Dog Harnesses

A dog harness provides better control over your dog, making walks more enjoyable. They distribute pressure over a larger area of your dog's body, reducing strain on their neck and back. Harnesses are especially beneficial for dogs who pull on the leash or have medical conditions like tracheal collapse. Our blog The Benefits of Using a Dog Harness: A Guide for Dog Owners is a great guide and further info.

Start by introducing the harness to your dog in a calm, familiar environment. Let them sniff it and give them treats for showing interest. Gradually put the harness on them, rewarding them at each step. Ensure the first few experiences with their dog harness is positive, with lots of praise and treats. If your dog is reluctant to have the harness put over their head a great way to desensitise is to get them to put the harness on using a positive reward based technique.

1. Hold the harness up with your dogs favourite training treat just in front.
2. Allow your dog to put their head through the harness to get the treat.
3. It's important to not then push the harness over your dogs head.
4. Just repeat these steps getting your dog to come further through the harness by holding the treat further away each time.
5. Finally patience is the key.

Yes, when properly fitted, a dog harness is comfortable for dogs. They allow for free movement and don't put pressure on the throat. Many harnesses, like the Ruffwear Front Range Harness, have padding for extra comfort.

Consider your dog's size, breed, and activity level. Measure your dog's girth to ensure a good fit. Look for features that suit your needs, such as:

• A front clip for dogs that pull.
• A handle for assisting older dogs.
• A Rear clip for running with your dog.

When fitting also look at the position of the girth strap. Too close to the front legs may cause chaffing so you'll need to look for a design that is longer to keep this strap at least 2-4 finger widths away from the legs. Checkout our blog How to Choose the Perfect Dog Harness for Your Furry Friend for more info.

While it varies by design, typically you'll have your dog step into the harness or place it over their head. Adjust the straps to ensure a snug but comfortable fit. You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and your dog's body.

A properly fitted and appropriately used dog harness should not hurt your dog. However, a harness that is too tight can cause chafing. Always check for signs of discomfort and adjust the fit as necessary.

The best type of dog harness depends on your dog's needs. For example, the Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a great all-rounder, while the Rukka Solid Harness is designed for robust use and is longer keeping the girth strap further away from the front legs.

If you intend running with your dog the Ruffwear Flagline harness is another great option and has attachment points to the rear for your running lead.

Safety Harnesses are great for securing your dog in the car and some have crash test certificates like the EzyDog Drive Harness.

Simple answer is Yes, harnesses come in various sizes to accommodate different breeds and sizes of dogs. It's important to measure your dog and refer to the size guide of the specific dog harness you're considering.

For puppies, look for a lightweight, adjustable harness that can grow with them. The harness should be comfortable and not restrict their movement. Our most popular is the Ruffwear Hi & Light Harness. This also has a good range of adjustment so hopefully you'll not need to change to larger size every few weeks.

Most harnesses can be hand-washed with mild detergent. Check the care instructions on the harness label. Ensure the clips are securely fastened to avoid damaging them when machine washing the harness, if the manufacturer advises machine washing. Regularly inspect the harness for any signs of wear and tear to ensure your dog's safety.