Harnesses

For most dogs a harness is the better walking attachment. It spreads pressure across the chest instead of the throat, which matters for anything that pulls, for small breeds with fragile tracheas, and for flat-faced dogs whose breathing is already restricted.

Types and what they are for

• Step-in: the dog steps in and you clip on the back. Easiest for dogs that dislike things going over the head.
• Overhead / vest: more coverage and padding, good for small dogs and cold weather.
• No-pull with a front clip: the lead attaches at the chest so pulling turns the dog gently sideways instead of letting it drive forward.
• Designer and matching sets: coordinated with a collar and lead — see the designer collection.

Fitting

Measure chest girth behind the front legs and the neck where the strap sits. Two fingers should fit under every strap. A harness that is too loose is the one that gets escaped: check that you cannot pull it back over the shoulders while the dog braces.

Harness or collar?

Harness for pulling, small breeds, flat-faced dogs and any dog that has coughed on a collar. Collar for ID and calm loose-lead walkers. Many owners use both, with the ID on the collar and the lead on the harness.

Frequently asked questions

Are harnesses better than collars?

For walking dogs that pull, yes, because the load moves off the throat. For ID and calm walkers a collar is fine.

Do harnesses stop pulling?

A front-clip harness reduces the leverage a dog has to pull, which makes training easier. It is a tool, not a substitute for training.

How do I stop my dog escaping the harness?

Tighten so only two fingers fit, and check you cannot slide it back over the shoulders. Escapes are almost always a fit problem.