Harness

[Labyrinth]

I want to get harnesses for my dogs, but I'm not sure how to properly fit them. We went to Petsmart today and I tried Top Paw® Perfect Fit Adjustable Harness - New Puppy Center - Dog - PetSmart but I couldn't seem to get them to fit the way I think they're supposed to. Are they supposed to fit close to their bodies, or are they supposed to be kind of loose all over?

Does anyone have any good safe harnesses to recommend? One of my dogs still pulls alot and I have to be very sure it's not something she would be able to pull off if she tried.

 

[Miakoda]

Stillwater Kennel Supply --

Great quality harnesses and Shane can help you with explaining how to measure your dog for proper size and fit.

 

[Beanie]

I much prefer this style:
Black Houndstooth Comfort Wrap Harness - Collars, Leads & Tags - Dog - PetSmart

I really like these because, even if the buckles break, your leash will be clipped through both d-rings and will still hold it together even without the buckles. I think Premier makes one just like this in solid colours but I couldn't find it on the website.

They should be fitted enough that your dog can't get tangled in it as they walk, but not too tight to restrict movement. Auggie's is rather loose on him because he's such an odd size that neither the small at it's largest nor the medium at it's smallest fit right - so I just got the medium.

 

[Babyblue5290]

I think that's the harness bear has. i'm pretty sure it is at least. I will NOT help with pulling and if she's really crafty she might be able to get it off if she pulls backwards.

 

[bjdobson]

EZ harness. It's one piece. They cannot get out of it. My minpins can slip any collar - but no way they can slip this harness. It also is fleece lined so very nice for short-coated breeds. No buckles. You can't break it.

Here is more info: EZLeash, EZHarness, EZCollar - PaPPi - Puppy and Pet Products International EZHarness - PaPPi - Puppy and Pet Products International

I have three of them and am walking Titan with one for now until he gets older and more used to a leash. It doesn't catch his fur AT ALL so I may opt to stick with one for him but we'll see how it goes as he grows

Here's a shot of Liz with hers on:

 

[lizzybeth727]

Are they supposed to fit close to their bodies, or are they supposed to be kind of loose all over?

They're supposed to be snug.... You should not be able to get more than two fingers vertically between the harness strap and the dog's body. If it's bigger than that, you'll probably need the next size smaller.

Does anyone have any good safe harnesses to recommend? One of my dogs still pulls alot and I have to be very sure it's not something she would be able to pull off if she tried.

I actually use the harness you got as a no-pull harness. Just make sure it's tight enough around the chest, and then attach the leash to the O ring on the chest instead of the D ring on the back. That way when the dog pulls, the harness will turn him back around toward you. If you use the D ring on the back (the "right" way to use a harness), the dog will actually be able to pull harder.... like a sled dog.

I also have used several different harnesses (including the ones the others have posted) and I have found that for most dogs, the one you got is the easiest to fit because it's the most adjustable. As long as you've got the right size.

 

[doglover83]

I recently bought a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness. It has a strap 'round the belly, one over the back. You clip the leash to the strap that goes across the chest. It's pretty stylish too.

 

[lizzybeth727]

I recently bought a Gentle Leader Easy Walk Harness.

Yep, I've used that too. IMO it doesn't work any better than the one I talked about, and it costs about twice as much. JMO, of course.