The Benefits of A Safety Dog Harnesses
I have three dogs currently. They have their collar for everyday at home use which holds their tags. For going out, I use a harness with a leash like the Puppia Dog Harnesses for actual ‘control’.
Before I really knew about harness’s I just did what everyone did. I assumed the neck was the place to pull dogs on a leash with. I was always saddened to see dogs with collars so very tight because their heads were smaller than their neck.
The first time my dog ‘got away’ from me was in high traffic. And yes, her collar just slipped off. This can happen regardless of how well behaved a dog is. As the expression goes “this can happen to anyone”. Well it frightened me so badly, I immediately bought a harness for her. Nice,instant control.
The harness never went ‘over her head’ no matter how much she may have ‘put on the brakes’. When I went out with her to the dog park and other leash free areas, it also helped me get a ‘grip’ also before and after the leash came off. Not that you would ever want to actually pull a dog up by a harness but it is also a handy quick latch control measure in an emergency.
For my small dog I would never use anything but a harness to attach the leash to. For one thing, small dogs can have unique needs. One of the best things for a small dog is a harness. When a dog’s head is smaller than it’s neck, collars have to be really tight in order to avoid slipping over the head.
Using a harness can help prevent a collapsed trachea. Smaller sized dogs and especially teacup dogs are more prone to throat and neck injury when a dog collar is used. A harness doesn’t put pressure on the throat. Instead, harnesses help spread out the pressure on a much stronger part of their body, their chest. In addition to serving a great function, I enjoy having many different styles of cute harnesses for small dogs to choose from. They can fit my little girl’s personality and gender perfectly.
My personal favorite of small dog harnesses are the soft kind. They wrap around the torso and over the back. The leash ring is on top of the back and the durable plastic snap is on one side of the dog. They can can come in mesh and fabric combination which is great for our hot Texas summers.
Other types of soft harnesses are the vest type with the leash ring. They can look dressy, but are often in ‘manly’ prints and colors for boys. For girls, there also are dress harnesses, combining both a dress with the practical function of a harness. There is not as much security with these styles unless there is a plastic snap and D-ring for the leash. If you have a puller, make sure there is more than Velcro to hold it together.
My middle size girl (yes my first dog to get a harness) is a puller. I have a “no pull” type harness for her with sherpa pads that go underneath her front legs for comfort. There are also “no jump” harnesses as well. The ‘no pull’ is step in style.
I also love the natural fabrics for dog harnesses as they are strong and feel softer than a nylon harness. I use that kind on my large boy.
If you look into training harnesses, please note the ‘kinds’ they are. There are collars and harnesses out there that are cruel and at the very least uncomfortable.
Choosing the right kind of harness may take careful consideration and shopping. I have found great buys online. Look around and I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Best wishes, and have a great time walking.
My name is Ruth Bush. I am a massage therapist, telephone counselor and dog ‘momma’ of over 30 years.