Pink Dog Harnesses
Why Choose a Dog Harness?
It's often just a matter of personal preference really, but using a harness, as opposed to a collar, can have some added benefits.
Here's a few tips:
Under pressure
A harness will evenly spread any pressure from the lead over the dog's body, rather than just it's neck. This can be especially useful for dogs that suffer from aches and pains in their shoulders, neck or legs.
Does your dog pull?
If your dog tends to pull on his or her lead when you are out for a walk, a harness can often be more suitable. Again, it's a matter of pressure - a dog that pulls won't just have pressure on their neck but it will likely be spread over the rest of their body too.
Harder to escape...
If your dog has a tendency to run away then it's probably well-versed in magically escaping from it's collar. If that's the case you could try a harness. They are much harder to slip out of and make a dash for the bushes!
These are the traditional reasons that someone might choose a harness for their dog. In reality it all depends on your dog, it's behaviour, training and your personal preference.
Some people say that they are just as easy to slip out of as a collar is. The point is, whichever you choose, it should fit properly. You should also train your dog not to pull on it's leash or lead irrespective of whether you use a collar or a harness.
It all boils down to personal preference really. If in doubt, speak to your vet, a dog trainer or a knowledgeable member of staff in a pet shop.
How to Measure your Dog for a Harness
If you choose to use a harness for your dog it's obviously vitally important that it's the right size.
A harness that is too small will be loose. It might rub and it might be easy for your dog to slip out of it. A harness that's too tight will be uncomfortable too as it may restrict your dog's natural movement and breathing.
Here is our quick guide to measuring your dog for a harness, whether it's pink or not!
Firstly, you'll notice that most of the harnesses on this website have two measurements: a chest size and a neck size.
These are the two parts of a harness that will normally fit 'around' your dog. Whilst both might be adjustable it's still important that you choose the right size.
You'll need a measuring tape, or string and a ruler.
Measure your dog's girth or chest size
Start behind your dog's front legs. Measure up one side of your dog, over his back, and back down the other side to meet the other end of the tape where you started. This is your dog's chest, or girth, size.
Measure your dog's neck size
Using the tape measure again, measure all the way around your dog's neck.
Write down your measurements and find a harness that suits these sizes.
If you are unsure, simply ask a member of staff which harness will suit your dog best based on your measurements.
Fitting your dog's harness
Once you have your dog's harness it's time to put it on your dog. Once it's fastened, it's important that it is a snug fit, but not a tight one. This is important.
As a general rule, you should be able to fit two fingers under both the collar and chest parts of the harness. If it's too small to do so or even too loose, then make the necessary adjustments.
Observe your dog walking in the new harness. If it's uncomfortable you should be able to tell.
Measuring a fitting a harness for your dog is easy really. Now all you need to do is choose a nice bright pink one for some serious poochy style!