5 Reasons Your Dog Needs a Harness

Ever wondered if a dog harness is really necessary? We hear that question a lot, and the truth is a resounding YES!

Every dog can benefit from wearing a harness, and it's not just for walks! If you're a dog owner who loves adventures with your pooch, then you'll want to consider a harness for car travel. Whether it's a quick trip to the farmer's market or a longer road trip to the beach, a dog harness keeps your dog safe and comfortable.

It's important to remember that loose dogs in cars can be a serious hazard. They can be thrown around during sudden stops or turns, putting them at risk of injury, and also distracting you from driving safely.

A dog harness is like a safety belt for your pup, giving them the protection they need to enjoy the ride and arrive at your destination safe and sound.

Dog Harnesses aren't Just for Car Rides!

For dogs who love to pull, an adjustable dog harness is a much safer option than a collar. It’s like trying to jog with a dog who's pulling hard on their collar – not a pleasant experience at all! A harness distributes the pressure evenly, reducing the strain on their neck and making it easier for you to control them.

Want to enjoy a fun run with your dog but find yourself getting dragged down the street? A sporty harness with front and back leash attachments gives you more control, making those early morning runs a joy for both of you.

And for the adventurous souls who love to explore the great outdoors, an active harness is your go-to gear. Whether you're biking, hiking, backpacking, or running, a sturdy harness provides support and stability for your dog.

Many active harnesses also feature a back-mounted handle, which can be a lifesaver when helping an ageing dog up hills or over obstacles. And for those summit-hungry adventurers, there are versatile, customizable harnesses that you can adjust to perfectly fit your dog for any challenge.

Reasons Why Your Dog Needs a Harness?

Here are the top 5 reasons why you should be using a harness for your dog:

#1 Harnessing Safety:

We've talked about the benefits of harnesses for car rides and adventures, but let's not forget about everyday walks! When your dog is pulling on a leash while wearing just a collar, it puts immense pressure on their delicate neck and trachea. This can lead to injuries, especially in smaller dogs or breeds prone to breathing problems.

A harness, on the other hand, distributes the pressure evenly across their chest and shoulders, minimizing the strain on their neck. This not only protects your dog but also helps prevent injuries from them accidentally choking themselves.

Harnesses also benefit you! Since they discourage pulling, you're less likely to experience strain and stress on your arm, making walks more enjoyable for both of you. Plus, harnesses make it much harder for your dog to get tangled up in their leash, eliminating a potential hazard for both you and them.

#2 Control:

Harnesses offer a significant advantage when it comes to controlling your dog's movements. Because they support a larger area of your dog's body, including the neck, chest, back, and legs, they give you more leverage and control.

With a collar, you're essentially just holding your dog back by the neck. But with a harness, you're able to guide and manage their movement using a broader distribution of pressure. This is especially helpful for large, muscular dogs who have the strength to pull with incredible force.

A harness allows you to steer them with greater ease, making walks more pleasant and less stressful for both of you. No more feeling like you're being dragged down the street!

#3 Training Success:

The added control you get with a harness isn't just beneficial for everyday walks, it's a game-changer when it comes to training your dog.

As we've discussed, harnesses help prevent your dog from pulling on the lead, giving you a much stronger sense of control. This is a huge advantage during training sessions, making it easier to teach your dog good leash manners.

A dog who's constantly pulling is much harder to teach to walk calmly by your side. But with a harness, you can guide and redirect them more effectively, helping them understand the desired behaviour.

Beyond leash training, harnesses can also help address other behavioural challenges like jumping up. By providing a secure and comfortable fit, the dog harness can help redirect your dog's energy and encourage them to focus on you during training.

#4 Preventing Escape

Harnesses are also a great way to prevent escape. A determined dog can easily slip out of a collar, but a harness is much more secure. A saddle-style harness with a sturdy buckle and a snug fit makes it much harder for your dog to slip out and run off. 

That extra peace of mind can be invaluable, especially if your dog has a tendency to bolt or if you're in a situation where a quick escape could be dangerous.

#5 Health

Harnesses offer a vital advantage when it comes to your dog's health. Pulling on a collar can lead to serious health issues like soft tissue damage in the neck, which can worsen conditions such as glaucoma. 

A collar forces the dog's neck into an unnatural position when they pull, and because the neck is part of the spine, this can also strain the back muscles and spinal column. A dog harness, however, sits lower on the dog's chest, allowing the neck to remain in a more neutral position, reducing the strain and potential for injury. 

Choosing a dog harness isn't just about making walks easier, it's about protecting your dog's health and making sure they can enjoy active adventures with you for years to come.

We hope the five reasons we've outlined above have helped you understand what dog harnesses are really all about! 

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