How to Properly Fit a Padded Dog Harness
Do you know how to fit a dog harness on your faithful canine properly? If not, we are here to help. At Julius -K9, our team wants to make sure you have all the information you need to keep your dog comfy and safe. We specialize in selling a personalized dog harness that is perfect for your pup. Learn how to fit your padded dog harness today!
Why a Harness?
There are a variety of reasons why you'd choose a harness over a collar, but the big ones are choking, running and lifting. Traditional collars tend to choke when a dog pulls, but harnesses distribute the weight. Harnesses also give you multiple points of attachment so you can keep the leash from getting tangled in your dog's legs when you go running. Finally, harnesses give you extra places to grab when you're trying to lift and move older or ill dogs.
How to Choose the Right Size Padded Dog Harness
Once you've decided to get a harness, the next thing to figure out is how do you get the right size for your dog.
To start, there are a few different measurements you should get:
- Weight: This is the most important one, and how most harness companies determine sizing. If you're having trouble getting your furry friend on the scale, weigh yourself first, then pick up your pooch and weigh the two of you together. The difference will be the weight of your dog.
- Chest: Measure around the body of the dog with a flexible cloth tape measure. You should be starting at the bottom of the ribcage and going up and over the back and then back down to where you started.
- Neck: Wrap the tape around the thickest part of your dog's neck and take that measurement.
How To Put It On
- How to Set-up an Over-Head Harness (One Time)
- To put on a harness properly, you should make sure it starts fairly loose, so it's easy to slip on your dog. You can tighten it once it's on. You should also note that a proper snug fit means you can fit two (and only two) fingers between your dog and the harness at any point.
- Slide the harness over the head of your dog. Do not tighten anything at this point.
- Swing the chest piece up so that it's touching your dog's chest and belly.
- On the chest piece, you'll find two buckles, swing these up (one on either side of your dog, behind the front legs) and fasten them to the back of the harness.
- Adjust the sides of your harness to fit snuggly.
- Adjust the belly (if applicable) of your harness to fit snugly
- Adjust the neck of your harness to fit snugly
- Only some harnesses include the adjustment point on the stomach.
- How to Put on an Over-Head Harness
- Once you have your harness set-up, putting it on should be a breeze.
- Slide the harness over the head of your dog.
- Swing the chest piece up so that it's touching your dog's chest and belly.
- On the chest piece, you'll find two buckles, swing these up (one on either side of your dog, behind the front legs) and fasten them to the back of the harness.
Signs of a Poor Fit
Your harness may be the improper size or improperly applied if you see any of the following:
- Losing fur around harness area
- Chafing around harness area
- Dog wiggling free
- The back piece of harness rotating to sides
- Dog strongly resisting walking
Call For A Personalized Dog Harness
Learn how to fit your padded dog harness today! We are the number one choice for dog accessories. Get all the information you need when it comes to how to be the best dog owners with us! When it comes to whether or not you should choose a personalized dog harness for your dog, it depends on your specific situation. If you're looking for the best personal dog harness, call Julius K-9, a top U.S. distributor today!