In the past, harnesses were intended for sled dogs or service dogs – not many other things. Now that we have a better understanding of how dog harnesses protect a puppy’s neck and Gives you more controlThey have become a popular choice for both urban dogs and adventurous dogs alike. I own several different harnesses for each of the three pups, and I much prefer them over a collar in most situations.
Why use dog harnesses?
A lot has changed along with the positive reinforcement movement in dog training, and of course, some of the negative punishment techniques of the past are gone. This means fewer throttles or sprockets and a focus on gentle control through the use of seat belts. The dog distributes pressure evenly by means of a bondand help you avoid putting force directly on the dog’s throat and neck.
Dogs prone to tracheal collapse (usually smaller breeds) Seat belt must be used. My smallest dog, Murphy, weighs about 20 pounds and turns into a hacking mess if you try to use a collar on him. Instead, a dog harness helps me safely control the little guy’s energy. And for my larger puppies Benny and Rio (85 and 50 pounds, respectively), I choose harnesses over collars because they feel more stable when I need to redirect their strength, especially when running. Plus, I like to use hiking gear because it makes it easy to pick up my dogs and help them navigate difficult terrain.
You can also use dog harnesses for dog sports or other special circumstances. Sports like skating and canycross Use a harness so the puppy can safely pull someone behind him. Additionally, some harnesses can be used as vehicle leashes and are tested to protect your dog in the event of an accident. Not to mention that many dog backpacks have straps built in so your pup can carry his own water or supplies when hiking.
How to choose a dog harness
I suggest considering your dog’s breed, size, and behavior when choosing a harness. Since I have three dogs that vary greatly in shape and size, finding one option that is perfect for all of them is not realistic. Many of my recommendations are great for most dogs, but some breeds or temperaments may require more specialized use.
To get an idea of what your dog needs, grab a string and gently wrap it around the dog’s chest/shoulders, neck, and stomach/shoulders – roughly corresponding to where the harness straps will be placed. Then stretch the string along a tape measure to get an accurate fit.
Is your dog attractive? If so, definitely prioritize something designed to curb this behaviour, or at least one with a forward anchor point to help redirect their energy. The first time I attached a handlebar to a Benny front hitch point, I was amazed at how much it helped. Ease of use and durability are also important. Belts made of cheap materials or confusing designs are often more difficult than they’re worth.
Because everyone’s puppy is different, I’ve included dog harnesses for a variety of situations, breeds, and sizes in this guide. As someone who is used to walking dogs as a side hustle, I highly recommend that all dog owners have at least one dog harness for general use. Many of these options have a front and rear attachment point because I love the versatility that each can provide. Read on to learn about the best dog harnesses below.
Best dog harnesses for 2022
For access to exclusive equipment videos, celebrity interviews, and more, Subscribe to YouTube!
Discussion about this post