The Importance of Properly Fitting Harnesses for Dogs

An ill-fitting harness can cause discomfort, pressure, and long-term health issues for your dog. Make sure it fits properly for optimal comfort.

Harnesses are a popular and often safer alternative to collars for walking dogs, as they help to distribute pressure more evenly across a dog’s body. However, many dog owners don’t realize that an improperly fitted harness can lead to a range of physiological issues. Understanding how to properly fit a harness is essential for maintaining your dog’s health, comfort, and well-being.

Why Proper Fit Matters

A harness that doesn’t fit properly can cause discomfort, restrict movement, and even lead to long-term physical problems. Just like with humans, wearing ill-fitting equipment can result in pain, muscle strain, and joint issues. For dogs, this can affect their gait, posture, and overall quality of life.

Denise Bozenski, certified dog trainer and holistic pet health coach, explains, “A harness that is too tight or too loose can cause a dog to develop bad habits in their movement or even lead to pain. Just like any other equipment, harnesses should be treated with care and chosen for both safety and comfort.”

Learn more about Denise HERE!

The Risks of an Ill-Fitting Harness

An ill-fitting harness can create several physical problems for your dog:

Restricted Movement

When a harness is too tight, it can restrict a dog’s natural movement, especially in the shoulder and chest areas. Dogs need to have full range of motion, especially for physical activities like walking, running, or playing. A restrictive harness can cause dogs to adapt their movement, which may lead to muscle strain or joint issues over time.

Pressure on the Neck and Spine

A poorly fitting harness, particularly one that doesn’t distribute pressure evenly, can lead to excessive strain on the dog’s neck and spine. This can result in pain, discomfort, and, over time, more serious issues like neck injuries or spinal misalignments.

It’s crucial that the harness does not sit too high around the dog’s neck, as this can restrict their ability to breathe or cause strain on the neck muscles. Additionally, it should not go directly across their shoulders or wrap around the wrong place on their stomach, as this can interfere with natural movement and cause discomfort.

Learn how chiropractic care can help your dog feel better in our blog, The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Dogs.

Chafing and Skin Irritation

Harnesses that are too tight or have rough edges can cause chafing or skin irritation, particularly in sensitive areas like the armpits or chest. This can result in redness, sores, or hot spots, making walks uncomfortable for your dog.

Breathing Difficulties

For dogs with short snouts or respiratory concerns, such as Bulldogs or Pugs, a harness that sits too high on their chest can restrict their ability to breathe properly. It's crucial to ensure the harness fits well and doesn’t interfere with the ribcage or windpipe.

How to Properly Fit a Harness

Fitting a harness properly is a simple process, but it requires attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Measure Your Dog’s Girth

Use a soft measuring tape to measure the circumference of your dog’s chest right behind the front legs. This will help you choose the correct size harness.

Have a dog with a little too much girth? Check out our blog, Holistic Strategies for Managing Weight in Overweight Pets, and learn how to help manage your dog's weight holistically.

Check for Adjustability

Make sure the harness has adjustable straps to ensure a snug fit. It should fit comfortably, not too tight or too loose.

Test the Fit

After putting the harness on your dog, you should be able to slip one or two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body. If you can’t fit your fingers comfortably, the harness may be too tight.

Monitor Movement

Observe how your dog moves in the harness. It should allow for free movement without causing your dog to shift awkwardly or struggle.

Proper Placement

The harness should fit around the dog’s chest and ribcage, but avoid positioning it too high around their neck or directly across their shoulders. It should also not wrap around the wrong place on their stomach, as this can create discomfort and affect their breathing or movement.

Denise advises, “Take time to make sure the harness fits properly before using it for long walks or activities. It’s better to be cautious and adjust as needed than risk causing discomfort or injury.”

Nervous about getting the right fitting harness so you're avoiding taking your dog outside altogether? Read our blog, The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Pets, to learn more about why you and your dog need to get outside!

Types of Harnesses and Their Benefits

There are various types of harnesses available, each with its own benefits. Here are some popular types:

Front-Clip Harnesses

Front-clip harnesses are ideal for training purposes, particularly for dogs that tend to pull. The leash attaches to the front of the chest, which encourages the dog to focus on you and slows them down when they pull.

Back-Clip Harnesses

These are the most common type of harness and work well for everyday walks. The leash attaches to the back, providing more freedom of movement and better comfort for dogs that don’t pull.

No-Pull Harnesses

These are designed specifically to reduce pulling behavior in dogs. They typically feature both front and back attachment points, allowing for more control without putting too much pressure on the dog’s neck.

Step-In Harnesses

Step-in harnesses are easy to put on, as the dog simply steps into the harness before it is fastened. These are comfortable and can work for a variety of dog sizes.

Vest Harnesses

Vest-style harnesses provide more coverage and distribute the pressure more evenly across the chest. These are ideal for dogs with more delicate skin or those prone to chafing.

What to Look for in a Harness

When choosing a harness for your dog, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Material: Opt for soft, breathable materials to avoid chafing or discomfort.
• Padding: Padding in key areas, such as the chest or shoulder straps, can prevent rubbing and ensure comfort.
• Durability: Make sure the harness is durable and able to withstand regular wear, especially if your dog is active.
• Ease of Use: The harness should be easy to put on and take off, especially for dogs that get fidgety or anxious.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When it comes to choosing and fitting a harness, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing the Wrong Size

Always measure your dog properly before buying a harness. Don’t just rely on general sizing guidelines.

Ignoring Comfort

Look for a harness that allows your dog to move freely without restriction. Don’t just choose a style based on looks or trends.

Not Adjusting Regularly

As your dog grows or loses weight, make sure to check and adjust the harness fit to maintain comfort.

If you're unsure about the fit of your dog's harness or want guidance on choosing the right one, reach out to Fetch This Canine for expert advice and assistance. Let's ensure your dog stays comfortable, safe, and free from unnecessary strain with a properly fitted harness. Get started HERE!

FAQs

Can a poorly fitted harness cause behavior problems?

Yes, discomfort from a poorly fitted harness can make your dog feel frustrated or stressed, leading to behavioral issues like pulling, anxiety, or reluctance to walk.

Can a harness cause damage to a dog’s joints?

If a harness is too tight or restrictive, it can place unnecessary strain on a dog’s joints, particularly the shoulders and hips, leading to pain or injury over time.

Can I use a harness for both walks and training?

Yes, many harnesses are designed to be used for both walking and training. However, it’s important to select the right type of harness depending on the activity and training goal.