Sizing for proper dog harness fit.
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In a previous article, information was given on how to measure and properly fit a martingale collar or a half choke collar. Now it is time to have a discussion about how to measure your dog for a harness and the importance of a proper fit. A harness can be used for dogs who can easily remove its head from a regular collar, and for owners who are not comfortable with the different types of choke collars.
A harness is a great alternative to a regular collar for those dogs that have heads smaller than their necks or a dog that can be a challenge to walk on a leash. It is good for puppies or large dogs that pull against a leash or jump when on a leash. Unlike traditional dog collars, harnesses take the strain off a dog’s neck and put it on the chest. A harness will help to stop a dog’s forward movement without injury to the neck or trachea. It will cut down on the coughing and gagging associated with a dog pulling against a regular collar.
With the strap in front and behind the dog’s front legs, it is more difficult for the dog to slip out of a harness than a regular collar. A center ring sits on the dog’s chest or breastbone, not the delicate trachea area, making it safe for the dog and easier on the owner’s arm. It will virtually eliminate unintentional accidental escapes.
However, correctly measuring your dog for the harness is very important for it to fit your dog properly. A tape measure can be used, but the most accurate method requires string or yarn. When using a string or yarn, put it around the dog’s neck, mark the yarn where it meets comfortably then cut the string. Perform the same thing around the dog’s chest, just behind the front legs. Cut at the marks made on the string or yarn. Finally, measure both strings with a ruler and you have the measurements needed for your harness.
There is a two-finger rule – if two fingers fit snugly under a collar then that is the proper fit. The manufacturer of the harness usually adds this to the measurements provided by the dog’s owner. However, most harnesses are adjustable using triglides and slides. It is a good idea to ask the maker of the harness before purchasing if they include extra for the two-finger rule.
The comfort and safety of the dog is the reason a proper fit is so important. An improper fit can cause injury. If the harness is too tight, it can choke the pet or cause irritation and chaffing. If the harness is too loose, it can get caught on something and choke the animal. The material the harness is made from should also be considered for the comfort of the dog.
Harnesses are generally made from leather, nylon webbing or polypro webbing. Nylon webbing is the strongest of the three mentioned materials, with a tensile strength of approximately 4200 pounds in a one-inch width. Some manufacturers cover the webbing with a cotton fabric which adds comfort as well as the ability to create many different looks. Metal or plastic hardware are also needed for a top-quality harness. A strong contoured buckle, welded D-rings and wide-mouth triglides finish a harness that is safe and comfortable for man’s best friend.
It is important to remember that when putting a harness on a dog for the first time, the dog could fight against it. This can happen with any type of collar and it is normal behavior. The dog could try to pull out of the harness or rub it off. The dogs usually adjust rather quickly to the collar or harness, but it is a good idea to give the animal some time to adjust before attempting to walk it.
Future discussions about training your dog on the various types of collars are being prepared, so keep watching for them at this site.
This entry was posted on Monday, November 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am and is filed under Dog Collars. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.