Does My Dog Need A Harness?
To harness or not to harness, that is the question. After all, with the pet store full of leash/collar/harness combinations, it can be more than a little confusing. If you’re wondering if a harness is right for you and your dog, we have all the answers you are looking for!
Harnesses are helpful because:
- They give you more control
- It is harder for your dog to escape
- They aid in training
- They help avoid injury
- The leash is less likely to get tangled
How to tell if my dog needs a harness
Does your dog have any special needs?
Some breeds are prone to breathing problems and neck injuries. Breeds, such as pugs and boxers are known as Brachycephalic dogs. This means that they have pushed-in, short, flat faces. Which make them more prone to breathing issues. Also, dogs with long thin necks, such as Italian Greyhounds can also easily suffer tracheal and spinal issues. Harnesses avoid the neckline while helping some dogs lift their heads and breath easier.
Does your dog almost choke themselves or get extremely excited when walking?
Even if your dog doesn’t have special needs you can still benefit from a harness. Oftentimes going out and walking is the most exciting part of our dog’s day. That’s when harnesses really come in handy. Your dog can get injured when they pull excessively. Using a harness will prevent injury while also giving you more control.
In addition to preventing choking, a harness makes it easier for you to have command over your dog’s movements. It’s easier to get them to walk by your side instead of having them pull you along.
Are you taking your dog in the car?
I always recommend getting a seatbelt harness and tether to seatbelt your dogs in just like you would any child. My dogs are always safely seatbelted in when we go for rides. The other safe ways to have your dog in a car is to use a crate which is secured to the car or have a barrier that can stop your dog from hitting you or going through the windshield if you were in an accident. These are great ways to help keep you and your dog safe while driving around.
How long should my dog wear a harness?
I recommend taking the harness off once you are done using it this way they will associate the harness with walking/going for a ride and the behaviors that are expected of them during walks and outings. When you put the harness on them it will switch their mindset from free-to-play to ideas such as staying at your side, looking for your cues, and not jumping. Also, don’t let them sleep in their harness because they can end up chewing on it if it becomes uncomfortable.
Another reason to remove the harness after the walk is to prevent injury. Dogs have been known to get their harness caught on items in or around the home then they start to pull and twist to get away and can harm themselves.
When playing with other dogs they can sometimes get a paw or other body part caught in a harness also which can lead to an injury.
Harness or not, make sure your dog always has on a collar with their tags including an easy-to-read way to get a hold of the owner. And of course, if you’re still not sure if your dog will benefit from a harness, or when you should use one, make sure to ask your vet. They can take into consideration your dog’s age, breed, build, and activity levels and help make the best choice for your dog. Don’t hesitate to try them on your dog at the pet store and ask a sales associate for help. You want to make sure your dog has the best fit for their safety and your peace of mind.