We know the joys of taking our furry friends out for a walk or doing fun outdoor activities with them. However, to ensure your puppy is safe and comfortable, you must pick the right harness. A dog harness is different from a collar in that it provides better support and protection, especially for younger dogs, and it is easier for pet parents to handle. No matter if you are walking in the park or participating in an adventurous dog sport like mushing, you should know the different types of puppy harnesses and their benefits, so you can make an informed choice.
What Is a Puppy Harness and Why Do You Need One?
The puppy harness is a tool that spreads the pressure of a leash over your dog’s body, away from the neck. It’s an excellent alternative to traditional collars, which can put strain on a dog’s neck and even cause injury, especially when a dog pulls. This is especially true for puppies, as their bodies are still developing, and a harness for smaller dogs ensures their safety while promoting healthy training habits.
Walking is not the only reason to use harnesses; they are essential for active puppies. There are a lot of activities where you need to have the right gear: running, hiking, and even dog sports like canicross or skijoring. A properly fitted harness allows your puppy to participate in these activities comfortably and safely, so it’s an essential tool for every pet parent.
Types of Puppy Harnesses & Their Benefits
There are a lot of puppy harnesses, each designed for a specific need and activity. Here are the main types of harnesses and their benefits:
1. Back Clip Harness
This most common and widely available harness has a leash attachment point on the back. It’s easy to use and reduces the chances for the leash to get tangled under your puppy’s legs, but it does not prevent pulling. If your puppy is a heavy puller, a back clip harness may not be the best option for training.
2. Front Clip Harness
The front clip harness attaches to the chest and is perfect for puppies that need guidance during leash training. These designs do a great job of discouraging pulling by redirecting your puppy’s forward momentum toward you. This harness is a favourite of trainers, but the leash may occasionally get tangled under your puppy’s legs if you don’t pay attention to what you’re doing.
3. Dual Clip Harness
A dual clip puppy harness provides the versatility of front and back clip options. It lets you adjust the attachment point according to your puppy’s behaviour, therefore making it a great choice for training and everyday use. But the extra clips may feel uncomfortable when rubbed against the skin slightly, so make sure that they fit properly.
4. Head Halter
This special puppy harness goes over your puppy’s head and snout to redirect their gaze if they start to pull. Larger, stronger puppies need head halters, and they work very well during training sessions. They offer good control, but your puppy may need to get used to wearing them.
5. Weight-Pulling Harness
These harnesses are designed specifically for activities such as sledging, mushing, or skijoring and encourage pulling while giving your puppy’s body full support. The X-back and H-back structures of the specialized designs are comfortable and safe for high-energy activities, as they evenly distribute tension.
6. Running Harness
This running harness is lightweight and padded for comfort and is perfect for jogging or hiking with your puppy. It is breathable, hypoallergenic, and will keep your puppy comfy for extended use. The back leash attachments on these harnesses make them easy to use.
7. Utility Harness
The sturdy utility harness has a back handle for a combination of control and safety, so you can lift or restrain your puppy when you need to. It is adjustable and suitable for most breeds, making it a great go-to option for pet parents looking for a multifunctional harness.
8. Perfect-Fit Harness
The perfect fit harness is tailored for larger puppies with broad chests, such as Rottweilers and offers maximum adjustability. There is extra padding around the neck and chest for extra comfort when pulling. It’s designed to be durable enough to stand up to high-energy sports like mushing and skijoring.
Conclusion
When choosing a puppy harness, think about your puppy’s breed, size, and activity level. For example, puppies with a delicate neck or small frame may be better off with a vest-style harness, while active or larger breeds may need special pulling harnesses. Always measure your puppy’s chest and neck before buying to make sure you get a snug but comfortable fit.
A puppy harness that fits your pup well isn’t just an accessory; it’s an investment in your puppy’s safety and well-being. There’s a perfect harness for every puppy, whether you’re walking casually or playing high-energy dog sports, with so many types available. Knowing the special properties of each type will allow you to pick the perfect one for your puppy’s needs and way of life.
