One of the many benefits of having dogs is that they’re generally pretty energetic and require a lot of activity, which makes them great companions for people looking for the next adventure. Regardless if your furry friend is trained or not, you always need to have a harness ready for them—and not just the regular kind! For those of you unaware of this fact, there are actually many types of dog harnesses available on the market depending on the kind of activity they do. This article will hopefully guide you in choosing the best harness suited for your dog’s needs and particular activity.
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What are the different types of harnesses?
We all know that dog harnesses come in many forms, sizes, and designs, but did you know that hey are also categorized based on their uses. Here are the two main subdivisions of dog harnesses.
Traditional dog harnesses.
This type of harness is commonly used by dog owners for general activities like walking or running. The only difference among the sub-types of the traditional harness is how they’re fastened to your dog and where the clip for the leash is attached.
Back clip harness.
This harness type makes it easy for dog owners to put on and take off, thanks to the single clip on the back where the leash is attached. It’s a popular choice since it allows moderate mobility for your furry friends.
H-harness.
Similar to the back clip harness, the h-harness is also fairly easy to put on your dog and is the most popular choice among dog owners. It’s ideal for puppies and adult dogs alike, giving them enough freedom of movement. The h-harness is one of the best accessories for daily walks and a lot of outdoor activities.
No-pull harness.
For dog owners who need to train their furry friends a bit more, the no-pull harness is a great choice. It’s designed to discourage your dog from pulling, which can be a great tool to exert a bit of control over them, as long as it is properly fitted.
Specialty dog harnesses.
In contrast to the aforementioned harnesses, the specialty harness is designed with a specific activity in mind.
Training harness.
Based on the name itself, this accessory is designed to train your dog so you can provide control during sessions. This harness has several attachment points where you can attach the leash, making it a versatile tool for training.
Hiking harness.
For active dog owners who enjoy exploring the great outdoors, the hiking harness has useful features like reflective strips or LED lights, making it easy to spot your furry friend in low-lit conditions. In addition to that, it also has several utility pockets and leash attachments for carrying gear. Because of the nature of the activity, the hiking harness is usually equipped with padded straps to add comfort to your dogs.
Service dog harness.
For our furry friends who are in the line of duty and other services, this type of harness has unique features depending on the service—usually, they have patches or specialized handles for their handler’s needs.
No-escape harness.
Finally, the no-escape harness is ideal for dog owners who have pets who have a knack for escaping. They provide more security compared to the others and are usually sturdier, designed to be escape-proof.
How do I choose the right harness for my dog?
Now that you know the different types of harnesses, you just have to focus on the kind of activity you intend to do with your dog and focus on that. Additionally, you can also consider these factors when choosing your accessory:
Be mindful of your dog’s chest and neck.
There are many harnesses available catering to dog breeds of every size. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all, which is why it’s important to choose an accessory that is a perfect fit for your dog. One good trick in ensuring the harness is a good fit is to loosen all the straps as you put them over your furry friend. From there, start adjusting the straps accordingly, making sure that you can insert two fingers between your dog’s body and the straps.
The harness should fit snugly.
As a continuation of the aforementioned, check to see if the straps are causing discomfort or restricting your dog’s movements. Let your furry friend run around for a bit to see if it fits them perfectly. Make sure that the harness is aligned properly with your dog’s body and check for any loose or tight straps.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’re bound to choose the best dog harness that provides comfort, safety, and support for your furry friend during activities.
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