Why a Harness Is the Best Option for Canines

When it comes to walks and keeping a handle on your dog, you need to buy the best equipment. This is where a harness comes in. It’s useful whether you have a dog that constantly tugs on the leash or you simply want better control over your pup. Discover the reasons why a harness is the best option for canines here.

Why Harnesses Are Best

Often, a harness is an ideal choice when you weigh your options because it’s more comfortable and safer for your dog than a typical collar. Harnesses are also great when dealing with a dog prone to back problems, tracheal collapse, or other related health concerns.

Keep in mind that some breeds are more susceptible to these issues than others due to their natural features and body shape. For example, pugs often fall into this category since many have breathing problems.

It’s More Comfortable

Every dog likes to feel comfortable, especially when they go on a walk with their favorite person! Since a harness hugs their entire mid-section or body, it puts less strain on their neck and back. Plus, if your dog tugs non-stop, a harness helps prevent damage to their throat, which is common in smaller canines.

Pro-Tip

One of the top reasons why a harness is the best option for canines is that the leash is less likely to become caught or wrapped around your dog's legs. No longer will you have to pause your walks to untangle one leg only to find another wrapped around the leash.

It’s Safer

Not only are harnesses more comfortable, but they’re also much safer, especially if your pup is a natural escape artist. Dogs can easily escape a collar by backing out of it. When this happens on a walk, your furry friend could run away or otherwise lose you.

Harnesses wrap around the body, and you must put your dog’s legs through the front section. Due to this, your canine will not be able to escape with a few simple maneuvers. However, this isn’t to say a dog can never slip out a harness since it is still possible if the harness is too big.

Tips for Harness Training

Training your dog to walk properly can be a bit of a challenge for any pet owner and becomes harder when you must deal with a strong canine. When dealing with a stubborn and powerful dog, a daily walk can go from fun to bothersome.

We bring this up because a harness with a back hook may not be ideal for these pooches during the training process. Some dogs see walks as an opportunity to direct their owner rather than the other way around. If this continues or worsens, you may struggle to control your dog, which can create dangers for the two of you and your fellow pedestrians.

How To Stop This

If you have a canine that yanks on their leash, consider obedience school. Not only can you talk to the canine expert about your many choices for harnesses, but you can also train your dog to focus on you. Over time, your pup will learn to look at you for approval as they understand who’s in charge of the walk. You’re the alpha!

The Types of Harnesses

When buying a harness, you have a few options depending on the function and what seems best for your pup. These options include the following:

• Back clip harnesses: These are widely available but not ideal for dogs that pull.
• Front clip harnesses: These can help prevent pulling but can tangle the front legs.
• Step-in harnesses: These are ideal for smaller dogs but make it harder to gain control.

Finding the right harness type means weighing the pros and cons of each of your options while also investigating what’s best for your canine’s breed. Remember that these aren’t the only types of harnesses, as there are some products designed for travel, service animals, and more!

Travel Harnesses

What dog doesn’t love a car ride? Seeing the open stretch of a road as the wind blows their fur is a joy to almost every canine! However, keeping your dog safe becomes all the more important on a road trip. Use safety harnesses to keep your dog belted in for every car ride. As a bonus, these harnesses also work for walking!

Service Dog Harnesses

A guide dog harness is one of the many types available for those working canines out there. The aluminum handle makes it easier for the owner to hold on to their pup whenever they go out.

Some service animals also wear special harnesses with a patch labeling them as service dogs. This gives the handler access to their pup and reminds everyone nearby not to distract this canine as it works!

Day-Pack Harnesses

A day-pack harness is excellent if you love planning adventures with your furry friend. With this piece of canine gear, you can keep food or toys in your pup’s very own backpack. Just keep in mind that smaller dogs and puppies may struggle a bit depending on their weight.

Buy a Quality Harness

As you shop around for canine gear, investing in quality products is always best. Think of a harness like a pair of running shoes. By skimping on quality, you’ll notice wear sooner than you’d hope. Buy an excellent harness from the start, rather than making constant trips to the pet store searching for a new one.

You Still Need a Collar

While harnesses are great for walks and gaining control over an excitable puppy, you should still put a collar on your dog. The reason for this is that your dog should always wear an ID tag and rabies tag. A collar will hold these on them. Keeping your pup safe is essential, and you want others to know where your furry friend resides if they run away.

Shop at Julius K9

At Julius K9, you can buy harnesses, collars, and more for your pup. Our top-of-the-line canine equipment is perfect for every pooch, whether they’re a working dog or companion. We have tactical service dog harnesses, long walk harnesses, and more. Find the best match for your dog to keep every walk safe and comfortable for the two of you!