Do you find it hard to decide when there's so much to choose from? If you're like me, it's best to try out the harness first before you buy it for your four-legged friend. Today, the selection of dog harnesses is truly varied. There are harnesses for mushing, canicross and regular dog owners! We tested some harnesses for you to see how it's done and why it's important.
Just like when you buy clothes or shoes for yourself online, online stores with pet accessories also provide size tables and instructions to help you choose the right one. Until recently, I thought that the size of the harness, or making sure it's the proper size for your dog according to size tables, is the most important thing. I measured the circumference of the dog's neck, the length from the withers to the base of the tail, etc., and then I chose the design I liked best. However!
It's not as simple as I thought. In order for the harness to really fit the dog properly and serve the purpose for which you are buying it, it's not just the measurements that are important; you have to try it out to see how it "fits" when your dog is on the move - walking and running. Moreover, what may seem too tight to me as a layman may be deemed too large by a professional. ‘The correct size of a harness will usually look small when it’s on the dog,’ says a specialist from the MushGO organization; she organizes tours throughout the Czech Republic in which people and their pets can try out accessories.
It's one thing to measure your dog, but assessing whether the harness fits properly is an entirely different matter. I listened to the advice of a specialist, who explained to us that harnesses are a very individual matter and they vary from one type to another. It's therefore impossible to say with certainty that certain types of harnesses are suitable for a specific breed. In addition to the way the dog is built, the purpose for which you are buying a harness is equally important.
The same harness you use for dog sports should not be used for regular walks. Some harnesses may require more force from the dog to ‘stretch’ - that is when the end of the harness is above the base of the tail when fully extended. ‘That's the first thing we ask dog owners - why they are buying the harness for their dog?’ adds the professional musher.
In other words, if you buy a basic harness for walking your dog, but you go jogging with your dog and he (naturally) pulls the harness, the harness can block his shoulder blades, cut into him under his ribs or armpits, slide from the centre of his chest, rub against him, etc. On the other hand, a long harness for sports that may fit the dog perfectly when he's running may not fit the dog at all when he's on a slow walk. These are all factors you should take into account.
One type of harness is suitable when dogs are pulling a load, such as in mushing, dog-trekking or canicross, i.e. for sports. And then there are harnesses suitable for regular walks in nature or the city. The advantage of a personal consultation, however, is that they will simply explain everything to you, you will get to try out different harnesses with the dog, and you will see the difference when the dog is walking and running. According to the expert, the long harness I chose for my dog has the following advantage: ‘A long harness allows the dog to make full use of traction force - it can fully lean into and pull the harness.’ And that is exactly what I was looking for. After trying out four harnesses and making sure that the chest, shoulder blades, armpits and ribs are as they should be, we chose a harness.
If you are not able to receive a personal consultation, I recommend at least taking a photograph of your dog in various situations in a harness and sending it to experts for an assessment.
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
