Harness for dogs of small and large breeds: how to choose

How to choose a harness for a dog. In this article you will learn how to choose a harness for your dog.
First, a few words about what a harness is. This is one of the types of walking or training equipment. The difference from a collar is that it is worn not on the neck, but on the body of the animal. The harness can be made of leather, nylon, canvas, or other durable material that can withstand heavy loads. For small breeds, the harness can be made of fabric or velor. The models are generally similar: they cover the chest, pass between the front legs and are fastened on the back of the animal.

At what age is wearing a harness recommended?

You can accustom a puppy to a harness almost from the first day after weaning from its mother, that is, at about 8 weeks of age. Experienced dog handlers believe that when new owners bring a puppy home, they should give it two to three days. Having settled in a new place, the baby will willingly begin to study any subject that finds itself in its new territory.

The best alternative to a collar

Figurative addiction will take about 5 days:

1. The dog owner places the harness on the floor and gives the puppy the opportunity to thoroughly examine it - smell it and test it.
2. As soon as the puppy remembers the harness, which is still lying on the floor, he is given a treat.
3. Periodically, the owner puts it on the pet for a few minutes. Any interaction between the dog and the harness is rewarded by giving out “sweets.”
4. From this day on, the dog breeder makes sure that the pet goes outside only in a harness that is adjusted according to all the rules according to the instructions. The procedure of putting on and taking off is generously accompanied by praise and treats. To begin with, a walk comes down to walking around the house, that is, in a developed area.

It is better to spend this and all subsequent days in one of the public places where walking dogs is allowed. By focusing on games, the puppy will begin to perceive the harness as an object necessary for communication.

Important! If the training does not bring the expected results, the dog breeder repeats the entire course from the beginning. In most cases, the cause of failure is an uncomfortable or bad-smelling (from the puppy's point of view) device.

Dog training collar

Such products are designed to correct the behavior of the animal. They can be:

A strict collar for dogs (parfors) often causes controversy among dog breeders. Some consider it an inhumane means, others believe that there is no alternative to such a product if you need to teach an animal obedience.

Parfors are made from a metal chain with spikes; it has large links. From the outside it seems that the animal experiences pain when wearing such a collar, but instructors claim that this is a completely safe method for training.

When can you use ammunition with weights?

Shoes for dogs: boots for small and large breeds

Dogs of fighting breeds begin to be trained using weighted equipment from the age of one year. It is generally accepted that for raising representatives of non-fighting breeds who have not yet reached 1.5 years of age, the use of weights is not permissible. If the dog is predisposed to joint diseases, they are not used at all.

Alternating days of exercise with days of rest, the dog breeder makes notes in a specially kept notebook. Records are kept in pen and are issued in the form of mini-reports on the pet’s health status and changes that have occurred in the dog’s body during training.

Dog equipment with weights

During the first two weeks, the dog is put on a harness with empty pockets. Then the pockets are loaded for a short time with a small amount of weights, the total weight of which is from 50 to 100 g. Weekly, the load is increased by 50–100 g, first of all by weighting the side pockets, and then those located on the back. The maximum weight of loads placed on a young dog should not exceed 4 kg.

Equipment with weights is put on the dog for 30 minutes after warming up, consisting of trotting and jumping. After 5 training days, the dog is given 2 days to rest. During this time, the dog is walked without weights and is not forced to run, jump or overcome obstacles.

Note! Carrying weights around haphazardly can lead to depressing consequences - the animal’s back will bend, the heart will weaken, and the limbs will become twisted.

Decorative

Decorative dogs reach a height of 15 to 25 centimeters, and their maximum weight does not exceed 2-3 kilograms.

Conditions of detention

Decorative dogs were bred specifically for living in an apartment. There is no need to take them for walks every day - they easily learn to go to the toilet in a tray or diaper. In the warm season, they can be taken outside once every 2-3 days, and in winter the number of walks should be reduced as much as possible. Decorative dogs have poor health and should not be cold. Their nutrition also requires special control. Small dogs are very hot-tempered and bark, they remember only basic commands, and are not distinguished by high intelligence.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantages of keeping decorative dogs include:

Disadvantages include:

Popular representatives

The most popular representatives of this breed:

Decorative dogs are suitable for families with children and busy people who want a pet, but cannot devote a lot of time to it.

Existing product types

Monge: dog food for small and large breeds

Experts say there are the following types of equipment for dogs:

• for guard duty;
• for a guide dog;
• for daily walks;
• harness-vest for dogs of miniature breeds;
• for riding dogs in winter;
• training harness for wearing weights;
• harness for puppies and small dogs.

A guard harness for a dog consists of several belts stitched together, connected by welded rings, with the help of which the dog is tied to a checkpoint. Strong, but soft material does not cause pain to the animal and does not allow it to break free from its leash. This type of equipment is often used for walking large dogs.

From the outside, a harness for a four-legged guide looks like a rigid arc that allows a person to control the dog. The parts that come into contact with the dog's body are made of several layers of soft leather. A walking harness is the most common attribute. It can be made of soft leather or nylon - lightweight but durable materials.

Dog walking equipment

A harness-vest for small breed dogs is popular with owners of Chihuahuas, Spitz, and Pekingese. It serves as additional protection for the animal and eliminates the possibility of hypothermia during a walk.

To make harnesses for riding dogs, high-strength materials are used - nylon and canvas. Sled gear is worn not only by huskies, malamutes and other draft dogs living in the northern regions, but also by four-legged participants in exhibition competitions.

Note! A harness with weights simultaneously plays the role of a simulator and a preventive measure for pets with weak musculoskeletal systems.

Puppy models are made from soft, durable and lightweight materials that will not place a heavy burden on a fragile body. A harness for puppies of small breeds serves more to secure the baby's body, and not for walking. Many owners put the accessory on a restless male puppy of a large breed, who has to be pulled down all the time.

Selecting an accessory for a pet

Large

Large dogs grow to a height of 65 centimeters or more and weigh from 25 kilograms. Some representatives of this category reach more than 80-90 centimeters at the withers.

Conditions of detention

Most large dogs are not adapted to living in an apartment. The best conditions for keeping them are the courtyard of a country house or an aviary. They require a lot of space that they will consider their own, and significant attention from the owner. They must be trained, otherwise the animals will become uncontrollable, and a significant amount of time must be devoted to them: playing, training, and even just talking. These are very loyal dogs that become strongly attached to their owner and his family, but at the same time maintain their independence. Large dogs require respect for themselves, therefore, during training and in everyday life, you should not use physical force, shout or show aggression towards them. They are wary of strangers, show very strong protective qualities and strive to protect their family from any threat.

How to choose the right harness

When choosing an accessory, a dog owner pays attention to the following factors:

• quality of material. The harness should be strong, easy to wash and dry quickly;
• quality of fasteners. The fastenings should not cause inconvenience to the dog, which is running somewhere or following the owner’s commands. The location of the fasteners is important. If rings, carabiners and other clasps fit too tightly to the animal's body, they will chafe;
• size. Too tight equipment can become a source of discomfort or cause bald spots. If the harness dangles, it will not provide a secure fit to the dog's body.

How to choose the size

Pedigree: food for dogs and puppies of small and large breeds

The best way to choose a harness that fits is to go to the store accompanied by your pet and try on all the models you like. If this is not possible, the dog owner will have to take measurements of the pet themselves. Here's how it's done:

1. The volume of the animal’s neck is measured in the area where the collar could theoretically be placed.
2. The chest is measured at the points of maximum width. It is necessary to add 2 cm to the result. The product should not compress the dog’s chest when it breathes rapidly, when it is training or is overexcited.
3. The length of the animal's back is calculated. Take into account the distance from the withers to the base of the tail. During measurements, the hair of long-haired dogs is smoothed to prevent mistakes. The increase is made only to the size of the chest volume.

Important! Experienced dog handlers, when selecting a harness, try to place the palm of their hand under the belts. If this did not require much effort, the choice of harness was made correctly. If you had to use force, it is better to refuse the purchase.

How to choose for the breed

Scale of correspondence between dog sizes and breeds:

• size XL is suitable for St. Bernard, Great Dane, Leonberger and other representatives of very large breeds whose chest circumference is from 90 to 130 cm;
• L should be chosen by owners of a Weimaraner, Rottweiler, Doberman or German Shepherd with a chest circumference of 70 to 100 cm;
• Dog breeders raising Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Bulldog, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Border Collie and other breeds of dogs with a chest circumference of 60-80 cm should pay attention to M;

How to choose an accessory for a specific breed

• size S corresponds to the breeds Cocker Spaniel, Beagle, French Bulldog and a chest circumference of 50-70 cm;
• XS is worn by West Highland White Terriers and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The chest width of size carriers is from 40 to 55 cm;
• Harness for small breed puppies and small dogs XXS is suitable for miniature pinscher and other small pets whose chest circumference is from 33 to 45 cm;
• The size XXXS harness is designed for puppies and small breed dogs, such as Yorkshire terriers and Chihuahuas with a chest circumference of 30-40 cm.

What material is better to buy a harness from?

This can be nylon, canvas or well-treated leather - materials that can be quickly washed and dried if the dog gets dirty outside.

Additional Information. Dog handlers recommend first of all paying attention to the products of the following companies: Haqihana, Ferplast, Ergoflex (Italy), Rukka (Finland).

Haqihana is the only dog ​​equipment company whose products are approved by Turid Rugaas, a world-renowned dog trainer from Norway. Harnesses produced by this company provide the animal with freedom of movement without pinching its front paws. The dog does not pull because he feels comfortable and relaxed. All parts that come into contact with the pet's skin are finished with a special stitch, which helps to avoid friction, especially in short-haired breeds. Each strap and knot is created and tightened by Italian craftsmen by hand. Even when the leash is pulled tight because the dog is pushing forward, only the animal's chest is under pressure.

Nylon dog harnesses from Ferplast are equipped with a soft lining that provides the animal with maximum comfort, as well as the ability to adjust the tension of the straps. The accessory is designed in such a way that all jerking movements are felt by the dog at chest level.

Ferplast dog equipment

The harness from Ergoflex is made of durable and flexible techno-rubber. Thanks to its ergonomic shape, the material is evenly distributed at chest level without affecting the neck. Ergoflex specialists have equipped their products with a system for quickly opening and closing buckles with the ability to micro-adjust tension.

Rukka ammunition is made from various materials - natural and artificial leather, as well as the best quality nylon. It is very durable, suitable for walking in any weather and is equipped with reflective elements that make the dog visible even in the dark.

Turid Rugaas called high-quality nylon the best material for making harnesses, although many dog ​​experts do not agree with this opinion. The main advantages of nylon are strength, lightness and high wear resistance. The material wears out five years after the start of use. The worst option is considered to be accessories made from thick leather.

Buckles and adjusters made of acetal resin, which does not lose its properties even in extreme conditions, are recognized as the most wear-resistant. Plastic parts of equipment should have a rounded shape, since sharp edges can cause discomfort.

Note! According to European standards, metal parts must be made of AISI 304 stainless steel, which does not emit nickel and does not cause allergic reactions.

Clothing size charts

The manufacturer of each type of clothing indicates its own parameters. Average indicative data is shown in tables designed for pets of large, medium or small breeds. There is a separate table for dogs with a non-standard body shape.

Table for determining clothing sizes for pugs, as well as pets of large and medium breeds:

Designation Dimensions, mm Breed (approximately!) Back length Chest circumference

But how to choose the appropriate sizes of overalls if one of the two parameters - torso length or chest girth - does not match the data in the table? For example, with a length of 300 and a girth of 550 mm, choose size A2 rather than A1, otherwise the clothes will be tight.

Clothing size chart for small dogs:

Designation Dimensions, mm Breed (approximately!) Back length Chest circumference

How to put a harness on a pet

During the first fitting, they try to distract the dog with toys or tidbits. If the dog does not want to wear a harness, the owner fixes the fidget by holding his body between his legs.

First, put on the chest part of the accessory, made in the form of a closed ring. The right paw should occupy the space between the closed circle and the strap running along the upper body. The loose part of the harness is threaded through the armpit of the left paw, then all loose fasteners are connected.

Shoe size chart

If the attitude towards your pet’s clothing is ambiguous, even more so, questions arise: why are shoes needed? What is this? Glamorous entertainment for eccentric owners? Protecting pampered pets from dirt and cold? Nature has provided dog paws with adaptations to withstand adverse environmental conditions. Only man has changed the environment itself. In winter, city streets are treated with deicing agents - chemically aggressive substances that corrode the skin of dog paws. Shoes will protect your pet from cuts and bruises even in good weather.

How to choose a harness for a dog and choose the size

The second reason “in favor” is the reluctance to drag dirt into the apartment. Owners have a choice: wash their paws in a basin after every walk, purchase a paw washer, or train their pet to wear shoes.

Tips for use

Experienced dog handlers advise dog breeders who have purchased dog equipment for the first time not to put it on their pet in moments of excitement. First you need to loosen all the harness straps as much as possible. Having done this, the dog owner will relax himself and this fact will not go unnoticed by the dog. Seeing that the owner is calm, the dog will also stop being nervous.

Additional Information. It is important to make sure that the sound made by the latches does not startle the dog. If the sound is too loud, it is better to make your pet associate it with pleasure, for example, with receiving a portion of a treat.

It is better not to use a leather harness for large breed dogs. It is more suitable for small pets. After all, it’s rare that man’s four-legged friend is able to resist the temptation to chew on leather straps. A large dog can break loose from its leash by biting through a leather accessory.

Leather harness for small dogs

Experts do not recommend wearing a harness with weights on decorative dogs. This type of equipment is intended for representatives of medium, large and giant breeds.

The puppy's first introduction to a harness can take place at the age of 8 weeks. The training process will take at least five days. A fighting dog can begin training with weights at one year of age. Representatives of non-fighting large breeds can begin to be trained when they reach 1.5 years of age.

For large breeds

The harness for oversized large dogs is designed to work with heavy loads. Usually they try to choose a wide leather model that can withstand the significant weight of the animal, multiplied by the speed of its jerk.

Important! Departmental nurseries often use sets with molded buckles - a large animal at the peak of activity can loosen a simple harness or bend a thin ring, from which the belt or leash will immediately fall off. Such a device costs more, but it also has a much greater resource.

For ease of walking, these devices come complete with structures that allow you to hold the leash freely and not tightly. Most often this is a carabiner or a brace connected to a ring located on top of a strip running across the back.

Convenient, especially if the dog is relatively calm and not prone to aggression. But for walks with representatives of fighting or service breeds, such a product is unlikely to be suitable.

For small breeds

Dwarf dachshunds, Spitz dogs and animals of similar size are the “clientele” of mini-harnesses.

In appearance, they are the same as devices for large dogs, only adjusted for size. There are perhaps more materials and colors in this segment than in any other.

Having put such a kit on your mini-dog, you can be sure that he will not go anywhere. In addition to the traditional leash and fastenings, these sets are often equipped with handles firmly sewn to the back strap. That is, an animal that has become excited can simply be picked up and carried away from a dangerous place.

For puppies

The youngest individuals require a special approach. The bone structure of babies is not yet formed, and a regular harness can disrupt the development of paws and muscles (especially in the sternum area).

Did you know? Dogs detect sounds with a frequency of up to 35 kHz, and the human ear works with ranges up to 20.

To avoid such difficulties, puppy kits are used from 6-9 months. The exact figure depends on the breed, so it is worth consulting with your veterinarian.

These sets stand out right away - the strips are narrower, and their leather or nylon base is well lined with soft material (so that the “harness” does not dig into sensitive skin).

For exhibitions

Here it is important to consider not only functionality, but also design.

The decoration and fittings should emphasize the color and noble character of its wearer. This also applies to the color scheme.

Much depends on the owner. The fact is that in pursuit of show endurance, sometimes they resort to trickery, putting a deliberately uncomfortable set on the dog (believing that by taking a size smaller, it will be possible to control its behavior unnoticed by visitors). The result is microtrauma and stress, plus the risk of not qualifying for the next examinations.

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The other extreme is comfortable, but too bright LED-type harnesses. The flickering lights will only irritate the dog, and he will most likely try to get rid of the source of discomfort.

Freight

Used for training four-legged athletes.

There are two types:

• Half-vests with side pockets in which cargo is placed (rounded stones or bags of sand).
• Standard products with an additional belt, on the edge of which there is a ring with a chain that covers the weighting material. Usually this role is played by a car tire.

The main task is to develop the main muscle groups. In order for the classes to bring only benefits, you will have to control their progress. Jumping and too sudden jerking while wearing a weight harness are contraindicated. Important! During training, make sure that the “weight” in the pockets does not scratch or clog the client’s side. It is better to put sharp or too heavy objects aside.

Vests

Ideal for winter walks for pets with short hair or fine lines.

It is preferable to take products with a fur lining of small thickness - after running around in a vest that is too thick, the dog may catch a cold.

For sledding breeds

A sled harness is only suitable for a hardy and “diversified” dog - a Malamute, Husky or Samoyed.

The design combines strength and comfort for the dog himself. It is sometimes difficult to select such a product, so the way out of the situation is by ordering such kits from craftsmen.

This entails some costs, but such custom tailoring for dogs takes into account all the characteristics of an individual animal. The materials used are durable and moisture-resistant nylon or canvas.

The device itself is also different - there are more belts, as well as fastening rings (which allows you to evenly distribute the load on the body).

Peculiarities

A harness is a dog accessory consisting of intertwined straps and strips of fabric . It is gradually replacing the collar due to its greater comfort for the pet and the reduced risk of neck and back injuries. When choosing this material, you need to take into account the physical strength and temperament of your animal, the design of the product itself and its material. The main thing is that the harness is comfortable for the dog: it does not restrict its movements, does not press on muscles and blood vessels, but at the same time does not hang down so that the dog does not get injured.

The principle of putting a harness on a dog is a little more complicated than a collar, but it is easy to master, and the animal gets used to the more convenient option in 1-3 times. Here is one option for how to properly put a harness on a dog:

• Secure the dog: reduce the motor potential of the big one and pick up the small one.
• Insert the front paws into the corresponding holes in the harness itself. Large dogs do this in turn, and small dogs are simply placed.
• Fasten the straps so that they fit well and correctly to the dog’s body, do not squeeze too much and do not dangle too much on the animal.
• Attach a leash to the harness and go for a walk.

What to consider when choosing

The main requirement for the product is convenience for daily use, but the owner must take into account that it should not be used daily. The harness is considered as a tool for training and special physical training of the pet, but too frequent use can damage the coat. After a walk or completing a required task, it is better to remove it; leaving the dog in a harness at home unattended is unacceptable, as this can lead to undesirable consequences.

Manufacturer

Brands of dog leashes can be divided into three groups: little-known local leashes, high-quality products from well-known brands and elite ammunition from popular manufacturers.

The first group of products usually consists of the simplest canvas and leashes made of leatherette and nylon. For example, brands AnimAll, Kristel, My Wuf and so on. They are quite enough for the usual function of walking the dog. Disadvantages: simple appearance, uncomfortable handles, unreliable carabiners that can break suddenly. Cheap harnesses are extremely rarely designed correctly; they often rub dogs’ armpits, put pressure on the elbows, and distribute the load incorrectly.

A good combination of price and quality include products from Collar, Trixie, Coastal, Collar, Ferplast, Flexi, Karlie-Flamingo. A variety of materials (high-quality nylon, biotan, leather), reliable carabiners, attractive design and a wide selection of colors - these qualities are inherent in leashes and harnesses of these brands. It is worth noting that Flexi roulettes have long been leaders among roulette manufacturers: they are reliable, convenient, more expensive than no-name models, but their purchase is 100% justified. This is especially noticeable with large breeds. If almost any tape measure can withstand a small one, then with a strong tug from a heavy dog ​​it can fail, which is unacceptable! Brands in this group also like to create unique new products and experiment with materials. This allows the buyer to choose a high-quality and comfortable leash of any length and width. Harnesses are usually well designed, but you still need to try them on and don't hesitate to return the product to the store if the model doesn't suit your dog. You cannot wear an uncomfortable or “wrong” harness, because this is harmful to the dog’s health.

The most expensive leashes are the famous brands Hunter and Hurrta. Their prices may differ several times. This is due to the popularity of the brand, their promotion and high-quality advertising campaign. Of course, the ammunition is very reliable and beautiful, but it works no better than the products of the second group.