There are two basic categories of dog harnesses: the step-in categories and the pull-on categories. Your dog would either step into a harness or have it pulled on over his head. In this article, our focus is the step-in harness, how it works and the big question — are they actually good for dogs. Read on to find answers to these questions.
Are Step In Harness Good For Dogs
Harnesses are pretty much safe for dogs and the step-in harness is particularly perfect for calm dogs who do not really have a habit of pulling on their leashes. So long as you find the perfect harness that would suit your dog and do not wear it wrongly, a step-in harness is great for dogs.
Some dog owners have not mastered the use of step-in harnesses or any kind of harness at all for their dogs and they tend to use it incorrectly, making it uncomfortable for the dog.
Once you are sure that the step-in harness has been adjusted to fit your dog and also ensured that it is not too tight (your two fingers can fit in between your dog and the harness straps) and not too loose to slip off your dog, you both can enjoy a nice walk together.
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Types Of Dog Harness
There are a number of harness varieties, suited for different kind of dogs. However, in this article, we would be discussing four major types of harnesses. They are:
- Step-In Dog Harness
The step-in harnesses are a more comfortable type of harness for dogs; they are hardly offensive to dogs. This step-in harness is a good choice for well-mannered dogs since it does not totally influence their movements nor offer much restriction.
It is an even better choice for fragile, delicate dogs like Chihuahua, since it does not put pressure on a dog’s neck but transfers all of the pressure on the dog’s chest and back.
The major downsides of the step-in harness is that it is hardly able to stop the inevitable pulling from most dogs with behavioral issues. Depending on the adjustment, it could also slip over your dog’s head.
- Dog Head Halters
Head halters are also recommended for taming dogs with leash pulling behaviors. This type of harness is worn over the dog’s head and nose, the leash is usually clipped just below his chin. This head halter harness redirects the dog by controlling the head in the direction to go.
The harness is usually not one bit comfortable, especially if worn wrongly like attaching the leash beneath the nose rather than the chin. If you must use head halter harness for a dog, ensure that you train your dog with it for effectiveness and safety reasons.
- No-Pull Dog Harness
The no-pull harness is designed in such a way that pulling is almost impossible and so dogs wearing no-pull harnesses have to think twice about pulling. Now, this no-pull harness can be a good pulling remedy for dog owners who own dogs that pull heavily and could pull you along as well.
The no-pull harness is more effective with heavy pullers as the heavier they pull with all their strength, the more pressure is placed on the chest and this is not a very comfortable feeling. If your dog has a nasty pulling behavior, we recommend the no-pull harness to help tame him.
- Breed-Specific Dog Harnesses
Recently ,some companies have began to create harnesses that are suited for specific dogs breeds. These brand are made specifically to suit your dog’s size, appearance and health. For instance, the harness for a large breed or dog would be broader than that for a smaller breed.
For dogs with delicate body features like the neck, the fabric around the neck is usually softer and stretchy. Dogs with history of respiratory issues would be given more allowance around the chest region to avoid complicating the already existing issue.
How A Step-In Harness Works
A Step-In Harness, as its name implies, has two loops into which your dog will insert each of his legs. Here is a detailed guide on how the step-in harness works.
Spread open the harness on the ground with the outer part facing the ground so that you are standing behind it, with still enough room for your dog to get in between you and the harness.
Once you have spread it on the ground and your dog is behind it with you behind your dog, assist him to insert his right and left front legs into each of the loops. Follow the label for which loop to put the right or left leg, if your dog’s harness has labels for that.
As soon as your dog is standing inside each of the loops, simply pull the harness up around your dog’s body to his back. Some harnesses have more clips than the others. However many the clips of your dog’s harness are, you are to fasten them one after the other at his back.
It might have one clip at the shoulder and another on the lower back. This is just to ensure that the harness is safely fastened around your dog. Ensure that the clips are fastened securely so they do not come apart after a few steps.
Next, adjust the harness to fit your dog’s body. Do not let it be too tight or too loose. Ensure that the harness is not too tight to make your dog uncomfortable or too loose that it can slip off your dog easily.
When your dog successfully puts on his step-in harness, reward him with a treat. This would make him more receptive to and even look forward to wearing his harness whenever it is needed.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Kind Of Harness Is Best For A Dog That Pulls?
For a dog who has the habit of pulling on his leash, the best leash to use is the no-pull leash. This is correctional and should be able to take care of a mild pulling behaviors in your dog.
If this is an extreme case of pulling, you can opt for a head halter (but not without training). This helps you steer your dog in the right direction when he tries to pull away.
Is It Better To Walk A Dog With A Harness Or Collar?
The best option, considering their levels of safety, is a harness. When going on walks, it is safer for your to put on a harness in case he tries to pull on his leash. Decide on the best type of harness to use for your dog; one that offers him enough comfort and does not alter movement.
Whatever option you choose, it is important to note that neither a collar nor a harness should be used for a dog when he is alone. Ensure that your dog does not wear a harness or collar unsupervised.
In Conclusion
Step-in harnesses are one of the most commonly used harnesses as they are safe and comfortable for dogs. Now that you know that they are safe and you know how they work, you can go ahead, put that harness on your dog and be sure that your dog is safe.
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