favour at Kurgo, is frequently the subject of inquiries on how to put it on a dog. No worries, we’ve created an infographic that walks you through the process of placing, securing, and adjusting the correct dog harness on your dog.
Steps to follow if you’re having difficulties viewing the infographic:
Step 1: Start by loosening the harness
The neck portion of the dog harness should be slipped over the dog’s head, and the bottom straps should be positioned between the dog’s two front legs, under the belly, to secure the dog.
Step 2. Make sure you’re protected
Put the buckles on the dog’s tummy, behind its front legs. Snap the buckles into place on the back of the belt. Kurgo Nesting buckles are an alternative to the more standard plastic buckles. Push the metal side that says “Kurgo” through the female end of the Kurgo nested buckles and then fold the metal over so that it sits flat for the buckles.
Step 3. Make the necessary alterations
In order to ensure a proper fit, use the four strap adjustment points. Only two fingers (and only two fingers) should fit between the harness and your dog at any stage during fitting. Keep a watch out for chafing, and adjust the straps equally so that it lies properly on your dog!
You shouldn’t have to go through any of these steps again once you’ve completed them all. Once the harness is adjusted to your dog’s size and shape, it will be easy to put on and take off. Just buckle it up and go!
Several types of Dog harnesses
1. Dog Leash – the most common type
Harnesses must be placed on in a variety of ways depending on the type. Putting on a normal harness is an easy first step. The leash is attached to a D-ring on the dog’s back, which is attached to the rib and neck loops on a normal harness.
Sit or stand in front of your dog while he is in a standing or sitting position, whichever you like. When your dog is quiet, this is the perfect time to do it.
It’s time to put the harness on your dog. D-ring should be on your dog’s back, therefore make sure the harness is properly placed. Prior to putting the second loop on, the first one with the buckle should be placed on the broader loop.
Your dog’s leg should fit through the first leg opening in the harness. The leg should now be situated halfway between the rib- and neck-cinching loops.
Make sure your dog’s other leg is in the correct leg hole by buckling the harness. In order to close the buckle, you must first loosen the strap.
Adjust the harness once it is secured in order to ensure a perfect fit. Two fingers should be able to fit under any strap. To ensure that the harness is properly attached, pull it over your dog’s head.
2. Assembling a step-in harness
Unbuckle the harness and set it down on the ground to rest.
You and your dog must be able to fit behind the harness comfortably. Two leg loops should be on the front of the harness, with a strap running down the middle. It will be easier to ease the dog into the harness if you spread out its straps.
Tell your dog to “sit” and “remain” behind the leash while wearing the harness. As a result, putting the harness on your dog will be a breeze. For dogs who have yet to learn “sit” and “stay,” you or a partner must keep the dog in place while you put on the harness.
When dealing with a squirmy dog, it’s important to enlist the assistance of a companion.
Ensure that your dog’s front paws are inserted into the appropriate harness loops. The right paw should be brought forward and inserted into the appropriate loop by picking it up. You’ll need to lift the dog’s left paw and place it in the other loop once you put the right paw down on the floor.
Pull your dog’s harness up over its head. Your dog’s body, not its neck, should be the focus of the harness. The loops will rest against the dog’s tummy at the top of its limbs. Tighten the side straps and place them around the dog’s torso.
To keep the harness in place, the dog may need to use more than one clip.
Make sure the harness clips are in place. Connect the clip’s two halves by sliding them together. When you hear a “click,” you’ve successfully attached the clip. Make sure the clip doesn’t come undone by tugging on it.
All of the clips on your harness should be attached.
Make sure the harness fits your dog properly. Adjust the harness’s adjustable parts until it is snugly fitted to your dog. The straps should be snug enough to keep the dog from slipping out, but not so tight that it irritates the skin.The next step is to confirm that the harness isn’t too tight on your dog by making sure that you can fit two fingers beneath the straps.
Make sure the dog can’t get out of the harness easily. It should be difficult for the dog to get his paw or his head caught in it.
Every time your dog wears the harness, you’ll have to re-adjust it.
Give your dog a treat and lots of praise as a reward. Using this method, you can train your dog to look forward to putting its harness on. When you put on the harness in the future, your dog will look forward to the rewards, making it easier for you.
3. Dog harness with front clip for small dogs
Final step: putting on the front-clip harness. One of the most common types of front-clip harness is meant to discourage your dog from tugging. Some front-clip harnesses resemble the regular or the step-in harness. Those harnesses should be used in this situation.
But other front-clip harnesses have a different configuration, with one loop over the ribs and one strap across the chest. The dog’s legs are not separated by a divider. Use the steps listed below if you have this type of harness.
When your dog is calmly sitting or standing, kneel on the right side of him.
Put your dog’s head in the harness’s loop and secure it with a buckle. It’s best to place the label for the harness on his left shoulder, and the ring for the leash in the middle of his chest.
The belly strap should be fastened under your dog’s belly.
4. Make sure the harness is the right size for your pet. Make certain you can’t get anything past him.
Some harnesses are more difficult to use at first, but once you get the feel of them, they’re simple to use. To ensure the safety of your pet, it is critical that the harness be snug but not too tight.
Dog harnesses that don’t require pulling
A no-pull dog harness is one with straps that cross above the shoulders of your dog and can be fastened at the centre of the dog’s chest and behind her front legs, according to Becker’s advice. The leash will be attached to the dog harness via a clip on the front.
In order to keep walking, your dog must remain by your side at all times once the leash is attached to the front ring. In the event that your dog begins to pull away from you, the leash will swing to the side, directing her back toward you. She goes on to say that by providing a little pressure, you’ll be able to better control and guide your dog back to your side.
What are the benefits of Dog harnesses?
Choosing a collar for dogs that walk nicely on a leash is a good option. However, dogs that are difficult to control on walks or are at risk of damage because of their form or size may benefit from wearing a harness rather than a leash..
Dogs with breathing challenges, such as French Bulldogs and Pugs, can benefit from a harness since the leash tension is spread rather than centred around the dog’s neck.
Additionally, if you have a powerful dog, you may benefit from a harness that is specifically made to decrease pulling.
Few tips for tying a dog’s harnesses
Try on the harness in the comfort of your own home.
Don’t wait until the day of a walk to put on your dog’s harness for the first time.
Doing so will just cause you and your partner to feel more stressed out. Your dog will be eager to get out of the house for a walk, and you will likely grow frustrated because your dog isn’t complying with your attempts to put the harness on.
Make sure your it fit perfectly before leaving the house!
When you’re out on a walk, the last thing you want to happen is for your dog to unbuckle his harness. Hence, the importance of ensuring that the harness is properly set.
Front and back clips and rings. Leash-clipping dog harnesses, such as the 2 Hounds Freedom no-pull dog harness and leash, can help reduce tugging in dogs. As Becker explains, the front and back rings allow you to adjust the amount of control you have as needed.
It’s possible that you’ll have to gradually get your dog used to wearing a harness.
You might have to try several times before your dog accepts the harness if he or she is frightened or wriggling too much. That’s totally fine, too!
Positive reinforcement, such as food and praise, might help your dog relax if he’s having trouble wearing the harness.
Expanded sleeve. For dogs who prefer to tug, thin and flimsy straps are likely to cause chafing, according to Huntsberry. In order to avoid nicking your dog’s skin, a “thicker, broader strap” is recommended.
Watch How to fit the 5 main types of dog harnesses | Video
Do dogs’ harnesses hurt them?
Studies have revealed that dogs wearing harnesses begin to shift their weight to the back end in order to reduce the strain on the front.
Findings from this study show us that the discomfort they experience in a harness is enough to cause them to change their gait and posture.
Is there a certain age at which a puppy can be harnessed?
With few exceptions, the majority of dogs are able to adapt to a harness. As soon as you bring your new puppy home, you can begin teaching him or her how to wear a harness.
After a few days of letting them get used to their new surroundings, you may begin educating them.
Do you think it’s okay to leave a puppy in a leash all day?
Puppies and older dogs should not be left in a harness for long periods of time…. The harnesses can be remained on for mature dogs if they are properly fitted. A dog’s chest (front) strap might cause discomfort if it is excessively tight when they sit or lie down.
Is it better for a puppy to wear a harness?
For everyday wear and ID tags, a flat collar is the ideal option. However, our experts recommend a harness for walks and other outside activities or circumstances when your puppy might tug on the leash.
Do you prefer to walk your dog with a collar or a harness?
Using a harness to walk a dog is usually the best option because it doesn’t put pressure on the dog’s neck. An ID tag is attached to a collar, making it a better choice for most dogs. If your dog has trouble breathing, you should use a harness instead of a collar (like a pug).
Final verdict
To summarise, it’s critical that you avoid keeping your dog inside all day if at all possible. If that’s the case, Huntsberry predicts that she’ll pull harder once she’s out in the open, where she can interact with the world around her.
She explains that you want to keep your dog mentally and physically active at home. Let your dog play games with you, and give her appropriate chewing materials. Dog interactive toys, such as bones or bully sticks, are great for teaching your dog new tricks. It’s possible that doing that will help her burn off excess energy and reduce her tendency to pull when she’s outside.
