Dog Harness: Pros, Cons and Shopping Tips

A dog harness can be the best way to secure a dog during outdoor exercise, but there are a few cons which must be considered when purchasing this type of product. It is important as well to choose the right harness for your dog’s body style, weight and size to prevent chaffing, discomfort and mishaps.

Dog Harness Pros and Cons

Pro: A harness is beneficial to dogs who may have fragile small throats or who can have difficulties breathing.

• A harness is best for use in brachycephalic dog breeds – which have flattened facial features – as these dogs can develop respiratory stress if too much pressure is put on their throat and neck area.

• A harness should always be used to walk miniature and toy dog breeds as injury to their delicate esophagus and trachea may occur through collar pressure.

Pro: A properly fitted harness will give the walker much more control over the dog particularly over pulling, lunging or jumping behaviors:

• Large dogs that are difficult to control should always be walked on a harness.

• Dogs which have not been trained to walk, or who have not been socialized with other people and animals, should be walked on a harness.

Cons: A harness can be difficult to put on and take off, and a harness should not be left on a dog for long periods of time.

• Practice taking the harness on and off your dog a few times, once you – and your dog – are more comfortable with how the harness fits, it should be easier to use the harness in the future.

• A harness should be removed after walks or training exercises are over; for this reason, rabies and identification tags should not be placed on a harness. Instead, many pet owners use a small light collar to hold their dog’s tags so the tags remain with the dog at all times.

Choosing the Right Dog Harness

Choose a canine harness of durable material which is the right size for your dog. Try to stick with simple styles which eliminate a lot of buckles or clips; if you have a toy or miniature dog, consider a dog harness which closes securely with a Velcro clasp for easy on and off maneuvers.

Sizing Your Dog for a Harness

With these measurements, you will be able to find an adjustable dog harness that is comfortable and secure for your pooch:

• Use a cloth measuring tape and measure your dog around the widest portion of the base of the neck and around the widest portion of the chest.

• It may also be helpful to measure around each shoulder to make sure the arm space in the harness is large enough, and to measure the length of your dog from the base of the neck to the waist.