Do you know why harnesses have become more popular than collars among dog parents? Well, harnesses not only provide better control over your dog’s movements but discourage pulling and make walks safer. A harness is truly beneficial for dogs with neck or spine injuries.
The article provides a complete guide on how to put on a dog harness, from types of harnesses, step-by-step instructions to tips for a perfect fit, we are discussing all the important details you need to know when you put a harness on your dog.
Why Use a Dog Harness?
A harness is a smart choice for your dog as it helps prevent pulling, especially if you have a small dog that likes to pull on a leash or jump. This safety gear is beneficial when training a puppy because it reduces the discomfort in the developing neck.
Considering a harness when your canine friend has a medical condition, such as megaesophagus (an enlarged esophagus), tracheal collapse, or neck and spine injuries, is a good idea because it distributes force across the back and chest.
According to Ashley Atkinson, a CPDT-KA and behavior consultant at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in an article by PetMD, a harness is a better option because pinch and chain collars can often cause increased behavioral issues, such as lunging or growling at other dogs when on a leash.
Also, a dog harness is more versatile; you can use it for walks, car rides, and training. There are different types of dog harnesses catering to different needs, sizes, and behavior, such as auto harnesses for car rides and front-clip/no-pull harnesses for training.
Types of Dog Harnesses
Type of Harness | Features & Benefits |
Step-In Harness | A step-into harness for dogs has loops where the dog steps in. Easy to use, covers more of the body, and has a padded chest. Perfect choice for small dogs. |
Overhead/Standard Harness | Has loops around the ribs & neck and a D-ring on the back to clip the leash to. Suitable for dogs who can tolerate items slipping over their heads. |
Front-Clip/No-Pull Harness | The clip for the leash to be attached is in the front. Helps discourage pulling in a puppy with a harness. |
Back-Clip Harness
| Perfect for calm dogs or small breeds with delicate necks as it has a clip to attach to a leash on the back. |
Vest Harness | Resembles a vest. Made of mesh material and may look thicker and wider. Stylish and comfortable, perfect for sensitive pups. |
Auto Harness | Designed to be attached to a vehicle’s seat belt through a hook. Perfect for the dog traveling in a car. |
Mobility Harness | Designed for senior dogs or those with spine injuries. Serves only as a body lifting aid and cannot be used for daily walks. |
How to Choose the Right Harness for Your Dog
Since it has been established that a harness is a better option than a dog collar, choosing the proper harness for your dog is crucial for safer and happier walks and training sessions. The dog’s harness should be snug enough, so they cannot slip out of it but not too tight as it can cause skin irritation.
Choosing the right size for your dog’s harness is vital to avoid accidents or discomfort. Here is how you can do that: According to an article by Zoetis Pet Care, measure your dog’s girth, which is the broadest part of the dog’s chest, just behind their front legs, and assess their lower neck to help you get the neck strap of the correct length. While the harness should fit properly, it must have enough space to place two fingers flat between the body and the straps.
Make sure there is no bunching up of your dog’s skin when you put the harness on or dent in their hair when you take off the harness. You can take care of it by regularly checking your dog’s harness and seeing if it needs adjustments.
Consider the right material when selecting a harness for your dog, such as nylon, cotton, or leather. Remember to keep your dog’s size, coat, and allergies in mind when deciding the material of the harness. Padding in a harness can help prevent skin irritation and rubbing, it is especially beneficial for dogs with sensitive skin.
You also want to ensure the harness is durable. We recommend you take your dog to the pet store and try different harnesses on them. Watching your dog’s reactions as they walk once you put the harness on prevents potential risks of accidents.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Put on a Dog Harness
If you’re wondering, “How to put on a dog harness?” no worries! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to put each type of harness. Also, before you put the safety gear on your dog, it is best to use treats to keep them calm.
Step-In Harness
Lay the harness flat on the ground, and guide your dog to step into the holes with their front paws.
Now, lift the harness so it is placed around their belly.
Affix the buckles firmly.
You can adjust the straps to make it fit perfectly around your dog.
With this type of harness, you can attach the puppy body leash to the D-ring on the back of the harness. It is best to regularly check the harness fit to relieve the chafing or discomfort.
Overhead Harness
Slip the harness over your dog’s head. Make sure you place the harness in the correct position so the D-ring is on their back.
Put the wider loop (the one that has a buckle) on first, and the narrower loop moves second.
Now, put your dog’s leg through the first leg hole of this harness.
The leg should be placed between the loop around the ribs and the loop that goes around the neck.
Fasten the buckle of the harness so that your dog’s other leg is placed in the correct leg hole.
Front-Clip/No-Pull Harness
Slip the harness over your dog’s head.
Place the buckles over your dog’s body and around the chest. The D-ring for the leash attachment should be placed at the center of the chest.
Reach underneath your dog’s belly and buckle the belly strap.
Adjust the strap to make sure the harness fits properly.
Adjusting the Harness for a Proper Fit
A tightly fit harness can cause skin irritation, chafing, or may even restrict your dog’s movement and breathing. Whereas a loosely fit harness may not provide security or control, putting your pup at risk of running away or getting injured.
When you put the harness on your dog, gradually tighten the straps until the harness fits snugly but comfortably on their body. The best way to know if you have adjusted the straps properly is by placing two fingers flat between the skin and the straps. If you cannot slip your fingers, you have adjusted the straps too tight, and they need loosening.
According to an article by the American Kennel Club, ensure your dog can do shoulder extension (front leg reaching forward) and shoulder abduction (front leg out to side) without hindering movement.
Troubleshooting Common Challenges
While selecting the correct harness for your dog, you may have faced certain challenges, like the harness being too tight or too loose or your dog being anxious. Let us help you get through such problems:
Tips for dealing with wiggly or anxious dogs
You can practice during quiet times when your dog is calm. Also, giving treats, praise, and toys to your dog during the process helps form a positive attachment with the harness.
What to do if the harness doesn't fit properly
Check the straps by placing two fingers between your dog’s body and the harness. If they are not slipping through, the harness is too tight; adjust the straps for a snug fit. If the adjustment of the straps is not possible, try getting a different size of the harness.
Always check for signs of discomfort or chafing and your dog's movements. Moreover, if your dog does not like things slipping over their head, avoid getting an overhead harness and consider a different type of harness, like a front-clip or step-in harness.
Safety Tips for Using a Dog Harness
Harnesses play an essential part in a dog's safety because they provide better control over them and protection from accidents and escaping. Hence, you must keep your dog’s harness in order by regularly checking it for wear and tear.
Avoid leaving harnesses on unsupervised dogs as it can lead to tangling or choking. Also, make sure to attach the leash to the proper clip on the harness. For example, the body leash for small dogs should be attached to the D-ring placed in front on a front clip/no-pull harness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to put a harness on my dog?
To put a harness on your dog, first, lay it flat on the ground, then have your dog step into it with their front legs through the openings, and finally, secure the harness around their back and chest, making sure it's snug but not too tight to allow comfortable movement.
Should I take my dog's harness off?
Yes, removing your dog's harness is obligatory to prevent any potential irritation or injury and to give them freedom of movement while at home or in a secure area.
What is the purpose of a harness on a dog?
The purpose of a harness is to provide safer and more controlled walks, as it distributes pressure more evenly across the dog's body than a collar, preventing potential neck injuries and offering better control.
Can you leave a harness on a dog all the time?
No, always leaving a harness on a dog can cause skin irritation, matting, and other potential health issues. It is advisable to remove the harness during periods when constant control is not necessary.
How to put a harness on a small dog?
To put a harness on a small dog, carefully slip it over the dog's head, guiding their front legs through the designated openings. Then, fasten the harness around their chest and back, making sure it's secure yet comfortable, without being too tight.
