Dog Harness - a General Guide to the Ideal Harness

When it comes to providing maximum comfort and safety for their furry companion, dog owners need to choose the right dog harness. A dog harness is more than just a fashion statement. It fulfills a number of functions that can make daily walks, training and even car rides safer and more enjoyable. In this blog post, we delve into the world of dog harnesses and offer a comprehensive guide to choosing the best harness for your four-legged friend.

The Benefits of a Chest Harness for your Dog

In many cases, dog harnesses are a good choice for dogs. Below are some of the reasons why many dog owners prefer harnesses:

• Unlike collars, which can put strain on the dog's neck, a harness distributes pressure more evenly across the chest and back. This is particularly important if your dog pulls.

• Safety: A harness gives you more control over your dog, especially if he pulls hard or is agitated. It reduces the risk of injury from a sudden jerk on the neck.

• Many dogs prefer a harness because it does not rub or cut into the neck. This is particularly important for dogs with respiratory problems or sensitive skin.

• Better control during training: A dog harness gives you more control when training your dog, whether you are walking on a loose lead or practicing obedience commands.

• Safety in the car: A harness with a special attachment for the car can protect your dog while driving and reduce the risk of injury in the event of sudden braking or an accident.

However, it is important to know that not all dogs are the same and that the best option may vary depending on the dog's size, breed and personality. To ensure maximum comfort and safety, you should always make sure that the harness is fitted correctly.

The Right Harness Size for my Dog

Determining the right harness size for your dog is crucial to ensure that the harness fits well, is comfortable and fulfills its purpose. There are a few steps that can help you find the right harness size for your dog:

The exact measurements of your dog are crucial to whether a harness will fit. We have created a separate blog article with a measuring guide on how to measure your dog correctly.

Dog breeds with specific body shapes often do not find conventional harnesses with an optimal fit. Dachshunds or some mixed breeds, for example, often differ significantly from other pedigree dogs. In such cases, it is advisable to have a custom-made harness made to measure. At Lolinq, it is particularly important to us that every dog is fitted with a well-fitting harness. Our harnesses can be easily made to measure and ordered in our own configurators. We have a large selection of combinations so that every dog can be fitted with a suitable harness. There are also a few selectable extras that provide additional safety. Try our "design it yourself" harness configurator for yourself:

Customized Dog Harness

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Je nach Hersteller können sich die Größentabellen für Geschirre unterscheiden. Daher ist es besonders wichtig vorab die Größenangaben des jeweiligen Herstellers zu lesen.

The Correct Fit of the Chest Harness is Important

A correctly fitting dog harness is important to keep your dog comfortable and safe. Here are some signs that the harness is fitted correctly:

1. Finger fit test: you should still be able to comfortably place a finger between the harness and your dog's body. The harness should fit snugly, but not so tightly that it exerts pressure or restricts your dog's freedom of movement.

2. No rubbing or chafing: After wearing the harness, check to see if it has caused any chafing or skin irritation. A well-fitting harness should not leave any red marks or hair loss in the harness area.

3. Free movement of the shoulders: Your dog's shoulders should be able to move freely without the harness hindering movement. Make sure that the straps are not too close to the shoulder blade.

4. Not too loose: The harness should not be so loose that it slips or can easily be pulled over your dog's head. A harness that is too loose will not provide the necessary control and safety.

5. No cutting in: Make sure that no straps or parts of the harness cut into your dog's skin. The fit should be tight enough to be secure, but without any uncomfortable pressure.

6. Control of the abdominal area: A harness should not compress your dog's abdominal area too much. Make sure there is enough room for normal breathing and movement.

It is important to emphasize that every dog breed and individual body shapes are different. Take your time to fit the harness correctly and observe your dog's behavior to make sure it feels comfortable.

Y-Harnesses and Their Advantages

Advantages of Y-harnesses:

• Pressure distribution: A Y-harness distributes the pressure evenly across the dog's chest and back. This can be particularly beneficial for dogs with sensitive necks or respiratory problems, as the pressure is not exerted on the neck.

• Freedom of movement: Thanks to its special shape, a Y-harness allows good freedom of movement of the shoulders and supports the dog's natural gait. This is particularly important for active dogs or dogs that like to pull.

• Safety: Due to the wide chest plate, a Y-harness offers good control over the dog, which is particularly beneficial for dogs that tend to pull on the lead.

• Stability: The Y-shape ensures stability and prevents the harness from slipping, even when the dog is active.
  

Custom-Made Chest Harness - the Better Choice?

A made-to-measure chest harness may be the best option in certain cases if:

• Specific needs: Your dog has specific physical characteristics that are not well covered by standardized sizes. This can especially be the case for dogs with unusual body shapes.

• Special health conditions: Your dog has health issues that require customization, such as skin sensitivities or post-operative needs.

• Extremely large or small dogs: For dogs that don't fit well in standardized sizes, a custom-made harness may be the best solution.

• Optimal fit: If you want to ensure that the harness fits perfectly and that all areas of the dog's body are optimally supported, a custom-made chest harness may be the right choice.

For a correct measurement of your dog, check out our article with a measuring guide.

At Lolinq, you can create a customized Y-harness from the comfort of your own home. Our intuitive configurator not only makes it easy to enter your dog's exact measurements, it also allows you to create a unique design for your dog with many possible combinations:

Customized Dog Harness

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Recognize non-fitting harnesses

The evaluation of a harness can depend heavily on the individual needs and characteristics of the dog. What is suitable for one dog may be unsuitable for another. However, there are certain characteristics that can indicate inferior or potentially problematic dog harnesses:

• Poor workmanship: inferior quality harnesses may be poorly made and may tear or wear out quickly. Look for high-quality materials and solid seams.

• Insufficient padding: A lack of padding can lead to chafing or skin irritation. A good dog harness should be comfortable for the dog and not chafe.

• Inappropriate fit: Harnesses that do not fit properly can cause discomfort for the dog and restrict freedom of movement. A harness that is too tight can cut in, while one that is too loose will not provide the necessary control.

• Difficult to use: A complicated harness can be frustrating for both the dog and the owner to put on and take off. A good dog harness should be easy to put on and secure.

• Lack of adjustability: A harness that is not sufficiently adjustable can be difficult to adjust to the dog's individual body shape.

• Lack of safety: Some inferior harnesses may have inadequate safety features, especially if they are also to be used for driving. A safe harness should offer a sturdy attachment option for the seatbelt.

• Weak attachment points: Weak or inadequately reinforced attachment points can break, especially if the dog is pulling or moving around a lot.

It is always advisable to read reviews from other dog owners before buying a dog harness and, if possible, try the harness before buying. Discover the reviews of our satisfied customers here.

The Right Harness for Dogs with Back Problems

If your dog has back problems, it is particularly important to choose a dog harness that offers optimal support and relief. Here are some features to look for when choosing a harness for dogs with back problems:

• Padded harness: choose a harness with adequate padding in the chest and back area to minimize pressure points and provide extra comfort.

• Chest support: A harness that supports the chest area can help to distribute the pressure on the back. Harnesses with a wide chest plate or a Y-design are often well suited.

• Adjustability: A well adjustable harness allows the fit to be customized. This is particularly important to ensure that the harness is not too tight and does not restrict the dog's freedom of movement.

• Lightweight material: A lightweight harness can take the strain off the dog while still providing the necessary support. Heavy harnesses can put additional pressure on the back.

• Possible lifting aid: Some special harnesses are equipped with a lifting aid that allows the dog to be gently supported and lifted. This is particularly useful if the dog has difficulty standing up or climbing stairs.

• Veterinary advice: Before you buy a harness that is specifically advertised for dogs with back problems, it is advisable to discuss this with a vet. A vet can make recommendations based on your dog's specific needs.