From Center City, to Philadelphia, to the Main Line, and to South Jersey, I’ve often been asked by my clients how to get the right fit for their dog’s harness. Many times, I’ve had to let clients know that their dog’s harness was not the right fit. Harnesses can be very confusing to put on and there are many different types of harnesses out there and one type doesn’t fit all. The truth is, you could be hurting your furry friend by forcing them to wear a harness that is too tight or too loose.
The Pros and Cons of a Dog Harness
The American Kennel Club has a wonderful list of the pros and cons of a dog harness:
Pros of Dog Harnesses:
Considering buying a dog harness instead of a dog collar? Some of the advantages to harnesses include that they may:
- Be more comfortable for your dog.
- Help prevent your dog from slipping out.
- Be helpful for puppies that haven’t learned to walk on a leash.
- Help avoid injury (such as throat damage) in small dogs who are more likely to pull or tug at the leash.
- Help prevent your dog’s leash from getting caught under his legs.
- Help discourage pulling if you use a front-clip harness.
- Be better for dogs with tracheal collapse (a hacking cough often brought on by excitement, exercise, drinking water, or extreme temperatures).
- Help alleviate dog back pain.
Cons of dog harnesses:
- Can be harder to put on and take off.
- May require more physical strength than walking your dog on a traditional dog collar, depending on the size of the dog.
- If a harness is too big, your dog may be able to wiggle out and escape.
- Dog harnesses that are too tight can be painful for dogs.
- Can be uncomfortable in hot weather.
- Harnesses that hook on the back can actually help train your dog to pull you — the exact opposite of what you want.
The Proper Way to Fit a Dog Harness
A harness should fit snug but not too tight. Always start with the girth. For the chest use a soft measuring tape (or piece of string), measure all the way around the LARGEST part of your dog’s chest. Starting at the bottom of the rib cage, bring the tape up over their back, and then back down to where you began. You’ll need to know your dog’s neck size for some types of harnesses. To measure the neck, wrap your tape measure around the THICKEST part of your dog’s neck.
When properly sized, you should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. It should be tight enough that your dog can’t back out of it and if clipping to the front ring, it should sit higher on the chest. Your dog’s weight is also a factor; you want to buy a harness that is strong enough for them to wear.
Do not measure existing harnesses because all harnesses are made differently. You want to ensure that you purchase the proper size for your pup.
The AKC has an excellent tutorial on how to put on a harness.
Keep Up On Your Dog’s Harness
Regularly check the fit of your dog’s harness. If they have lost or gained weight, the harness will need to be adjusted or replaced. Check the wear on your harness. If it looks like it has seen better days, it is time to buy a new one before it breaks while your dog is outside. Take the harness off at night to prevent it catching on something; this is also a good time to check your dog’s skin for signs of chaffing.
Signs a Harness Isn’t Fitting Right
Your dog’s harness isn’t fitting right if:
- They can step or wiggle out of it
- They’re chafing under the armpits or around the harness
- They’re losing fur/hair around the harness area
- The chest strap loosens on your walk
- The back piece rotates to the side
If your dog is refusing to walk on the harness or is putting up a fight when it is time to put it on, that’s a sign that it does not fit right.
Can a Dog Wear a Harness and a Collar?
Yes, both can be used as restraints, especially if you want absolute control over your dog. That is more often the case with heavy pullers. Most often, when both are used, the collar is to attach ID tags and licenses.