Whether you already own a few dogs or you are thinking of adopting a puppy for the first time, you will soon see that a dog harness is one of the best tools that you can keep around.  Though collar and leash setups have been used as long as people have started keeping dogs, you’ll find that dog harnesses simply have them beat in many areas, especially when it comes to ease of use and versatility.  If you are thinking of getting a dog harness for your own dog, or you are simply curious to see what they can do, there are a few facts that you can take a look at.

To start off with, a harness is different from a collar in several respects.  Where a collar will circle only a dog’s neck, a harness will have a loop that rests around the dog’s neck at the shoulders, and another loop that will rest around the dog’s torso.  There is a strap that runs between the loops that lies on the dog’s back, between the shoulder blades, and another that runs between the front legs.  This is a very hand design that in many ways is more secure than a collar, which a flexible dog or a determined one can slip out of.  You’ll also find that when you are using a dog harness, the harness will give you a better way of restraining your dog that will not choke them.

The dog harness is seeing a great deal of use for among people with smaller dogs, or with dogs who have a habit of slipping the leash.  Many of the dog harness designs will have a buttonhole or a sturdy loop attached that will allow you to attach to a leash to it, and many people like the security of walking their dog on a harness, where the dog is less likely to get loose.  To make sure that a small dog will not get out of harness as well, check the bottom of this article to see some good fitting instructions.  Take some time to make sure that your dog is comfortable but suitably restrained.

Dog harnesses first saw a lot of publicly visible use when they were integrated into the "uniform" of service dogs.  Service dogs carry out a lot of different functions for their owners and it is very clear why having a harness is preferable for a leash.  For instance, for a seeing eye dog, who owner relies on them to guide them through crowded areas and public buildings, there is a handle built in to the harness which allows the dog and his owner to stay closer together.  A human who is reliant on this dog can easily signal to him, because of the constant pressure, a pad is often sewn into a strap that goes across the breastbone.  These harnesses can be fairly light affairs, if the owner is signaling to the dog in other way, or they can be quite massive and sturdy, as when the dog is acting as a brace or actually pulling a wheel chair.

Sled dogs will also wear harnesses, and you’ll find that the harnesses will differ as to whether they are pulling freight or racing.  This is a field which is in a continual state of development, and you’ll find that in addition to the traditional freight harness and the H-back harness that newer styles, like the distance harness and the Y back harness are continually being developed.  Freight harnesses have wide chest bands and some extra padding, making them a little more comfortable, and they often have straps across the back as well, distributing the weight a little more evenly for the dog’s body.  Racing harnesses are a little bit lighter and shorter, allowing for more movement in the dog’s body and less weight, allowing the dog to run for longer distances.

You don’t need a service dog or a sled dog to be able to use a dog harness though. You’ll find that if you have a larger dog that a harness won’t cut into his body, for instance.  If you have a dog who is getting older hand having trouble moving, you’ll be able to move him more easily with harness on, as it will give you a place to hold, and you’ll also see harnesses used on dogs who have arthritis or osteoporosis.  Small dogs, who find slipping out of collars very easy, can also benefit from the weight and support of a dog harness.

Fitting a dog harness is something that is very important but is also quit easy.  A good harness will be fairly snug on your dog, but you should be able to pass a finger between the strap and your dog’s skin fairly easily.  This is ideal for medium sized dogs; for larger dogs, give them a little bit more space, and smaller dogs should receive a little less.  The harness should never ever pinch your dog’s skin or cause your dog any discomfort.  Remember that if your dog grows that you will have to make sure that you keep getting him a harness that fits.

Getting your dog a harness can be a great way to make sure that he doesn’t slip his leash and to keep him comfortable.  Take some time to find the right one and to make sure that it fits properly!

Click here to read our article on how to care for dog the right way.