Dogs are man’s best friend and an important part of life for many Australian families. As responsible pet owners, it’s important we provide our furry companions with everything they need to be healthy, happy, and well-behaved. A properly fitted harness is a crucial piece of equipment that allows owners safe control of their dog while out walking.Â
What is a Dog Harness?
A dog harness is a garment that fits around your dog’s body rather than just their neck. Harnesses distribute the force of a leash across a dog‘s shoulders and chest rather than their throat. They are a safer and more comfortable alternative to traditional collars, which can cause damage if pulled on with force.
Some key features that distinguish harnesses include:
- Straps that pass over the dog’s back and around their chest/belly.
- A ring or clip on the back to attach a leash.
- Often padded for comfort.
- Come in a variety of styles – vest-style, Y-style, front-clip, etc.
- Available in different sizes to suit all dogs.
Harnesses aid control and communication during walks. They prevent harm if your dog pulls or jumps unexpectedly on their collar. Many dogs also find them more comfortable than a collar constantly around their neck.
Benefits of Using a Dog Harness
There are several advantages that make harnesses a preferred choice over collars for walking dogs:
Safety: By distributing pressure across a dog’s body rather than just their neck, harnesses eliminate the risk of injury from powerful pulling or jerking motions. This is especially important for small breeds with delicate tracheas.
Comfort: Harnesses do not cause chafing or soreness like collars can after long periods. Dogs stay free of neck irritation while owners maintain control during walks and activities.
Identification: Harnesses can be tagged with owner contact details in the same way as collars for lost dog identification purposes.
Control: The chest and torso connection points give handlers leverage to steer dogs away from potential dangers like traffic. They also aid in training dogs not to pull during walks through easy redirection.
Special Needs: Harnesses are recommended for dogs with tracheal or neck damage or injuries. They also assist elderly or obese dogs with movement restrictions.
In summary, harnesses are the safer choice for walks compared to collars and provide dog owners with improved control abilities when needed most.
Best Dog Harness no Pull
One of the most common issues dog owners face is pulling on the leash. It’s frustrating and unsafe if you can’t effectively steer or stop your dog when out and about. A front-clip harness is extremely effective for reducing pulling behavior through gentle leadership.
Front-clip harnesses connect the leash to a ring or handle at the dog’s chest rather than their back. This positioning causes dogs to turn back towards you when they pull ahead, self-correcting the action. With consistent use, most dogs will learn pulling gets them nowhere and walk calmly by your side instead.
The best front-clip harness for Australian dogs is the Ruffwear Front Range. Made of durable materials, it features well-padded straps that won’t dig in yet distribute pressure evenly if your dog does pull. Adjustable fittings ensure a customized fit that won’t slip. It allows free leg movement and stays securely in place through active play or walking.
Another top choice is the PetSafe Easy Walk Harness. A front clip and built-in handle tame pulling through redirection and also provide a grip to help steady fearful or reactive dogs when passing trigger situations. Breathable nylon fabric keeps dogs cool in hot weather too.
For smaller breeds, the Puppia Soft Dog Harness has an adorable design that comes in fun colors. Its front clip guides dogs away from pulling and also adds visibility when walking at dawn or dusk for safety. Lightweight and perfectly sized for toy dogs, it’s a favorite of many small breed owners.
Dog harness – how to put it on
Correctly fitting your dog’s harness is essential to ensure safety, comfort, and effective control during walks and playtime. Here are the basic steps to put on most styles of dog harnesses:
- Find the front. Locate where the harness clips in the front, usually indicated with a label or handle attachment.
- Place back straps. Lay the harness on the ground and place your dog’s back over the two back straps that will go around their chest/belly.
- Adjust strap length. Pinch the straps together to fit your dog’s size and lock into any adjustments buckles if needed. The straps should sit slightly loose, with 2-3 fingers space at the belly.
- Clip front buckles. Bring the front straps between your dog’s front legs and clip or buckle them together in the front.
- Check fit. The harness should fit snugly but still allow one finger under the straps for comfort. It shouldn’t slip over the head or twist.
- Attach the leash ring. Connect your leash clip to the back D-ring or handle provided on the harness.
Proper harness fit takes some practice but is critical for safe walking. Check for rubbing and adjust periodically for growing dogs. With the right size and style, harnesses empower hands-free exercise and play for busy owners and relaxed freedom for dogs.
Dog harnesses with handle
Handlers of large, strong, or reactive breeds especially benefit from harnesses featuring a handle or grab-strap. The extra grip zone allows greater ownership when passing other dogs or distractions that may trigger a lunging response from your pup. Handles aid quick, gentle control during excitable moments that could otherwise lead to an incident.
A top choice is the Easy Walk Harness mentioned previously. As well as a front clip for anti-pull training, it provides a padded nylon handle across the dog’s back for easy guidance. Adjustable sizing comfortably fits most large dogs up to 110 pounds in weight.
For thick-coated breeds prone to mats, the Rabbitgoo No-Pull Dog Harness is a breathable mesh version with a handle. Its lightweight design won’t trap heat on long-haired dogs while still offering a handhold in difficult situations outdoors.
A premium choice for mastiffs, Great Danes, or other giant breeds is the Anthropic No Pull Harness. With ultra-strong webbing, aluminum hardware for years of use, and ample padding, it manages even 250+ pounds of dog calmly through neighborhoods and parks.
Whichever brand you pick, look for a sturdy torso handle integrated into the harness design for reliable control of large or strong-willed dogs anytime assistance is needed.
The easiest dog harness to put on
Ease of donning and doffing is an important factor when dressing excitable dogs multiple times per day. The best harnesses slip on and off in seconds to avoid daily battles putting on gear. Here are some top lightweight, fuss-free options:
Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness – With bungee front straps instead of buckles, this is literally a one-hand in, one-hand out harness. Elastic gives but adjusts tightly without effort. Reflective piping adds night visibility.
Puppia Soft Dog Harness – Ultra-soft fabric with sturdy Velcro closures means this slides onto puppies and seniors alike in an instant. Breathable for Australian summers too.
Ruffwear Web Master Harness – Webbing straps and side-release buckles allow for lightning-fast on/off in any location. A secure yet adjustable fit stays comfortable through activity.
Outward Hound Quick Fit Harness – Unique split-front design opens wide for easy fitting of legs. Front and back clips make it the most convenient option for bath time or vet visits.
PetSafe Happy Ride Harness – The Front zipper allows single-handed opening and closing without twisting or tangling straps. Ideal for car trips when speed is key.
Look for harnesses incorporating zippers, Velcro, elastic, or quick-release buckles that minimize struggle sessions at home or on the go. With the right no-fuss design, harnessing becomes a stress-free routine.
Front or back harness for dog
Whether to use a front-clip or back-clip harness is an important consideration and depends largely on your individual dog’s walking behavior and preferences. Each style has pros and cons:
Front-Clip Harnesses
- Great for training dogs not to pull, as it guides them back toward you
- Provide more control over reactive or distracted dogs
- Not suitable if the dog easily slips out of harnesses
- Can be more difficult to fit than back-clip styles
Back-Clip Harnesses
- Standard design most dogs are comfortable with
- Easier to put on than front-clip varieties
- Less control if the dog suddenly lunges or pulls ahead
- Don’t actively train anti-pulling like front
- Preferred by owners who want a casual stroll rather than heel training
For dogs that excessively pull on walks or jump at distractions, a front-clip harness is best to gently discourage these behaviors. Meanwhile, back-clip suits dogs with decent basic manners that just enjoy wandering and sniffing on casual neighborhood adventures.
In summary, front clips aid in training loose leash walking skills through reinforcement. Back clips maintain a calm and comfortable fit without redirection effects when simply moving or hiking with well-behaved canine companions. Test both to find the best solution suited for your pooch’s particular temperament and activity needs. With practice, harnesses help strengthen the bond between owners and dogs during outdoor fun through respectful communication.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about dog harnesses:
Are harnesses good for Australian shepherds?
Yes, harnesses are an excellent choice for Australian shepherds. As a high-energy herding breed, they can be prone to pulling on leashes which collars exacerbate. Harnesses distribute pressure evenly across the body to prevent neck strain. Front-clip styles also discourage pulling through gentle redirection. Look for durable, well-padded options to protect their thick fur from abrasions.
Do harnesses stop dogs from pulling?
While no tool is 100% guaranteed, harnesses – especially front-clip styles – are very effective at discouraging pulling on leash through leadership and communication. They redirect dogs back towards the owner when tension is applied to the leash instead of intensifying as with collars. With consistent positive reinforcement training, most dogs can learn loose leash walking using harnesses over time. It may take patience, but they provide a safer, more humane way to curb unwanted pulling behaviors.
Is it okay for a dog to wear a harness all the time?
It’s generally not recommended to keep a harness on indoors as they are outdoor garments. Constant wear risks the straps becoming dirty or matted in fur. Harnesses are best used only during activities like walks, play, or travel, then removed afterward to avoid potential skin irritation from lengthy contact. Many dogs enjoy downtime indoors without a harness. Only in cases of medical necessity should they be worn 24/7 under veterinary direction.
