Puppy parents often opt for a harness instead of a collar for several reasons. When considering a harness for your canine, ensuring a proper fit is essential. Here’s why harnesses are preferred and a guide on achieving the perfect fit for your furry companion.
Walking your dog is a significant responsibility for pet owners, and choosing the right equipment can make a difference. Before heading out, consider the advantages of using a harness instead of a conventional collar.
Remember that accidents and injuries can happen even if your pup is on the best harness and leash. All it might take is a missed moment for a pet to fall, escape, or be injured. This is one reason you should consider being equipped with pet insurance for dogs.
Pet insurance can cover a frisky pup’s testing, treatments, and medications during unanticipated health situations and medical emergencies, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy. In the meantime, read this article to learn the benefits of a harness and how to find the right fit for your pooch.
Why buy a harness instead of a collar?
There are various dog collars available, allowing you to select the one that suits your pupper’s needs. Synthetic collars come in multiple sizes and are affordable; while leather options are a more fashionable choice, they are often expensive
Certain collars are particularly useful for pesky pets prone to slipping out of their collars, and choke collars can be appropriate for puppies requiring frequent correction but they are not advisable due to ethical reasons. The key is to choose a collar that aligns with your furry friend’s specific requirements.
One of the main concerns with traditional collars is the potential strain they put on a dog’s neck, increasing the risk of injuries. In contrast, harnesses offer numerous benefits over collars. With a harness, the force is evenly distributed across the canine’s chest and back instead of focusing entirely on the neck, reducing the risk of injury.
Also, harnesses provide greater control, which is why you may want to use them for larger and stronger breeds. They can discourage pulling, making them advantageous during leash training, especially with puppies. By opting for a harness, you prioritize your furry pet’s comfort, safety, and training progress.
How to find the best-fit harness for a pup?
When choosing a harness over a regular collar, making an informed decision is essential. Simply grabbing the first pretty harness you see online or at the pet store may not be the best approach. Instead, consider trying out various brands and ensure that the product fits appropriately by following the below steps:
Take essential measurements
- Start by measuring around your puppy’s chest. Begin at the rib cage bottom; from there, go up and over your puppy’s back and then all the way down to the initial point.
- At the thickest part around your dog’s neck, measure the girth, which is immediately above your puppy’s shoulders. Keep in mind that this area is slightly wider than where a pup would typically wear a collar.
- Along with the measurements obtained earlier, consider your pet’s weight. This will help determine the appropriate size of the harness.
By taking the above steps and ensuring a proper fit, you can choose a harness that provides optimal comfort and safety for your little pupper during walks and other activities.
Still, know that no pet is completely safe, given their unpredictable nature and the number of risks lurking outside. Consider being prepared with pet insurance for dogs so that dealing with unexpected health scenarios is much easier. Contemplate purchasing pet insurance so your furry little one is covered for basic medical care at affordable costs.
