Make Walks Easier: Types of Dog Harnesses to Try
When you take your dog out for a walk, you should use a dog harness instead of a collar. A harness better handles the dog’s weight. Mean while, a collar can hurt if a dog pulls hard on the leash.
When the dog pulls on the leash, the harness better cushions the blow. So, this helps both the dog and the human. There are various types of dog harnesses in pet stores. And, it can be hard to choose which is best for your dog.
Here’s a list of the most common types of harnesses for sale:
What type of dog harness to choose
A harness is the best option for a quiet walk with your dog. Which model of harness to choose depends on the personal preference of the owner who takes the dog on walks. One of the most important aspects when buying a new harness is related to simplicity, ease, and aesthetics.
When buying a new harness, you need to be sure it is made with resistant material. Usually, this means nylon bands. Also, it needs secure closures. And, most importantly, it must fit your dog well.
‘Y’ Harness
The ‘Y’ harness is one of the most common types of harnesses. And, it is on sale at almost any pet store. It comes in a large variety of sizes, colors, and prices. What’s more, these harnesses consist of a few strips of nylon or leather that go around the legs and the chest. Then, the material closes on the area of the dogs’ ribs. There is a ring just below the shoulder blades to attach a leash.
To put it on, you need to put the dog’s head through the front of the harness. Then, close the harness around the dog’s ribs. These harnesses are very easy to put on. Actually, you don’t usually need to move the dog too much to get the harness in place. If the dog pulls on the harness, it feels pressure against its chest. But, because the leash is attached to the back of the harness, it facilitates control of the dog without pain.
Anti-pull or training harness
Anti-pull harnesses have become fashionable. These harnesses have two or three strips of nylon, which cross horizontally on the chest of the dog and close around the torso. They have a ring to hook the leash on the center of the chest in front. Sometimes there is another hook on the top of the harness as well.
Sometimes, we call them anti-pull harnesses. But the harness itself does not prevent the dog from pulling on the leash. Basically, if the dog tries to run, the harness diverts the force towards the side. Why? Well, the strap hooks in front. It doesn’t teach the dog not to pull. But, it can facilitate the learning process.
But be warned. After all, dogs might continue to pull on their leash. For them, prolonged use of this harness can cause physical injuries such as muscle contractures, strains and, in extreme cases, dislocations.
Martingale No Pull harness
This type of anti-pull harness has the same shape as the previous one, but the strip that comes across the dog’s chest is flexible like martingale collars, which tighten more and more on the dog’s chest if it pulls.
This harness can cause the dog pain and injuries, or give the dog bad associations with walks. For these reasons it should be avoided, as well as the martingale collars.
Julius K9
This is another of the type of dog harness that has become fashionable recently. The Julius K9 harnesses are formed by a large padded piece that covers part of the back and sides of the dog, with a strip that crosses the chest vertically and closes under the belly. The leash, of course, hooks into a ring on the back.
These are similar to the ‘Y’ harnesses, except they also usually feature a handle next to the hoop for dogs that require more careful control. The big issue with these harnesses is that they tend to be expensive, although they have the great advantage of being easily customizable.
Three-point harness or safety harness
The three-point harnesses are quite new and only have recently gone on sale. They are specially made for hound dogs, such as greyhounds or hounds, although they can be used on any dog. In appearance it is similar to a ‘Y’ type harness, but it has a special strip that closes at the waist of the dog, so that no matter how much it tries to pull, the dog can’t pull out of the harness.
Norwegian type harness
These harnesses are a mix between the ‘Y’ harness and a Julius K9. It has the shape and type of fastening of a Julius, but they are made of nylon strips like a ‘Y’ harness. They are light and very easy to put on, although they are not popular in pet stores.
Based on the type of dog harness you choose, you can enjoy walks with your dog more and, in the case of an emergency or if your dog gets scared, you can control the situation with greater security. In addition, there are many colors and designs to choose from.