Choosing
a harness can be a tricky task. There are more styles out there then
you probably realized with different features and styles depending on
what you and your dog are
needing. Then you factor in the cool prints, patterns, bling and
accessories and you can be left a bit confused! Since we have two dogs
and have a had a few foster dogs over the years, we have been able to
test out the many different styles of harnesses that we sell at the
boutique. At the moment, we are using 3 different harness
styles for our dogs, depending on if we are using a harness in winter
over clothing or in summer just on it's own. The key to choosing the
right style is knowing what the purpose of your harness will be: walking
a pulling dog, walking a calmer dog, for use with a seat belt lead, for
use on a long lead in a open space/dog park, and knowing the tendency
of your dog. Has it slipped out of a collar or harness before? Does it
have skin issues that may need a soft material? Will you be using the
harness along with a coat or sweater?
The
first style we will talk about is the "Step In" harness. This harness
is easy to get on your pup, so it's
great for timid dogs or new dog owners. Your pup just steps into it
with it's front paws then two rings meet up in the middle of your dogs
back and it is fastened shut with the attachment of a leash. they come
in standard sizes or with adjustable chests and necks. Domo wears a step
in harness when going for a walk because we find it easy to put on and
it is stronger for a pulling breed like the Jack Russell Terrier that he
is! This harness style is kept on the dog by the attachment of the
leash, so it's not the ideal style if you have an escape artist dog, as
it can be escaped out of when the slack on the leash is loose.
Coat
harnesses or an "All-In-One" harness can be a great option if your
looking to keep your pup warm, dry and secure while on a walk. There is
no escaping out of these and they eliminate the need for a second layer
like a coat or sweater. You will also eliminate any rubbing or wear
along your dogs chest or neck since these harnesses are built into coats
so they are great for dogs with less fur or sensitive skin.
An
"Over the Head" style harness is one of the most popular styles. We
have many of these on the boutique and our own dogs wear them all summer
long. Corona wears the Leopard and Domo the Tie Harness. Both
are adjustable, stylish and made from comfortable fabric Many "Over the
Head" styles come in sets with seat belt leads and leashes for a
matching look. Corona also has a "Comfort Bling" harness which is also
an "Over the Head" style but with leather adjustable straps so she can
wear it in the winter over her sweaters. These harnesses are great for
wearing at the dog park so you can leave the harness on without the
leash and spot and grab your dog quickly if needed(we usually have to
grab Domo before he bolts into the river!), great for walking since the
are comfortable and adjustable and can be used with seat belt leads
while going for a car ride because they are no easily escaped from.
