Some dogs injure the neck and back from wearing a collar. This happens when the dog jerks the leash sharply and the owner tries to hold it. To avoid such injuries, it is recommended to train your dog to use the harness. A harness is a strap that is put on the dog's body and passes through his armpits and neck. It allows you to correctly distribute the strength of the animal when jerking. Initially, harnesses were invented for sled dogs, but nowadays they have become a popular accessory for walking.
Before buying a harness for your pet, you need to choose for what purposes it will be used. The constant use of a show dog harness is not recommended because a collar is more commonly used at a show. And, getting used to the harness, the dog will feel uncomfortable in the collar.
Harnesses are of different types, they are divided according to the method of their use:
- a walking harness is made of leather or nylon. But since the skin absorbs moisture well, it should only be worn in dry weather. It can deform due to moisture. Models of a classic harness look like two belts sewn together at four points;
- the harness for small breeds of dogs was invented much earlier than all other models. They usually have a handle on their back to lift and carry the dog in their arms;
- the harness for large breeds is designed so that the dog cannot pull on the leash. Therefore, even a teenager can handle a walk. But for large aggressive breeds of dogs, harnesses are not recommended at all, special collars have been invented for them;
- harness for puppies is simple in design, it is light and soft. The use of this harness is recommended only from the age of 8-10 months. Before that, wearing it can deform the puppy's spine and elbows, and he will lose his stance;
- exhibition harnesses are thin, more decorative. They usually have beautiful accessories, patterns, weaving. It is better not to use them on walks due to their fragile structure;
- sports harnesses (for sled dogs) have a special design that covers the entire body of the animal. Such harnesses are sewn from durable fabrics to order;
- cargo harnesses are designed to generate pulling force in the dog. Some models have pockets that hold the load. It is forbidden to jump in loaded harnesses, otherwise a back injury may occur;
- harnesses for search dogs are made of leather and tarpaulin with reliable attachments. They must be free so that the search dog can breathe easily;
- a harness in the form of a vest is used on dwarf breeds of dogs. They are often insulated for winter walks;
- medical harnesses are used for walking injured animals. They look like a vest that covers more than half of the dog's body. In this case, the mounts are located at the back so that the dog can calmly move the front limbs.
How to choose a harness for a dog?
Once you've decided what your dog needs a harness for, there are a few things to consider when shopping for it in the store.
The harness material must be strong and durable. At the same time, it should be soft or with a pleasant backing for the main belt. The straps of the harness, which is used constantly, should be wide enough so as not to cut into the body of the animal. The upper strap should be the width of the dog so that it does not slip in different directions during the walk. The side strap should not chafe the dog's armpits, leaving a gap of a few fingers' width in that place.
Let there be several fasteners, this will simplify the process of putting on. The dog will be comfortable if the buckles are on the back and follow its curve. Choose a model that easily fits on the dog, does not press on it and does not restrict its movements. The harness should fit snugly, but your palm should fit easily between it and the dog's body. The harness should never sag under the dog, this can lead to injury.
For small dogs, you can choose not so much durable harnesses as comfortable and soft. A little beauty in the form of braids or rhinestones will not hurt. For dog breeds with a short muzzle or wide neck (pugs, dachshunds, bulldogs, chihuahuas) harnesses are recommended more than collars. This is due to the structure of their chest.
For dogs of large and medium sizes, harnesses should be selected durable, made of genuine leather or woven braid with tarpaulin inserts. Carabiners and fasteners on such straps must be steel, reliable, and the rings must be solid.
In order to find out what size harness suits your dog, you need to measure the animal.
Using a regular tailor's meter, measure the length of the dog from the base of the tail to the withers. This will be the main parameter. Next, measure the volume of the chest behind the forelegs at its widest point. Add 2 cm to this indicator for freedom. And the last parameter is the girth of the neck. It is measured where the collar goes.
The size of the harness is determined by the table, which is in every pet store. If your dog's parameters fall between two sizes, then go for the larger one.
