What is a harness
Pets are walked on a leash or its version - a harness. Without the accessory, active or timid animals may run away. Harness is dog equipment, ammunition for walking and training.
Walking accessory for dogs
Structurally, these are two belts around the dog’s neck and chest. They are connected along the animal's spine between the shoulder blades and in front between the forelimbs. This structure helps distribute weight evenly between the chest and front legs.
Note! There is no pressure on the neck, the dog feels freedom and comfort.
Types of dog harnesses
Ammunition models are divided by purpose. They buy several for a pet.
How to put a harness on a cat: options with different types
Main types:
- walking Lightweight and durable accessory made of leather or nylon for daily walking;
- harness-vest. For small dogs with short hair. In cold weather it protects against hypothermia;
- medical. Put on injured animals as prescribed by a veterinarian. The wide vest covers 2/3 of the torso, the attachment is located at the hind legs. The paws are unloaded, the pressure falls on the front paws;
- exhibition. The emphasis is on the aesthetics of the product. Design, accessories, color emphasize the beauty of the breed;
- guard room A two- or three-layer product with stitched straps and welded rings for strength. Used to tie a dog to a checkpoint.
Important! Harnesses are put on dogs after consultation with a veterinarian or dog handler, when the animal’s bone skeleton is fully formed and strengthened.
Sewing instructions
How to take measurements for different breeds of dogs After making the main parts, proceed to sewing. Step-by-step steps will help you sew everything correctly:
- Place part #1 on a flat surface.
- From the remaining fabric, cut a strip equal to the length of the resulting parts.
- Fold the side edges inward and run a basting stitch along them.
- Use a stitch machine.
- Place the resulting strip exactly in the middle of part No. 1.
- Take a metal ring and secure it under the strip in the center.
- Attach piece #2 to the first piece, right sides together.
- Baste the edges and sew a stitch, leaving a tiny hole. It will help to turn the product inside out.
- Turn the resulting harness inside out and get rid of the hole using a hidden seam.
- Sew your chosen fasteners along the edges of the product and be proud of the work you have done.
How to choose a dog harness
The attribute is selected individually according to the size of the ward. Pay attention to the following points.
Material of execution
Harness for husky: walking, sledding harness, how to choose
They take nylon, leather, neoprene. Natural and artificial materials are soft to the touch and durable. Things are easy to wash, dry quickly, and do not wear out for a long time. Breeders also recommend equipment made of canvas and nylon. Their inner side is smoothly lined and does not rub the dog's skin.
It is better not to take canvas products with rough protruding seams, as they are not comfortable to wear.
Note! For small breeds weighing up to 3 kg, use velor harnesses with a handle so that you can lift the pet.
Fasteners and fastenings
The store evaluates the strength of the fasteners. They should work easily. It is better when there are several fastenings, so it is convenient to adjust according to the size of the animal.
The clasp and carabiner are located on the back, with the exception of corrective models that fasten on the chest.
The rivets should not put pressure on the skin, so that calluses do not form in areas of friction and hair does not fall out.
Harness with weight
Dog harness with weight
The muscles of large dogs - Staffordshire terriers, pit bulls - are trained using a harness with weights. The ammunition has pockets for lead weights (sold separately).
The weight of the load is 50-100 g. First, fill the side pockets evenly on both sides. After a few days they move on to the chest. Lastly, the weights are hung on the neck.
Important! The attribute is worn to strengthen muscles and prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system. This accessory is contraindicated for decorative breeds.
Harnesses for sled dogs
Sled harnesses are the oldest dog equipment. Designed to maximize the use of animal traction. The product increases the muscle mass of dogs and develops the chest.
The correct design transfers the load to the chest and front legs, then through the spine to the pushing hind legs. At the same time, sled dogs (huskies, Yakut huskies, Alaskan malamutes) feel comfortable at work.
Riding models do not absorb moisture, do not sink, and do not freeze. This is an important quality in dog racing competitions, when animals overcome water obstacles.
Corrective model
Active dogs that constantly rush forward and timid dogs are difficult to keep on a leash. Behavior is corrected with special harnesses. The leash in this model is not attached to the back, but with a martingale-type loop on the chest. The strap does not twist.
For your information! When the dog tries to move in one direction, the owner pulls the leash and turns the dog to face the owner. Animals quickly get used to the accessory and do not try to escape.
Manufacturer
Brands of dog leashes can be divided into three groups: little-known local leashes, high-quality products from well-known brands and elite ammunition from popular manufacturers.
The first group of products usually consists of the simplest canvas and leashes made of leatherette and nylon. For example, brands AnimAll, Kristel, My Wuf and so on. They are quite enough for the usual function of walking the dog. Disadvantages: simple appearance, uncomfortable handles, unreliable carabiners that can break suddenly. Cheap harnesses are extremely rarely designed correctly; they often rub dogs’ armpits, put pressure on the elbows, and distribute the load incorrectly.
A good combination of price and quality include products from Collar, Trixie, Coastal, Collar, Ferplast, Flexi, Karlie-Flamingo. A variety of materials (high-quality nylon, biotan, leather), reliable carabiners, attractive design and a wide selection of colors - these qualities are inherent in leashes and harnesses of these brands. It is worth noting that Flexi roulettes have long been leaders among roulette manufacturers: they are reliable, convenient, more expensive than no-name models, but their purchase is 100% justified. This is especially noticeable with large breeds. If almost any tape measure can withstand a small one, then with a strong tug from a heavy dog it can fail, which is unacceptable! Brands in this group also like to create unique new products and experiment with materials. This allows the buyer to choose a high-quality and comfortable leash of any length and width. Harnesses are usually well designed, but you still need to try them on and don't hesitate to return the product to the store if the model doesn't suit your dog. You cannot wear an uncomfortable or “wrong” harness, because this is harmful to the dog’s health.
The most expensive leashes are the famous brands Hunter and Hurrta. Their prices may differ several times. This is due to the popularity of the brand, their promotion and high-quality advertising campaign. Of course, the ammunition is very reliable and beautiful, but it works no better than the products of the second group.
How to take measurements to buy a dog harness
The equipment should fit the dog's torso, not dangle, and not squeeze the body. Which one is more comfortable to wear and how to choose the right harness for your dog according to its size, consult a veterinarian and experienced breeders. If you accurately measure the dog’s parameters, you can buy the item without trying it on.
Harness for dogs of small and large breeds: how to choose
Two indicators need to be determined:
- neck volume. Measure with a tailor's meter under the collar. The anterior point is on the protruding bone under the throat - the keel. From the back, the tape is brought out to the edge of the shoulder blades;
- chest girth. Measure the widest part of the torso just behind the front legs. Add two centimeters to the seam allowance for a loose fit.
Important! For correct measurements, the animal's fur is pressed. A small play in the harness is adjusted with belts.
Harness size chart
Recommendations for choosing a collar
Experts recommend choosing equipment for your pet only after having the opportunity to try it on.
Experienced dog handlers have various types of equipment at their disposal - for everyday walks, exhibitions, training and other events. They also advise other dog owners to do the same. Any equipment requires regular care - washing, cleaning, which will increase its service life and protect your pet from infection. Price is far from the most important criterion, since in pursuit of profit you can harm your four-legged friend. The pursuit of beauty is also inappropriate - rhinestones, rivets and other decorations can cause discomfort in the animal.
To make it easier to determine the size, you can focus on the standard - two fingers should fit freely between the animal’s neck and the product. To protect the animal's fur, it is better to choose ammunition with protective valves.
The choice of collar is made based on the breed:
- For those with a hard coat, it is better to choose collars that have a leather inner surface, a circular cross-section and external seams.
- Large, active dogs with a violent temperament are best bred with a strict collar.
- For pets with long, silky hair, a chain collar made of chromed metal is more suitable.
- To protect an overly curious and disobedient pet during the educational process, it is recommended to use a choke collar.
- For puppies, lightweight leather or fabric collars are suitable, equipped with a valve that protects the skin and fur from contact with metal parts.
How to choose the size
A harness is a training attribute. It cannot be worn every day, much less leave the dog alone at home. For the dog’s convenience, the accessory is selected according to size.
The main parameters are the volumes of the chest and neck. But back length and weight also matter.
For your information! Size S with a chest circumference of up to 36 cm is suitable for mini Yorkies and pinschers. Chinese crested and toy poodles wear size M with a neck volume of 23-27 cm. Pug and French bulldog wear size L/XL (chest - 54-60 cm, neck - 38-42 cm).
How to choose for the breed
Conventionally, dogs are divided into small, medium and large breeds. Each has its own type of accessory. Step-by-step instructions on how to train your pet to use it are included with the product. The principle is not to form fear in relation to the subject.
First, the item is placed on the floor and the dog is invited to sniff, examine, and get used to it. Then they put the front part around the neck, pass the lower strap between the front legs, and fasten it on the sides.
Important! A hand should be placed between the belt and the dog's back.
Harnesses for small breeds
Small dogs are active and energetic, they have sharp teeth. Owners take this into account when choosing ammunition material. Take a light one, but durable so that it does not succumb to dog teeth. Select fasteners for miniature individuals that are small.
Walking harnesses are made of velor and can be adjusted. It is preferable to have options with a handle to carry the baby through a puddle or mud. In cool weather, vests are worn to cover the back and chest of the Pekingese, Spitz, and Toy Terrier. Colors, decorations, rhinestones according to the preferences of the owners, as long as they do not weigh down the item.
Harnesses for medium breeds
From the assortment of accessories for walking and correcting the behavior of medium-sized dogs, choose products made from more durable materials.
Basset hounds, pit bull terriers, and Australian shepherds sport new clothes that are structurally similar to harnesses for small breeds, but the belts are wider and the rivets are more reliable. A model with a handle is taken for sick and injured individuals.
Dog in walking attribute
Harnesses for large breeds
Manufacturers take into account the strength of animals, so the harnesses are made multi-layered with large fasteners.
Large dogs can be injured by strong jerks, so a special wide fabric with a felt backing is inserted on the chest of the product.
Bullmastiff, Amstaff, East European Shepherd, Labrador are the names of breeds that guard their owners and property. They require strong corrective products and (to build muscle) ammunition with weights.
Harnesses for puppies
Veterinarians do not recommend wearing harnesses until the age of six months. It is better to start at 8-9 months, when the animal’s skeleton is almost formed.
For young individuals, the attribute is made of nylon fabric with two fasteners. For kids, such a harness serves as decorative clothing, in which they look elegant. Puppy harnesses are replete with beautiful inserts and bright elements.
Puppy in equipment
Can be worn for a short time and removed at home. The model should be put on quickly, be loose enough so as not to squeeze young bones or rub under the armpits.
Harnesses are an age-old device for handling dogs. Used for walking and training dogs, at exhibitions and competitions. Simple design, a variety of materials, strong rivets - the product range is very wide. A specialist will advise which dog harness is best; before purchasing, the animal is taken to the veterinarian. The equipment must fit comfortably on the figure, so they take measurements of the pet and determine the size. An incorrectly selected accessory leads to abrasion of the fur and calluses.
