Knowing how to measure a dog for a harness is crucial if you’re thinking about using one instead of a leash. Even the best dog harnesses can result in severe discomfort and skin abrasions if they are too tight. Similar to how a tight harness can be uncomfortable, a loose one increases the possibility that your dog will try to escape by wriggling free.
While getting the right fit on a collar is usually fairly simple because there is only one adjustment point, harnesses need to fit correctly at several different points on the body, necessitating that you buy the right size and then carefully adjust the harness to your dog’s body.
Generally speaking, dog harnesses are known to be safe and more comfortable alternatives to the standard collars, but selecting the right option and size for your dog can seem complicated. Luckily, with the right knowledge and tools, measuring your pup for a dog harness can be quick and easy.
Sally A says there isn’t a single harness that works for every dog. Holistic Physical Therapy for Pets and People in West Hatfield, Massachusetts is run by Morgan, a PT and CST. In order to refocus the dog’s attention, “many common current harnesses only attach to the dog at the front… [and] any pulling of this attachment will typically shift the harness and pull the dog out of balance.” ”.
Dog parents know that no two dogs are the same. Just like with children, pups each have their own unique personality and needs. And the same goes for your dog harness.
When it comes to pet collars and harnesses, there’s nothing wrong with combining safety with comfort and style. A mesh harness, such as the Four Paws Comfort Control Dog Harness, reduces tugging and pulling by applying pressure to the chest, rather than the neck to prevent straining and potential injury. Focusing on form as well as function, this harness is designed for multiple breeds and comes in a variety of colors so and your pup can comfortably and confidently walk in style.
For most dogs, going on a walk is fun and exciting. Ideally, pet owners should also enjoy time spent with their four-legged friends outdoors, but that can be tough when working with a dog that tends to behave unexpectedly. A harness is a helpful alternative to the traditional dog collar because it takes the strain off a dog’s neck and gives better control by redirecting a pup’s energy to his chest.
Knowing what size dog harness, coat, or collar your puppy needs can be challenging. It’s frequently advised to select a size based on weight, but a 40-pound Bulldog and a 40-pound Greyhound have very different body types and will fit differently.
The Enhanced Strength Tru-Fit harness (ESTFH) is a good place to start if you’re having trouble deciding on a harness style. Its narrow base and simple design make it a great fit for a wide variety of dog breeds and body types. If your dog has a longer or slimmer body, the end of the harness won’t rub or chafe her because it doesn’t flare out like other harnesses do. This harness sits further back than some overhead harnesses, making it ideal for difficult to fit dogs with long bodies and skinny necks, like a Dachshund.
This infographic will assist you in determining your dog’s proper size. A flexible tape measure, a piece of string, or anything else you can wrap around your dog are all you need, along with a ruler. Try watching this video on how to measure your dog for coats and harnesses if you learn best visually.
You should utilize the same techniques to gauge your dog’s size regardless of how big she is. Just be sure to modify the tape measure’s placement in accordance with your dog’s unique measurements. You need two measurements to size your dog for a harness: the neck and the chest. Wrap the tape measure around the neck just below the narrow area where she typically wears a collar when taking the measurement. Feel for her shoulders if you’re having trouble deciding where to take the measurement. The correct spot to measure will be right above them.
When measuring the chest, be sure to wrap the measuring tape around the area that is the widest. Start measuring from the bottom of your dog’s rib cage, not directly behind its armpits. Finding the right size can also take into consideration your weight. Make sure your dog’s weight falls within the range of her corresponding measurements by consulting our sizing guide.
Step 1: Finding the girth
Your dog’s girth refers to the size of the chest. When determining the appropriate leash size, the girth is the most crucial measurement. This is due to the fact that some harnesses have an attachment over the lower neck while others rest on the chest and shoulders of dogs. The chest measurement provides a great foundation for how the harness will fit overall.
Place the tape measure around the region behind the front legs’ “armpits” to determine your dog’s girth. The widest part of your dog’s ribcage or chest should be measured in order to get the right girth measurements. Place the measuring tape on the spine around the area of your dog’s chest that is the widest while standing over it.
FAQ
How do you measure a dog for a no pull harness?
Side Release (buckle) or Buckle Martingales. Measure your dog with a soft measuring tape around the largest part of the chest, directly behind the front legs, in order to get the proper fit for the Freedom No Pull Harness. the *smallest* size that still fits your dog, after that.