What is a Puppy Harness and Why Do We Need One?
Understanding the Purpose of a Puppy Harness
A puppy harness is a specialised piece of gear designed to support a dog’s body and secure it comfortably while on a leash. Unlike traditional collars that can put pressure on a puppy’s neck, a harness distributes the force across the chest and back, offering better comfort and safety during walks. We need a puppy harness to prevent strain on our puppy’s developing joints and to provide us with more control, especially if our puppy tends to pull or is still learning how to walk correctly on a leash.
Benefits of Using a Harness Over a Collar
Choosing a harness is particularly beneficial during your puppy’s training stages. Harnesses not only discourage pulling but also give us peace of mind as we can easily guide our puppies in the right direction without causing discomfort. This type of gear is also ideal for active puppies who enjoy jumping and running about, as it drastically reduces the risk of escape compared to a standard collar. The added control a harness provides can keep both our puppies and the people around us safe.
Choosing the Right Size and Fit for Your Puppy
Measuring Our Puppy for the Perfect Fit
To ensure our puppy is comfortable and safe in their harness, we must get the right size. Start by measuring our puppy’s girth, which is the widest part of their chest, typically just behind the front legs. We can also measure their neck size, as some harnesses may require this as well. Most brands have a sizing chart we can refer to; selecting sizes according to these charts is crucial for ensuring the right fit. A harness that is too tight can cause discomfort, while one that’s too loose may slip off.
Checking the Fit Once We’ve Got the Harness
Once we have chosen a harness, we should always do a fit check before every walk. The harness should feel snug but not restrictive. We can do the ‘two-finger test’ by placing two fingers between the harness and our puppy’s skin. If we can fit our fingers comfortably, we have a good fit. Additionally, we should watch for any signs of rubbing or chafing, especially in the armpit areas, which means we might need to adjust or try a different type.
Types of Puppy Harnesses: Which One Works Best for Us?
Different Styles of Harnesses and Their Uses
There are several types of puppy harnesses available, each serving specific needs. Back-clip harnesses are great for everyday use, featuring a leash attachment on the back, providing a natural pulling motion without causing strain. Front-clip harnesses are designed to discourage pulling by redirecting our puppy’s attention towards us. They’re particularly useful for training. Then, there are no-pull harnesses that offer a more restrictive fit around the body to prevent pulling altogether. Choose based on our puppy’s walking behaviour and training requirements.
Considering the Material and Design
Aside from the style, the material of the harness matters too. Look for soft, breathable fabrics that won’t irritate our puppy’s skin. Consider reflective materials for evening walks to increase visibility. We might also want to look for harnesses that offer padding around the chest area for extra comfort. A well-designed harness will balance functionality with our puppy’s comfort and safety.
How to Properly Use and Adjust Your Puppy Harness
Steps for Correctly Putting on the Harness
Putting the harness on our puppy correctly is crucial for safety. Start by loosening all the adjustable straps. Gently slide the harness over our puppy’s head, starting with the neck opening. Next, guide their legs through the armholes, ensuring the straps sit comfortably around their body. Once on, we should adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit, making sure there’s enough wiggle room without being too loose.
Adjusting Straps for Maximum Comfort and Security
After putting on the harness, we need to check and adjust the straps. It’s best to start with the girth strap; this is the main one that keeps the harness in place. Adjust this until it fits snugly. Then, adjust the neck and chest straps, if applicable, ensuring none of them rub against our puppy’s skin. It’s always a good idea to do a quick walk around and ensure the harness remains secure as we move.
Tips for Training Our Puppy to Wear a Harness
Introducing the Harness Gradually
Our puppy may not immediately be comfortable in a harness, so it’s essential to introduce it in a positive manner. Start by letting them sniff and explore the harness without forcing it onto them. Once they appear curious, we can gently place it on them, allowing them to wear it for short periods while providing treats and praise. This builds a positive association associated with the harness.
Building Up to Regular Wear and Outdoor Adventures
After our puppy gets used to wearing the harness around the house, we can begin taking short walks outside. Start in familiar and quiet areas, gradually increasing the duration and distance. Using treats during these walks helps reinforce positive behaviour. If our puppy shows signs of discomfort or reluctance, it’s crucial to return to shorter training sessions until they feel more confident.
