Types of Dog Harnesses & How to Choose

Read this blog post to learn all about the different types of dog harnesses!

Walking your dog on a harness is a great option for many reasons. Harnesses take leash pressure off a dog's neck and distribute it more evenly over their body. Many dogs even find them more comfortable to wear than a collar. A dog harness can also give you better control as a pet owner.

But which dog harness is best for your dog and the activities you want to perform with him?

Keep reading for the ultimate guide to dog harnesses - why they're needed, which type is best for your breed, and more. This guide will help you to choose the perfect harness to meet your needs and also let you know all of the activities that are possible with each harness.

What Is A Dog Harness?

A dog harness is an excellent alternative to a collar, as it provides more support for the dog's body and allows you to control the dog and guide them without causing any discomfort or pain. Dog harnesses are ideal for dog sports like canicross, skijoring, and dog mushing. They are made up of a series of straps that surround the dog's body. Of course, not all dog harnesses are designed for dog sports and some may not distribute the tension from any pulling across the dog body evenly.

Uses Of A Dog Harness

A dog harness can be used for various activities, from simply walking or running with your dog, to performing in races and dog sports. Dog harnesses are ideal to mitigate any pulling behavior when taking dogs on walks or jogs. They will stop the dog from injuring themselves when they pull strongly, whereas just a collar may be uncomfortable for a pulling dog.

Dog harnesses also allow dogs to pull heavy loads in pulling activities like canicross, skijoring, and dog mushing. If you're considering practicing dog sports with your dog, the first step would be investing in the right equipment, this includes a dog harness.

Dog Harness Structure

Here are some of the different structures of dog harnesses available and the benefits they can offer for your dog:

Back clip harness - the back clip harness is one of the most basic dog harnesses. It has a sewn D-loop on the back of the harness where the dog lead attaches, meaning the leash is less likely to get trapped. The back clip harness is the most widely available, it can be purchased in many different places. The back clip harness does not do anything to prevent your dog from pulling.

Front clip harness - the front clip harness is known as the harness best equipped to prevent your dog from pulling. The front clip harness is similar to the back clip harness; only the D-loop is located at the front of your dog's chest. Trainers prefer the front clip harness for teaching dogs proper leash walking etiquette. However, if you don't carry the leash high enough, the front clip harness tends to cause the leash to get tangled up in your dog's legs as they walk.

Dual clip harness - this is a versatile harness that gives you the option of attaching the lead to the front or back of your dog's body, depending on their behavior. The dual clip harness offers the benefits of both front and back clips and offers a more versatile walking experience. 

Does My Dog Need A Harness?

Pulling behavior can be quite dangerous if your dog is wearing only a standard collar. The dog's collar will pressure the neck, leading to a potential tracheal collapse. If your dog is choking and gasping frequently, visit your vet to check that they are not suffering from a tracheal collapse.

Little dogs have weaker necks, making no pull dog harnesses more suitable for their bodies than a standard collar. Even if your dog is typically well-behaved on the leash, there are still plenty of situations where they could benefit from wearing a harness. And for pups with not-so-perfect leash manners, a dog harness can make all the difference between a pleasant walk or nightmarish experience. Using a no-pull dog harness can make controlling and managing your dog much easier.

Advantages of using a dog harness:

● They're good training tools for teaching puppies how to walk on a leash.

● A dog harness can make walking your large dog easier on your arms and back.

● Dog harness lets you gently pull your dog up (without causing any pain or discomfort) if they need some assistance standing after lying down or sitting.

Tips for Choosing A Dog Harness

No matter which type of harness you choose, the following are important considerations:

1. Measure Your Dog to Ensure a Well-fitting Harness

Your dog's harness needs to be snug enough that they cannot easily slip out of it and not too tight to prevent skin irritation (especially in their armpits). Start with measuring your dog's girth — the broadest part of your dog chest, just behind their front legs. You'll also want to measure your dog's lower neck to ensure that the neck strap is the correct length.

Just like with collars, a well-fitting dog harness should be snug but with enough room to place two fingers flat between their body and the straps. You should not see any bunching up of their skin when wearing the harness or indentations in their fur after taking the harness off. If you do, that means it's too tight. Check your dog harness regularly and adjust if needed.

2. Your Dog Harness Should Allow Unrestricted Neck and Shoulder Movement

Freedom of movement is important to maintain your dog's musculoskeletal health. Harnesses that have horizontal across-the-chest straps or sit on top of your dog shoulders can cause changes in your dog's gait, muscular imbalance, and shoulder issues over time.

To avoid this, look for a Y-shaped harness, where the chest strap or pad connects vertically from the neck strap to run between your dog's front legs to connect to the girth strap. If you look at your dog from the front while wearing their harness, you should see a Y shape in the straps.

Types of Dog Harnesses

There are lots of dog harness types to choose from. The best style for you depends on your training goals, you and your dog's physical needs, and your leash walking plans.

Neoprene Dog Harness

Neoprene dog harnesses are a popular choice for dog owners due to their comfort, durability, and water-resistant properties. Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material known for its flexibility and soft texture, making it comfortable for dogs to wear. The material is also resistant to water and sweat, which is ideal for active dogs or those who enjoy outdoor activities. 

Mesh Dog Harness

Mesh dog harness is a lightweight and breathable option for keeping your furry friend comfortable and secure during walks or outings. Mesh harnesses are designed with breathable materials that allow air to circulate around your dog's body, preventing overheating and ensuring comfort during walks or activities. Constructed from breathable mesh fabric, OKEYPETS mesh dog harnesses provide excellent ventilation, making them ideal for warm weather. 

Reflective Dog Harness

Reflective dog harness is a eperfect choice for pet owners who walk their dogs in low-light conditions or during nighttime. Reflective dog harnesses feature strips or stitching made from reflective materials, such as reflective tape or thread. OKEYPETS reflective dog harness adopt USB rechargeable, push switch design, help improve the safety of dogs and their owners by making them more visible to drivers and others sharing the road or sidewalk.

Velvet Dog Harness

Velvet dog harnesses feature velvet padding that helps distribute pressure evenly across the dog's chest and shoulders. Luxury velvet material dog harness we have 177 colors fabric choosing. front side with a D ring or without D ring both are available. PVC label with circle chape or retangle shape . Velvet harness surface smooth, soft, warm. It's perfect for winter using.

Sherpa Dog Harness

Sherpa dog harnesses are designed with the comfort of your furry friend in mind, often featuring soft, plush Sherpa lining that provides warmth and coziness. The plush material also provides warmth, making it ideal for cooler weather or dogs with short coats. Many Sherpa dog harnesses are machine washable, making them easy to clean after muddy adventures or outdoor activities.

Corduroy Dog Harness

Corduroy is a distinctive fabric known for its ribbed texture, which provides a soft and cozy feel. Gorgeous corduroy material on the outside with a mesh lining to keep your pup cool and comfortable. Corduroy dog harness will keep your pet comfortable during walks on brisk days. OKEYPETS corduroy dog harness has 4 ways adjustable straps, gets a customized fit with room for growth.

Denim Dog Harness

Denim harnesses have a classic and timeless look that complements various dog breeds and styles. They come in a range of designs, including denim with contrasting stitching, denim adorned with patches or embellishments, and even denim combined with other materials like leather or nylon for added flair. Denim dog harnesses are suitable for various activities, from casual walks around the neighborhood to more adventurous hikes or outings.

Strap Dog Harness

Strap dog harness is the perfect choice for dog owners seeking a balance between lightweight and strength. Ideal for everyday use, this harness adapts smoothly to both large and small dogs. Designed for Comfort and Mobility Our strap dog harness is crafted with your dog's comfort and freedom of movement in mind. With an ergonomic and lightweight design, this harness ensures that your dog can move freely and effortlessly, no matter the adventure.

Step In Dog Harness

Step in dog harnesses are designed for convenience and comfort, offering an easy way to secure your furry friend for walks and outings. Once your dog steps into the harness, it typically fastens with a buckle or snap closure, providing a secure and reliable fit. Many step-in harnesses also have adjustable straps that allow you to customize the fit to your dog's size and shape.