Welcome to the second edition of “Kendra’s Tips!” Today, we are answering another question that Kendra gets asked a lot—which harness should I buy for my dog?
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, Kendra has some solid advice to help you choose the best harness for your pup! She is also seizing this opportunity to dispel a few common myths about dog harnesses.
Myth #1: A harness will give my dog the room to pull harder or more excessively than when attached to a collar and leash.
Reality: Kendra explains that pulling is a training issue so the solution is proper training. That being said, she recommends an H or Y harness for teaching dogs loose-leash walking because a well-fitted harness provides:
Full Range of Motion.
The front of a harness rests on the sternum instead of the neck which helps to prevent injuries.
Harnesses are comfortable.
Helps to manage pulling when leash is attached to both the front and the back while teaching the dog not to pull
Kendra also recommends using this type of leash with a harness.
With this type of lead, if you need to use the front clip for the ‘no pull action’ of the harness, you clip the leash to the front and to the back clip so the harness doesn’t turn and affect the range of motion.
Myth #2: All harnesses are the same and fine for my dog.
Reality: Kendra points out that not all harnesses are created equal and she recommends avoiding the following harnesses despite their popularity:
Step-in harnesses because:
They constrict movement and affect natural gait preventing full shoulder joint abduction, extension and flexion.
They chafe the dog’s armpits.
They are unnecessarily difficult to put on.
Easy walk harnesses because:
They constrict movement and affect natural gait preventing full shoulder joint abduction, extension and flexion.
They chafe the dog’s armpits.
Myth #3: Dog harnesses are too expensive.
Reality: Dog harnesses can be expensive but the best ones will last for
the entirety of your dog’s life and are therefore worthwhile. Buying a cheap harness will only result in buying the same one multiple times which is more expensive in the long run and will definitely not fit as well or be as comfortable as higher quality harnesses.
Myth #4: Dog harnesses never fit my dog right.
Reality: If you remember these tips from Kendra when fitting your
dog for a harness, you can achieve a perfect fit:
There must be enough space between the belly strap and the armpits and front limbs to prevent rubbing (or even pain in each step).
The belly strap must lie on the ribs for protection—if it is too far back, it can damage the organs in the lower abdomen.
The breast ring should lie on the sternum.
The breast strap should leave the shoulders free.
So Which Harness Does Kendra Recommend?
For Skill Training and Hikes
#1. Blue-9 Balance Harness: Kendra loves this harness because it is highly adjustable with 6 adjustment points facilitating the best fit for your dog. This harness ensures a full range of motion.
#2. Petsafe 3 in 1 Harness: Kendra loves this harness because it also allows for a full range of motion and has 5 adjustment points.
#3. The Haqihana Harness and the Double-H Haqihana harness Kendra likes loves this harness because of its soft, durable material that allows full range of motion and it has 5 adjustment points. This harness is ideal for long and deep chested dogs because of the Double-D.
#4. Ruffwear Harness: Kendra points out that this harness is less adjustable but great for dogs who need a little extra padding—remember to be careful that the padding does not obstruct shoulder movement.
Stay tuned for a Kendra’s Tips blog featuring the best harnesses geared specifically to sports like Canicross and Parkour—coming soon!
And don’t forget to follow ZENFULdog Training on Facebook where you can stay connected to your like-minded dog-loving community every day. Happy harness shopping!
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