Dogs come in all shapes and sizes — but luckily so do harnesses! In fact, there are more dog harnesses on the market than ever before. From step-in harnesses to over-the-head harnesses and harnesses with all the bells and whistles, dog owners have many options. Whether you’re heading to the store or shopping online for your dog’s harness, here are some tips for finding Fido the perfect fit.
Choosing a Harness Type For Your Dog
When choosing a harness for your dog, it’s important to consider your dog’s size, body type, and walking style. Do you have a petite Pomeranian that’s only going for leisurely walks around the city or a German Shepherd that goes hiking and trail running? Is your dog’s body perfectly symmetrical or are they rounded like a Bulldog or long like a Dachshund? You’ll find harnesses made for all breeds and activities on the market.
There are also many different types of materials harnesses can be made from. Some are built for comfort, and some are built for strength. Smaller dogs can get away with more lightweight harnesses or those made of mesh, while bigger, stronger dogs may need the tougher versions with all the bells and whistles. If your dog tends to pull on walks, consider a harness with multiple leash attachment points or a front clip as these are made for pullers.
While going to the pet store is a great option because you can bring your dog and try them on, you’ll find a much wider selection of harnesses online. When buying a harness online, just be sure it’s returnable if it doesn’t fit, and take your dog’s measurements to compare it to the online sizing chart.
Measuring Your Dog for a Harness
While some dog gear may be characterized by weight or generic small, medium, or large sizing categories, harnesses can be tricky. These are better fitted by taking your dog’s exact body measurements. After all, a Bulldog, a Labrador, and a Greyhound can all weigh the same 50 pounds but have vastly different proportions!
To take your dog’s measurements, a soft tape measure works best but if you don’t have one a string and a ruler will do. There are two main areas on your dog’s body you’ll want to measure. Their neck — measure at the base where a collar would naturally sit, and their chest — measure at the widest part of their ribcage. Once you have these two measurements you should be able to match them up with the size chart of your chosen harness.
Some harnesses may require additional measurements, especially if they are vest-style or soft-sided harnesses. These sit lower on the neck and shoulder area, so additional measurements are needed to ensure a comfortable fit. Typically, an infographic with where to measure will be displayed. Be sure to follow the exact instructions. Some harnesses may also have a strap that runs from the neckline to the ribcage or along the back that isn't adjustable. In these cases, you’ll need to measure those areas on your dog as well. Bottom line — read size charts carefully and measure your dog accordingly!
If your dog’s measurements end up being in between two sizes and you’re not sure what to do, opt for the larger one or consider a different type of harness that is more adjustable. Some harnesses have multiple adjustment points for a more custom fit.
Making Sure Your Dog’s Harness is Comfortable
Once you have your dog’s harness, you’ll want to ensure it fits them properly. Neither too tight nor too loose as both can prove dangerous for your dog. A good way to check this is known as the “two-finger rule” — meaning a perfect fit should allow room for two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body.
Of course, a perfect fit may not mean the harness is comfortable for your dog, you’ll want to check for any friction points, like buckles or loose straps that may rub, or areas where the harness may overly restrict movement, especially under your dog’s front legs or armpits. After a few walks with your dog in their new harness, check the harness contact points on your dog’s body to ensure there’s no redness, swelling, hair loss, or other signs of chafing or discomfort.
Dog Harness Safety
While harnesses are great for walks, dogs should not be left in them for extended periods of time, especially while home alone. Harnesses can cause a lot of discomfort, especially when your dog is trying to relax or go to sleep. They may become frustrated with them and try to chew them off which can result in a host of other problems including choking hazards, intestinal blockages, or broken teeth (from metal buckles). Letting your dog wander around the house or backyard in a harness can also lead to them getting caught on things like cabinet doors and fencing.
Like all your dog’s gear (collars, leashes, etc.), harnesses should also be routinely inspected for signs of wear and tear and replaced accordingly. You’ll also want to recheck the fit on your dog periodically as buckles can loosen over time or the fit can change due to fluctuations in your dog’s weight.
