Julius K9 Harness

[JacksonsMom]

Anyone have one?

I'm in love with this color:

But wanted reviews on the functionality of the harness as well.

I really like the looks of it.

Confused on sizing though. Jackson is approx 17lbs with a 19.5" girth. I can't decide to go with "Mini-Mini" or just "Mini"

Did not know if they ran big or small etc.

Mini-Mini:Chest Measurement 18 - 21.5 inches. Weight 8.8 - 15Lbs. 4-7Kg
Mini:Chest Measurement 18 - 23.5 inches. Weight 15 - 33Lbs.7-15Kg

Also, didn't know the difference between the original or the "IDC" harness.
http://www.julius-k9.us/harnesses-c-2.html

 

[Beanie]

I made a thread on them about a year ago but I can't link to it or this post will be moderated forever.

However a lot of people said they were concerned about the strap going across the front limiting movement. I think at least two people chimed in that their vets thought it was actually detrimental.

They're super expensive so I've never ordered one. Plus I wanted one for Payton to hike in and they're so big and heavy (definitely nice and sturdy IMO), BB suggested it was just going to be too hot and I agree.
I still like how they look, I like that there's a handle on it to grab easily too, but I will probably never actually own one.

 

[meepitsmeagan]

Get Jackson an agitation harness.

 

[DJEtzel]

I've been saving monies to get Frag one... I really like the design, and IMO, compared to others, these are cheap! Plus, you can get any patch you could imagine! XD

The picture you attached is the IDC harness, I believe. It has a more angled chest strap than the original, from what I have read.

I have a friend who has the belt harness for her working GSD and he runs, trains, and works in it just fine. I am planning on an IDC for Frag, but it's only going to be for nosework and hiking, most likely.

I could have SWORN I saw a product review for one on a blog that has a Dachshund model/reviewer who's name started with a "D"... but I cannot remember the name of it. If it was the same harness, she had some sizing issues with her little dog and it didn't get great reviews, but that may have been because of the shape of a Dachshund, too.

eta; this explains the difference; just found it! http://k9harness.com/original-k9-powerharness-vs-julius-idc-powerharness

 

[Maliraptor]

I use them with puppies. I'm not thrilled with the front strap, but I'm not thrilled with MOST harnesses. By the time they start pulling hard enough on the front though, I switch from the harness.

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

Aside from the front movement concerns I have seen a lot of dogs snake out of them. I really liked them when I first saw them and they ARE well made but, yeah, they're not the most secure harness I have seen.

 

[Shai]

Well I'm in the agility world where these things are a much a fashion statement as they are useful.

A lot of people like them and swear by them. I'm personally not a fan.

 

[MandyPug]

I have one for izzie but mainly because it looks more "official" for therapy work. People seem to take her more seriously. It's a bit stiff and hard to fit just right but izzie is also a weirdly shaped dog. I think she has the mini mini size.

The front strap isn't really low enough to restrict movement according to my rehab vet, similar to the comfortflex. If your dog pulls obviously it would be different but for dogs with LLW or minimal pulling and who wear it off leash, it should be just fine.

 

[Saeleofu]

I don't see how the front strap can be such a huge problem. I mean, don't use them for weight pulling or carting, but as a regular walking harness, sure. Every guide dog harness is designed with a strap across the chest, and you don't see guide dogs breaking down on their front end because of it (and I can guarantee you most guide dogs spend more time in a harness than any sport/pet dog you'd use this on).

That said, the design as a whole doesn't look comfortable. Too bulky. I'd just as soon use a plain harness.

 

[AdrianneIsabel]

The concern, from what I hear, is probably because sport dogs often pull hard on harnesses (or drive hard while running), driving to their fun. Guide dogs do not pull.

 

[AussieLove]

Julius K9 is my favorite harness. Easy to take on and off, Rave actually puts his head in through the harness when I hold it out for him at the end of an agility run or in general. He tries to snake out, but properly adjusting the harness fixes that. No problem with the front chest piece, but he walks nicely on a leash even when in a high-stim sporting environment.

 

[BostonBanker]

Well I'm in the agility world where these things are a much a fashion statement as they are useful.

A lot of people like them and swear by them. I'm personally not a fan.

This. Honestly, nothing about them looks or feels incredibly comfortable to me. I certainly wouldn't let my dog run or work in one (and I have let Gusto work on a harness on certain pieces of equipment before). They are cute with the tags, but they just don't do it for me. But I also have small-ish dogs on whom I don't like a lot of "bulk". I don't necessarily think they are bad to walk your dog on, but I'd rather own something I can do more than parade my dog around on.

 

[BoandAbby]

Abby(and Twister) has one and I personally like it. However she only uses it for agility due to the super easy on/off. And I'll likely also use it for hiking, but I plan to also order the Y strap thing and saddle bags for is as well... I've had no issues with her pulling even at trials so the front strap and pulling isn't much of a concern for me either...

 

[AussieAshley]

I really like the one I just got for Radar. The colors and patches are fun but I really went in for it because of the detachable side bags. All of the other bags and backpacks I found for small dogs where too big and cumbersome, I just wanted them big enough to fit dog bags and keys and be comfortable for him. Many of the other ones I found also fit where the harness went but did not work as a harness so you had to use the collar to walk the dog which I never do with Radar. (Tried to snap a standing pic, but you can still see the size in this, it fits an android phone snugly)

side by My Soliloquies, on Flickr

The chest strap was my main concern it sits higher than most and it is velcro.

radarharn by My Soliloquies, on Flickr
I would not use this harness on a big dog like Desoto that has a tendency to lunge. However Radar can pull when really excited and is more than strong enough to hold him, it also is the first harness I have bought that doesn't choke him when he pulls (unlike his step-in harness) which surprised me. I ordered the Y strap for it but I don't think I will be needing it.

It is a little bulky, The design could really loose a couple inches and still be just as functional. However I love the handle and Radar seems to find it comfortable enough to roll in sand, wrestle, and sleep in so it doesn't bother me.

(This is turning into an illustrated novel, I'm sorry)
As for ease of movement I have no concerns there. He climbed three sets of these stairs twice

stairs by My Soliloquies, on Flickr
Went swimming

swimming by My Soliloquies, on Flickr
And lots of general hiking and he had no trouble. I still like a nice light step-in harness for walks but this will be our Hiking/Sports harness from now on.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Thanks, guys.

And thanks for your detailed description Ashley. Radar looks SO cute in it.

My main concern would definitely be the bulkiness, I do think I'd love it a little more if it wasn't SO much. Without ever having my hands on one, it's hard to say.

I am not too worried about the chest, Jackson hardly ever pulls. We have an ezydog harness that goes across the chest and I was worried about it at first but it hasn't seemed to be an issue.

My fav harness is the Puppia but sometimes it's a bit much in the summer, so I guess this harness probably would be too. I actually really liked the Buddy Belt except for the price and the fact that it's a step-in. I just HATE step-ins. I find them so annoying to put on, and Jax is very cooperative but still, I prefer the ease of over-the-head and through one leg kinda deal, but still being secure.

 

[ruffiangirl]

If your looking for something easy to put on, but not as expensive, and really nice and light I highly recommend the Comfortflex sport harness!

http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1771

 

[ruffiangirl]

If your looking for something easy to put on, but not as expensive, and really nice and light I highly recommend the Comfortflex sport harness!

 

[JacksonsMom]

If your looking for something easy to put on, but not as expensive, and really nice and light I highly recommend the Comfortflex sport harness!

http://www.cleanrun.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=1771

Thank you! I actually have this- rarely use it lol. I don't know why particularly, it just seems so big on him. I was trying to sell it, since never gets used. The straps are real wide and the o-ring is HUGE. I prefer the size of the ezydog on him for sure. I'm actually pretty happy with ezydog, it's my 2nd one I use besides puppia. I just don't like the placement of the buckle and ideally, I do wish it didn't sit so high up on chest, but again, hasn't seemed to be a big problem. Just a preference But maybe I'll start using it more and liking it!

 

[DJEtzel]

I got to check out two last night at agility that a friend had on her BCs... It was the first time having my hands on one and seeing them on a dog in person, and they were thinner/lighter and more sleek than I was expecting, honestly! Seemed to fit them both really well and was super easy on/off for running courses.

Maybe order one, check it out when it arrives/try it on him and then return it if it's not quite what you're looking for/too bulky or thick for him?

 

[RD]

Eve has one that's a modified version for service/therapy dogs with side packs on it. I really like it, and she never seems uncomfortable in it.