For a lot of owners, simply attaching the lead to your dog’s collar is not enough. So, a harness is a must-have.
Whether your dog pulls and you don’t want to injure or put pressure on their throat, or whether you don’t want to risk their collar slipping off over their head, a dog harness can help to keep your pooch much safer and make your life easier too.
There are hundreds of different varieties out there, so we have created a separate guide on dog harnesses. Some can help with pulling. You can also buy harnesses that are fully adjustable for thin breeds such as Greyhounds.
When buying a dog harness, there are certain specifications to definitely look for. Padded harnesses will obviously be more comfortable. Something fully adjustable which they can grow into is also great if they’re young. This point also applies if your dog grows a thick winter coat, too.
If you walk at night, a reflective harness would be ideal. Nervous dogs may benefit from a step-in harness that doesn’t have to be slipped over their heads. Models are also available that are personalisable. From their name to a note if they are a ‘nervous’ dog, personalised dog harnesses can convey important messages to others.
The main thing to check is that it is well-fitting, though. Measure your dog fully, including around their chest, neck and stomach. You should be able to fit no more than two fingers between the dog and their harness. Some harnesses have weight limits too, so weigh your dog before buying.
If you’ll be using your dog’s harness in the car, dedicated car harnesses are available that offer better shock resistance and can be secured to seatbelts.
To find out which we chose as the best dog harness to buy online, read below.