How to Choose and Introduce a Dog Harness

Why Use a Harness?

• Unlike collars, they avoid pressure on your dog’s neck and trachea which can impede proper respiration and may be harmful to the soft structures and vertebrae in the neck.
• A well fitted harness distributes pressure across the dog’s body, so is more comfortable and creates better balance.
• Harnesses that have 2 points of contact for using with a double clip lead, provides better and easier control.
• Help to prevent your dog from slipping out of their collar and potentially running away.

Choosing a Harness

Care should be taken when selecting a harness because one style doesn’t fit all and some with ‘anti-pull’ features can cause pain. Many styles can impede the normal range of movement in the forelimbs too. Veterinarian and physiotherapist, Dr Marianne Dorn, recommends designs that have a Y-shaped front. These act mainly on the dog’s breastbone at the front of the chest to promote a calming effect and do not inflict discomfort.

Designs with a T-shaped front are not recommended because they apply significant pressure directly over the sensitive shoulder joints or surrounding muscles. She also advises that a harness should never extend beyond the dog’s ribcage.

Thin skinned breeds of dog might be more comfortable in padded designs but, in all cases, look for harnesses with adjustable straps so they can be fitted snuggly to avoid rubbing, pinching or chaffing.

I recommend that a harness should have multiple D rings so that it can be used with a double clip lead. One should be located at the front on the chest panel and one on the back. This arrangement offers better control and balance and is great for Emergency U-Turns if you are managing a reactive dog.

Another thing to consider is how easy they are to take on and off. This is important for the nervous dog. Choosing one that has a variety of clasps means they can be dismantled which reduces the potential problem of looming over them or having to manipulate their legs into the straps, which can be perceived as a threat and, can be painful for dogs with joint pain.

Recommended Products

The harness that I am most familiar with, and one that fulfils the features mentioned, is the TTouch harness. You can find different sizes through this link: https://www.tilleyfarmshop.com/acatalog/Harnesses-and-Leads.html

There are others on the market including Mekuti, Perfect Fit, Company of Animals and Ruffwear and, because certain styles fit different shapes of dog better than others, it is worth looking at a variety of brands to see which one is the most suitable for your dog.

Most manufacturers are happy to provide advice on fitting but check on their replacement and refund policies, especially when purchasing online.

Here are a few to take a look at:

Introducing a Harness

Like all new pieces of equipment, introducing a harness to a dog should be done sensitively and If they have never worn a harness before or are anxious, I would highly recommend that you introduce them to one gradually to ensure they don’t develop a fear related problem when they are being put on.

For a step-by-step training guide using positive reinforcement: https://www.petcourses.co.uk/free-resources/how-to-harness-traing-your-dog/