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Dog Harnesses

Dog Harnesses

Dog harnesses are used as an alternative to a dog collar, and are normally used when walking or working your dog. There are two main benefits to using a dog harness in comparison to using a collar and lead. These benefits are that the harness will give you more control of your dog and will be gentler on your dog. 

The Benefits of Dog Harnesses

It is important to have control of your dog whilst you are walking, and the dog harness will give you extra control and help to stop the dog from pulling. This is especially useful if your dog is one of the large strong breeds, if your dog has aggressive tendencies, or has powerful hunting instincts. If someone new is going to be walking your dog, a harness will provide extra control in case your dog plays up a little. When training young dogs a harness can help you to have happy and orderly walks, especially during early training. Harnesses can also help you to exercise the dog whilst the dog is being slowly taught how to walk properly on a collar and lead. Dog harnesses are beneficial to a dog’s health and welfare as when they pull the strain will be spread over the body and not be concentrated on the dog’s neck alone. Some dogs are unable to wear collars due to veterinary reasons such as trachea or respiratory problems. Many of the smaller dog breeds will be more susceptible to neck injuries, and so harnesses are commonly used for these breeds. Smaller dogs, as well any breeds with thick necks or slim faces, will be more likely to slip out of a collar and the use of a harness will eliminate this problem.

Types of Dog Harness

A wide range of dog harnesses are available, and they come in a variety of materials, colours and styles. The design of the straps making up the harness can also differ. Some harnesses have a padded strap or support across the chest which can add comfort for the dog. It is important to ensure that your dog’s harness fits correctly and comfortably. Most harnesses have adjustable straps, and the correct fit is when there is room to fit two fingers between the dog and the harness. Wear and washing can affect the fit, so it is good practice to check this on a regular basis.Common types of dog harness include the anti-pull harness, which helps to stop the dog from pulling excessively on the lead. Soft vest harnesses are gentle and comfortable on the dog and are popular for small dog breeds. Large strong dogs however may be better wearing a padded leather harness. Waterproof dog harnesses are ideal if your dog will be outside in bad weather. The step-in harness is a very common design, allowing easy fitting with the dog’s front legs to be placed into the harness. Some harnesses are purely made for fashion, and are all about making your dog look good. A more practical model is the dog car safety harness which will keep your dog safe whilst travelling. The car safety harness will allow the dog to sit or stand in the car but limits their movement.

Working Dog Harnesses

Harnesses are commonly worn by working dogs. The purpose of the harness may be for identification, for example with police dogs, security dogs or dogs for the disabled. Identifying the dog as a working dog will help to discourage the public from attempting to pet the dog whilst it is on duty. Harnesses used for work such as that performed by guide dogs are made for extensive use and are designed to be comfortable for both the dog and the owner. A harness will also give the handler additional control, which is important when the dog is working with the police, security or in a search and rescue capacity. Another group of working dogs that require harnesses are those that pull carts or sleds. These dogs may be used to pull freight or race. Harnesses used for pulling freight are very well padded, whilst racing harnesses are much lighter. Sledding harnesses are named after the shape of the straps across the dog’s back. Freight harnesses are usually of an H back design, and allow the dogs to pull with their chest and shoulders and distributes the strain in the best way for the dog’s body in order to prevent injury. Racing harnesses are usually an X back design, and can be custom made to fit a specific dog, which saves the need for adjustment clips that can be an additional weight or can rub with extensive use. The Y back is a hybrid design that is becoming increasingly popular and can help to prevent a sore back.

Buy a Dog Harness

These stores are all recommended by us for their good range of dog harnesses, leads and collars.

PetPlanet

The best range of dog harnesses can be found at Petplanet. Budget harnesses and brand names such as Ancol and Ferplast.

Argos

A good choice of dog harnesses are available at Argos including the RAC range.

PetMeds

A large choice of dog harnesses from Petmeds. Brands include Ancol, Lupi and Clix safe harnesses for car travel.

Pet Supermarket

Padded and leather dog harnesses for all sizes of dog. Buy dog harnesses at Pet supermarket.

Zooplus

All types of dog harness at Zooplus.

Seapets

Dog leads and harnesses (including car safety harnesses) from Seapets. Browse the range now.