Dogs are angels disguised as friends. Their love and loyalty for their humans are another chapter. Their world revolves around their humans. They love to spend time and roam around with them. An everyday walk can be just a 'walk' for you, but it is the highlight of the day for your dog.
If you want to reciprocate this love to your canine pal, it's important to take care of their overall well-being and make more comfortable moments for them. According to experts, replacing collars with harnesses is the first step toward this.
The harness never concentrates pressure on a sensitive area like a trachea (a collar does), making it ideal for brachiocephalic (pug-nosed) breeds, dogs with respiratory issues, and dogs that pull or jump.
Are you ready to buy a harness for your furry friend?
Wait. As a dog lover and accessories expert, let us inform you that there are types of harnesses, and one must be careful while choosing them. Not every harness will suit every breed. To help you in this journey, today, we will explore the top 10 types of dog harnesses.
Let’s start!
Benefits of Dog Harness
Irrespective of breed, dogs are usually curious and tend to chase. Sometimes, they try to get closer to other humans or animals. Although this is natural, it is important to control dogs for their safety.
The dog's parents widely use collars for control. However, collars put excessive pressure on the trachea, which can cause discomfort, nerve injury, breathing issues, and dislocation. Therefore, what's the alternative? The answer is a harness.
A harness never causes discomfort because it equally distributes the pressure into the whole body.
Well, this is not all; using a harness has a range of benefits.
Here are some of them-
i. Enhanced Control
There are breeds like sprightly Springer Spaniels or boisterous Boxers that jump like a rubber ball when they are excited. They do this more when they are outside because they want to see and smell everyone and everything.
Controlling them is extremely important for their safety. However, it is not an easy task. A good-quality dog harness helps a lot because it wraps the whole body, giving humans more control over their bodies.
Take note that if you use a collar for these pups, you will not be able to fully control their body, and they will keep pushing you. Hence, there are chances of accidents and an extreme tug-of-war.
ii. Prevent Physical Injury
Harnesses are built to wrap the dog's body, spreading the pressure evenly. On the other hand, a collar concentrates the pressure on the neck area only, creating discomfort. Additionally, a dog can develop physical injuries like dislocation from sudden jumps or prolonged use.
According to experts, collars can worsen issues like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Wobbler Syndrome, or arthritis. Moreover, it can introduce these issues to a healthy dog.
iii. Ensure the Safety
For every pet parent, the safety of their pets is paramount. The safety is not always about the physical safety caused by pulling or jumping; it also comes from other pets.
There are harnesses made from duty materials like nylon and metal buckles. They cover almost half of the body. Thus, they protect your dog from the attack of other dogs, pets, or insects. It is mandatory to protect your dog, especially if you have a small dog.
iv. Increased Visibility
If you live in the US for a longer time, you must face the issue of foggy nights or early mornings. During these hours, you must ensure visibility to increase your dog's safety. For this, you can choose a harness with light reflective strips, vest trims, and webbing and attach LED lights and glow sticks. It will help you stay visible during foggy night walks.
v. Contribute to Fitness
A harness provides overall comfort and support to your dog. Thus, the dog feels more secure while wearing it. It encourages them to participate in more physical training and exercises without worry. Eventually, it contributes to their overall fitness.
Additionally, some harnesses come with pockets. These help the dog carry its essentials, making it independent and confident.
vi. Ensure Your Safety
A harness not only ensures safety for your dog but also for you. Yes, you heard it right. Do you know how? A dog collar comes with a leash that is easy to pull. An overexcited dog can pull it and twist it around you.
It can cause accidents and falls. However, with a harness, this is not possible. It has a steady structure and can't be tangled.
vii. Provide Support for Elder Dogs
99% of the pet owners love to call themselves pet parents. They love and take care of their dogs like their own child, and this love never fades away with age. In fact, with age, people tend to be more attentive to their dogs because they start having many physical issues. If you also have older dogs, introduce them with a harness.
It helps with taking steps and going downstairs. Additionally, many harnesses have handles. They provide enough support to dogs with mobility issues.
viii. Easy to Wear
You must recognize and respect every tin feeling of your dog. If your dog stays nervous, wearing a collar through the neck can be difficult. Harness wins the game here because, with it, you will not need to face this. You can follow our step-by-step guide on how to put on a dog harness to ensure a comfortable fit for your furry friend.
For example, the front clip harness is one of the most popular harnesses in the market, and it has a clip in the chest portion. Thus, you need to wrap it and close the clip.
ix. Cost Effective
Harnesses are one of the most cost-effective accessories. Many harnesses come with long-lasting materials like nylon and metal buckles, which increase their lifespan irrespective of pulling or other actions and help, utilize your every penny.
A good-quality harness is one of the best things you can give your dog. It helps lower physical issues and increases convenience in every way.
10 Different Types of Dog Harnesses
The long list of benefits must have induced you to buy a harness for your dog. As experts, we can surely inform you that purchasing a harness can be overwhelming because of the different kinds of dog harnesses.
Here, it is crucial to remember that these options are based on the needs and type of your dog. Thus, acquiring enough knowledge regarding each one is essential.
To help you on this journey, here is an elaboration on the top 10 dog harness types with their pros and cons. Additionally, the target audience means the specific dog type for whom you can use will be mentioned.
1. Front-clip Harness
In the front clip harness, the clip remains on the chest portion, and you can make them wear it from the back. The leash or pulling part stays on the center of the chest, helping with easy redirection.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for the aggressive breeds (more exuberant dogs). It is also ideal to use during no-pull training.
Pros
• In the case of large dogs, it provides more control
• Easy redirection
• It helps in keeping your pet beside you while walking
Cons
• The leash can tangle the front legs of your dog
2. Back-clip Dog Harness
The back clip harness is another popular harness type due to its convenience. It has a ring behind the back and typically falls on the shoulder. It is an excellent option for dogs who don't like to wear anything through the neck and fall easily through the front legs.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for the clam dogs. Typically, it is used for dogs who have been pull-trained already. It is also suitable for smaller breeds because it puts little pressure on the neck.
Pros
• Easy to put on for dogs
• It puts pressure on the shoulder that is adjustable for dogs
• Ideal for smaller, delicate breeds or puppies
• Available in several sizes
Cons
• Provides lesser control over the dog
3. Dual Clip Dog Harness
Dual clip harnesses are pretty different from the previously mentioned two. It has two clips in it. One is on the front, and another one remains on the back. It helps in providing maximum security and safety. Please note, it is a bit more expensive than the previous ones.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for large dog breeds with enormous physical power. It provides a grip over the body. If your dog loves to pull, it is perfect to handle it.
Pros
• Provides greater control with zero hustle
• It can be used as a multifunctional harness
• Easily adaptable
Cons
• It can be expensive for some
• Some dogs face issues due to webbed design
4. Head Halter Harness
Dogs are like babies. They need correct training and lots of patience to rectify their wrong behaviors, and if you want to rectify your dog's pulling behavior, then a head halter harness is the best.
Well, it is an ideal harness for correcting pulling behavior. Here, one loop remains on the dog's nose, and another side stays behind the ears.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for aggressive, strong, and large breeds and dogs with a pulling habit.
Pros
• Helps in training
• Ideal for handling strong dogs
• Zero chances of physical injury
• Most convenient for directional control
Cons
• Dogs take time to get habituated with this
5. Multi Clip Dog Harness
If your dog has extreme pulling issues and escaping tendencies and is a large breed, you need a multifunctional harness. It has three of four d-rings in different places. Thus, it helps to have extreme control over your dogs and provides a hundred percent safety.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for large dogs with pulling issues. Additionally, it helps in handling large dogs with behavioral problems.
Pros
• It provides extreme control with multiple rings
• Multiple rings help in distributing the pressure
• Ideal for training purposes
Cons
• It can be expensive for many
6. Step-In Harness
Does your dog hate something that needs to be worn through the head? Then, a step-in harness is the best option for you. The dog needs to step in it, and it is done. Ideally, it is for calm and nervous dogs.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for nervous dogs who hate to let go of anything over their head. Moreover, it provides enough support. Thus, it is perfect for older dogs, too.
Pros
• It is easy to wear and hustle-free
• Helps dogs with mobility issues
• The dog doesn't need to bend to wear
• Do not get tangled in the front legs
Cons
• If it doesn't fit properly, don't provide enough security
• Not ideal for escaping dogs
• Sometimes it slips
7. Safety Harness
Do you love road trips with your canine pal? If yes, you must find a suitable harness among the different harness types. It gets attached to the seat belt, contributes to your pup's safety, and minimizes the chances of injury during sudden stops.
Target Dogs
It is suitable for every kind of pup that travels in a car.
Pros
• Ensure a safe car ride
• Reduce distraction while driving
• Easy to wear
Cons
• It can't be used except for car
8. Tightening Dog Harness
Are you looking for a harness that is ideal for training? If yes, then you can try the tightening dog harness. The tightening harness is dedicated to training only. It fits the body of a dog from end to end comfortably. However, when the dog tries to pull, it gets tighter. It usually comes with a back clip, and a standard leash is recommended.
Target Dogs
It is ideal for every leash-puller dog.
Pros
• It helps in training the dog
• Easy to put on
• Reduce the tendency of pulling and prevent injury
Cons
• Can cause pain after training
9. Vest Harness
Vest harnesses are best for the small dogs. It is a harness with enough pads. Pads help in decreasing the chances of chafing. Vest harness comes in various styles; depending on the style, it can have a clip in front, back, or both.
Target Dogs
It is accurate for the smaller breeds and weaker stature.
Pros
• It provides enough comfort with pas
• The vest harness is perfect for smaller breeds
• A dog can enjoy enough flexibility while wearing it
Cons
• Not suitable for larger dog breeds
10. Tactical or Service Harness
Last but not least, the tactical or service harness is on the list. It is dedicated to service dogs. Hence, it is built differently. It has multiple attachment points, handles, and extra features like pouches or storage options. Additionally, it is known for being highly durable and perfect for rough conditions.
Target Dogs
It is perfect for service or working dogs. Moreover, if you plan to take your dog hike, the tactical harness is ideal.
Pros
• Highly durable and customizable
• It is suitable for working and adventurous dogs
• It comes with extra storage space
• It is ideal for hiking
Cons
• Not suitable for daily use
• Tactical harness is meant for smaller breeds
What to Consider When Buying a Dog Harness?
As stated, dog harnesses are a vast arena, and one must be careful while choosing the ideal for their canine pal. The harness controls your furry friend's safety, security, and physical fitness.
It is important to mention that many people believe that focusing only on the dog's size is enough when choosing or deciding on the harness type. Well, that is not true. Factors like durability, your dog's needs, etc., play an important role here.
Therefore, here are the factors you must consider while choosing a harness for your dog.
a. Need of Your Dog
Start your journey by identifying your dog's needs. If your dog is calm and well-behaved, a back clip harness is enough for you. Don't be harsh with your pooch without any reason. Experts suggest using different tricks to stop your dog from pulling a leash. This helps in easy training while using the perfect harness without irritating them.
b. Position of the Clip
It also depends on the needs and behavior of your dog. If you have a large canine friend with loads of strength, try to get a multi-clip harness for safety. However, please note that it is not always the same size. It depends on nature. Have a front clip harness if you own a small breed with a pulling nature.
c. Size of Your Dog
Before buying a harness, measure your dog's size first. For example, vest harnesses are ideal for smaller dogs; however, they are not suitable for larger ones. For this, you can connect with a vet and get suggestions.
d. Perfect Material and Durability
Ideal material ensures the durability and comfort of your canine pal. Make sure it has enough pads and breathable fabrics. A padded harness helps to avoid rubbing and skin irritation.
Our experts suggest avoiding lather harnesses because they can cause skin irritation in dogs. You can consider a nylon harness for this. It is washable and breathable, and it provides enough durability.
e. Consider the Breed
Some breeds, like Greyhounds, Whippets, and Dachshunds, have quite unique body shapes and need specialized harnesses. For them, try to communicate with the brand or vet directly and get the right one.
f. Check the Design
A harness must not restrict the movement of a dog. Thus, the shoulder area must be free from leash. The harness must wrap around the body and chest to get more control. Therefore, check it wisely. If it causes discomfort or restriction, your dog might avoid or fear it.
Buying a harness must start with considering the age of your pooch. If it is a puppy, consider a gentle harness. For more information, you can contact a vet.
Get a Proper Harness to Have Full Control over Your Pup
A harness is one of the most valuable accessories. It helps control and train the dog while preventing physical injury. Hopefully, you will find the right one from the above article. Do not forget to consider the mentioned tips while selecting it.
However, if you are still confused and looking for the best quality harness only, you can connect with Doodle Couture. They are one of the leading dog accessories sellers in the US and have a wide range of harnesses.
Additionally, they have enough knowledge to suggest an ideal harness for your dog depending on its age, breed, and other factors. You can also buy a customized look from Doodle Couture, like a harness, bandana, and ID charm.
What are you waiting for? Connect with Doodle Couture and buy a harness now!
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