As a dog owners in Columbus, Ohio, ensuring the safety and comfort of our furry friends during walks and outdoor activities is a top priority. One essential tool for achieving this is a dog harness. Harnesses offer a secure and gentle way to control your dog while reducing strain on their neck and throat.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of dog harnesses available and help you choose the perfect one for your pup’s needs. Whether you’re exploring the Scioto Mile, strolling through the Short North, or just heading out for dog walking in Columbus, Ohio, having the right harness will make all the difference.
Back-Clip Harnesses: Dog Walking with Ease
Back-clip harnesses are a popular choice for dog owners. They’re definitely used by our Columbus, Ohio dog walkers most often! Featuring a D-ring on the back, these harnesses allow you to attach the leash very easily. They distribute pulling force across your dog’s body, reducing strain on their neck and throat. Back-clip harnesses are ideal for small to medium-sized dogs and/or those with good leash manners.
Click here to watch a video on how to put a back-clip harness on a dog. Alternatively, here are some written instructions to help:
- Locate D-ring and hold it up towards the sky.
- Unbuckle and place the harness spread out on the ground (tag facing correct direction).
- Gently lift up one front paw and place into harness hole.
- Gently lift up other front paw and place into harness hole.
- If dealing with a dog who does not like legs/paws touched, you may consider using treats to help you/encourage them to walk into harness themselves!
- Wrap both sides of harness up and over the front shoulders.
- Pull high up (so you don’t clip dog’s skin) and then clip together the buckle.
- Use the two-finger rule and make sure two fingers can fit comfortably between the harness and dog’s body.
- If more than two fingers can fit, the harness is too loose and will need to be tightened a bit.
- If only one finger or NO fingers can fit, the harness is too tight and will need to be loosened a bit.
Front-Clip Harnesses: Encouraging Better Leash Behavior
Front-clip harnesses are designed to discourage pulling by redirecting your dog’s attention towards you. The leash attachment on the chest allows for greater control and helps deter forward pulling. Front-clip harnesses are suitable for dogs who are still learning leash manners or have a tendency to pull. Arguably, the most popular brand of front-clip harnesses is Easy Walk.
Click here to watch a video on how to put a front-clip/Easy Walk harness on a dog. Alternatively, here are some written instructions to help:
- Locate D-ring and hold it up towards the sky.
- With your finger, trace the material that the D-ring is/a part of, then unbuckle the opposite side/color.
- Put the closed loop (with D-ring on it) over the dog’s head like a necklace.
- If the dog is resistant to this at all, please encourage them with treats. You can hold the treat on the other side of the closed loop so that they naturally lean into the loop and put the harness on for themselves!
- Swivel the harness around til the D-ring is in the front on the dog’s chest area.
- Take the unbuckled loop and scoop it underneath the dog’s belly to attach it to the buckle on the other side.
- Pull outward (so you don’t clip dog’s skin) and clip together the buckle.
- Use the two-finger rule and make sure two fingers can fit comfortably between the harness and dog’s body.
- If more than two fingers can fit, the harness is too loose and will need to be tightened a bit.
- If only one finger or NO fingers can fit, the harness is too tight and will need to be loosened a bit.
Dual-Clip Harnesses: Versatility for Any Situation
Dual-clip harnesses offer the best of both worlds, featuring both front and back leash attachment points. This versatility allows you to choose the attachment point that best suits your dog’s behavior and training needs. If you clip to the front, it’ll assist with correcting pulling behavior on walks. Likewise, dual-clip harnesses are suitable for dogs who are still in training or exhibit varying leash manners.
Click here to watch a video on how to put a dual-clip harness on a dog. Alternatively, here are some written instructions to help:
- Unbuckle both straps.
- Slide the round head opening over dog’s head like a shirt, laying the side with the silver D-ring on the back.
- One at a time, slide one strap under each leg.
- Pull outward (so you don’t clip dog’s skin) and clip together the buckle(s).
- Use the two-finger rule and make sure two fingers can fit comfortably between the harness and dog’s body.
- If more than two fingers can fit, the harness is too loose and will need to be tightened a bit.
- If only one finger or NO fingers can fit, the harness is too tight and will need to be loosened a bit.
Gentle Leader Harness: Gentle Control for Peaceful Walks
Gentle Leader (or head halter) harnesses provide gentle control over your dog’s head, reducing pulling and making walks more enjoyable. These harnesses fit around the dog’s muzzle and neck, allowing you to guide their movement effectively. It’s essential to acclimate your dog to the harness gradually for a positive experience.
Click here to watch a video on how to put a head-halter harness on a dog. Alternatively, here are some written instructions to help:
- Unbuckle the harness and hold it like a ‘T’ with the metal D-ring pointing down towards the ground.
- Place dog’s muzzle through the loop/opening.
- If the dog is resistant to this at all, please encourage them with treats. You can hold the treat on the other side of the loop so that they naturally lean into the loop and put the harness on for themselves!
- Reach around and buckle two remaining loops behind the ears.
- Pull outward (so you don’t clip dog’s skin) and clip together the buckle.
- Use the two-finger rule and make sure two fingers can fit comfortably between the harness and dog’s body. The muzzle piece should be able to be pulled down to beginning of skin part of dog’s nose (indication of correct fitting).
- If it goes further down past the dog’s nose, the harness is too loose and will need to be tightened a bit.
- If it can’t go down to the nose area, the harness is too tight and will need to be loosened a bit.
Safety Harnesses: For Secure Travels
Safety harnesses are specifically designed for car travel, ensuring your dog’s safety during car rides. These harnesses usually include attachments for seat belts or can be secured using the car’s existing seat belt system. Safety harnesses prevent your dog from roaming freely in the car, minimizing distractions and potential injuries.
How to Put on a Safety Harness
- Adjust the harness straps to fit your dog’s size.
- Slide the harness over your dog’s head and position it on their back.
- Secure the buckle around your dog’s chest.
- Attach the seat belt or secure the harness using the car’s seat belt system.
Choosing the Right Harness for Your Dog
With various types of dog harnesses available, finding the perfect fit for your dog’s needs is crucial. Whether you opt for a back-clip, front-clip, dual-clip, gentle leader/head halter, or safety harness, remember to prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety during walks and travels.
You might consider the following factors when choosing the perfect harness:
- Size and Breed: Ensure the harness is appropriate for your dog’s size and body shape.
- Behavior and Training Needs: Identify your dog’s specific leash behavior and choose a harness that addresses those needs.
- Comfort and Fit: A properly fitting harness should be snug but not restrictive, allowing your dog to move comfortably.
- Material and Durability: Opt for a high-quality harness that can withstand your dog’s activities and last for a long time.
By selecting the right harness, you can enjoy many delightful dog walks in Columbus, Ohio, while your furry friend stays secure and happy.