How to fit your dog’s walking harness?
How to fit your dog’s walking harness?
Harnesses are widely used by dog owners everywhere for dogs of all breeds and sizes, offering gentle control and encouraging loose-lead walking, while avoiding pressure on the dog’s neck or back.
But we know that fitting a new piece of equipment for the first time can be daunting for you and your pup, especially when harnesses can seem like a labyrinth of confusing clasps and straps compared to the flat collar you’re used to.
Never fear – with the help of BARKBAY Dog Behaviour Specialist, we’ve prepared a handy guide on exactly how to fit your dog’s harness like a pro to make the transition that much easier!
What are the dangers of an ill-fitting harness?
If harnesses are not fitted properly, your dogcan cause problems for several reasons. Harnesses that don’t fit properly can either cause discomfort if they are too tight or cause rubbing if they are loose and not fitted properly to the dog.incorrectly fittedfor the dog and ends up being like a punishment to them
When harnesses don’t fit correctly, the dog can slip an elbow through the straps and back out of it, which causes an increased risk of the dog either running off or getting into an accident.
How to see whether your dog is being harmed by the harness?
Watch to make sure your dog is comfortable moving when in his or her harness.Sores can develop underneath their axilla (armpit area) if the harness is either too tight, too loose, or if your dog is having a reaction to the fabric the harness is made of. If your dog is being harmed, their movements may not be normal or they may elect to not move at all. It may also cause your dog to choke or gag if the harness is too tight around your dog’s neck.
How do I adjust the harness properly?
Good quality harnesses are over-the-head just like a collar and easy to put on, making them less invasive for the dog”.
It should be snug but loose enough for you to fingers (and only one to two fingers) between the harness and your dog at any point
Here is the BARKBAY Instruction on how to set—up an over-head harness
1.Pre-adjust the harness with Zinc Ally anti-rust metal adjusters to the approximate size of your dog’s girth
2.Relese the buckle,open the harness ,Slide your dog's head through the dog harness neck piece and secures with buckles on either side of his chest.
3.Adjust with Zinc Ally anti-rust metal adjusters as needed.Use the four adjustment points on the straps to fit the harness snug on your dog. It should be snug but loose enough for you to fit two fingers (and only one-two fingers) between the harness and your dog at any point.
4.Adjust the sides of your harness to fit snugly.
5.Adjust the belly (if applicable) of your harness to fit snugly
6.Adjust the neck of your harness to fit snugly
