Many of my clients use harnesses for walking their dogs. This is a practice I firmly believe in. When I am walking someone else’s dog, I want to make sure that they are as safe as possible. So, often on my watch, I will often use my own gear. Harnesses, if properly fitted, are comfortable for your dog. They are much more difficult for them to “slip out” of when they see the errant bunny or squirrel in their path. If your pup is a puller, walking a dog on a traditional collar can be a real pain in the neck. Twists from being yanked on can lead to unnecessary vet trips and a sad pup.

Make your walks “Easy”

Not all harnesses are made equal, however, and I have favorites that I would like to share, including ideas for what to avoid. First up, is probably my favorite harness of all, the “Easy Walk” harness made by Pet Safe. Made by the same people who do the “Gentle Leader” the “Easy Walk” harness is great for all dogs, but, especially if they pull. They use a loop at the front of the harness rather than the back, which redirects the dog from “pulling.”

Another harness that I love to use for its ease of movement is the Holt harness. It’s a very simple harness that consists of a double-looped braided cord. I use this type of harness for my dogs that I might bring to a park to play fetch with. The harness design doesn’t interfere with their movement and is super lightweight and easy to take on and off.

Tips for looking for harnesses

I completely understand that the Easy Walk Harness can feel like an investment for pet owners, so if you want to try a less expensive harness first here are my tips for what I look for.

• First off, don’t buy more “harness” than you need. What I mean by that is, that you don’t need to buy a really thick, bulky harness for your urban pooch. If it looks like a tactical vest or that you are bringing your dog hiking, it’s likely too big, too bulky, and won’t be comfy for Fido aka “too much harness.”
• Look for step-in harnesses, that you do not have to pull over a dog’s head. Pulling a harness over a dog’s head, particularly a dog with any anxiety, can be stressful for both the pup and the walker.
• Finally, my final opinion is that you should avoid “head harnesses”, particularly with dogs that pull. While the head harness may also be great for redirecting a dog, it can also be a source of neck pain with long-term pulling/redirection.

The most important aspect of time with your pup is having the freedom to move while being safe. Look for harnesses that work well for your lifestyle and make sure they fit well. Too droopy or too tight, either can cause abrasion on your dog’s skin.

Thanks for reading!

Dawn Marie, Fairy Pawmother
Betty & Me

The post Why do I use harnesses on all my dogs? first appeared on Betty & Me | Pet Care Services in Minneapolis; NE, Downtown East & North Loop.