For many reasons, choosing an ideal dog harness is important. The obvious reasons include your dog's comfort, safety, and well-being. A key consideration is finding a dog harness that works with your lifestyle and provides control.
Collars are a popular and effective choice for training and obedience, as well as being more easily put on and out. However, there are a few downsides to using collars depending on your pet size, health, and behavior. Dogs' necks are tougher than ours, but they're still sensitive.
So, in this guide, we'll walk you through how to put on a dog harness, using our models at Nandog Pet Gear® as an example. Then, we'll talk a bit more about when to choose a dog harness and the benefits of doing so.
How to Put on a Standard Dog Harness?
Your dog's comfort and safety while walking depends on how well you put on a standard dog harness. This is a detailed instruction on how to put on a regular dog harness, such as the Nandog Harness, using positive reinforcement methods to make the procedure fun for your furry buddy.
Step 1: Position
Your dog should be facing you or should be in the opposite direction. Kneeling next to your dog may also make you feel more at ease. Whatever your preference, lower yourself to your dog's height to seem less imposing when approaching them.
Step 2: Securing Legs
Step by step, each dog's front legs should be taken and passed through the leg holes of the harness. If your dog becomes uncomfortable and refuses, stop, encourage, and try again. Be kind and patient. In addition, spending time on this part is also significant because pushing the dog's legs through can make it tense and uncomfortable.
Step 3: Buckling
The straps on your dog harness must be adjustable and fastened with buckles. Ensure your dog is still relaxed, and tighten the chest strap until it does not allow it to go out. The Nandog Harness is a longer version of the regular harness with an extra loop around the torso.
Step 4: Adjusting
Adjust the harness straps so that two fingers can easily fit underneath any of them. A correctly fitting harness won't be so tight to cause pain or so loose to allow the dog to run away. Treating your dog and regulating the fit makes them relaxed.
Step 5: Positive Reinforcement
Reward your dog after wearing the harness by patting them and offering treats. If you want to associate wearing the harness as something to do when going out, you can also take them for a short walk. The dog will love to wear the harness in the future because of the positive reinforcement that makes it a fun and special time.
3 Things to Ensure Your Dog is Comfortable with the Harness
A harness is important in ensuring a safe and fun walk for you and your pet. On the other hand, just like your shoes, it must also fit right to avoid rubbing or any form of discomfort. For that reason, a snug but not too tight harness is necessary, and a couple of things to assure your dog is happy are also the top priorities.
1. A Tight Harness Ensures Safety
A harness that is too loose can cause a safety hazard. Tugging on it can make it loosen, and your pet is left to be free. On the other hand, a too-tight harness will limit your dog's freedom of movement and can give rise to skin irritations. Finding the right balance is extremely important.
2. The Two-Finger Test
This tip is super simple and can help you get a perfect fit. Slide two fingers under the harness's straps worn by your dog. The glove's opening should not let your whole hand through, but you should be able to move your fingers freely. This helps to ensure a perfect fit that provides control and mobility simultaneously.
3. New Harness, New Walk Check
To ensure the perfect fit, bring a new type of harness whenever you introduce it to your dog, even if they are used to wearing one, as designs may vary through the pressure points. Go for a short walk with your dog on a block and pay attention to their walk. Does it seem like they are content or on the move? Adjust the straps properly so that you can walk with joy and comfort.
Remember: A happy dog is comfortable (and easy to walk). Following these instructions takes absolute care that your dog enjoys the harness adventures just as much as you do.
When to Choose Harness Over Collar?
Dogs find harnesses easier to handle than collars. For instance, a good harness could solve the back pain problem.
Moreover, a harness do not offer the risk to hurt your furry friend neck if he pulls too hard. Hence, a harness is a good choice if your dog is a strong puller. The choice between a harness or collar for your pet can be determined by breed, conduct, and overall requirements. They are equally appealing, so it is important to distinguish under what situations each should be used.
Benefits of a Harness
A harness distributes pressure onto the chest and back of dogs rather than the neck, compared to the leash, which only works on the neck. This protects the cervical, trachea, and airway, which is significant for breeds that are prone to respiratory problems or have a poor temperamental neck, such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Chihuahuas.
Another practical use for harnesses is possibly leash training strong breeds and those with lunging tendencies, like Siberian Huskies and Saint Bernards, because they give better control during walks. This can improve safety and maintain order in a chaotic situation.
Common Cases Where a Harness Can Be a Better Choice
- Brachycephalic Breeds: A short nose leads to breathing troubles. Harnessing, on the other hand, is a way of preventing throat and neck issues from becoming worse.
- Dogs with Medical Conditions: A harness is superior to a collar for dogs suffering from neck or back problems because the pressure on such areas is eliminated.
Conclusion
The type of harness you use for your dog should be chosen properly to ensure its safety and comfort. The positive reinforcement system and the correct fitting create a comfortable environment.
Look no further than our online pet store for the right harness to give your pet better control and comfort during walks and other activities.