Should I Use a Dog Harness? - All About Dogs

Should I Use a Dog Harness?

Should I Use a Dog Harness

Should I Use a Dog Harness?

As they say, dogs are man’s best friend. Unfortunately, not all dogs are sweet and friendly. We often forget that dogs are still beasts which, when untrained, may cause harm to others. This explains the importance of training them. And one great tool to use is the dog training harness.

The harness is most useful if you want to take the dog for a walk. This is one perfect bonding activity that you and your dog can do. It provides you and your dog an opportunity to exercise and get some fresh air. For quite some time, the more common equipment used is the collar. Unfortunately, this material may pose a danger to your pet.

Collars, while placed around the neck, may cause your dog to choke or get hurt as you tug the leash or as the dog tries to break away. Also, your dog may find it difficult to bark because of irritation in the neck area. The same cannot be said of harnesses since the pressure lies on the upper body such as the shoulders and ribcage. There is also a lesser chance for the dog to experience irritation since the harness does not rub against the neck.

But just the same, a harness may hurt your dog if you do not know how to handle it. That is why it is important for you to learn how to train using this tool. Upon purchase, check the packaging for instructions on how to handle and take care of the product. Read training guides and manuals on dog training. And get to know your dog well. Dogs, like people, have different behaviors and attitudes, so you must be able to know that.

Should I Use a Dog Harness

If you plan on buying a harness, take into consideration the comfort of both you and your dog. As the trainer, you must be able to control the dog’s movements by a slight tug. The dog, too, must be able to move well without hurting himself when doing so.

The size of the dog is also another major factor to consider in your choice of the harness. Bigger dogs require a thicker, more durable harness. Otherwise, it may easily break or tear with the slightest pull. For smaller dogs, an average-sized harness would be sufficient since it cannot pull that hard.

The most common type of harness is the one used for walking or tracking. Here you will find a wide variety of designs and materials, all making the harness more durable and fashionable at the same time. You now see harnesses made of softer leather. But for those of the large breeds, harnesses must be made of tough-wearing leather. Most of them are also padded, making it more comfortable for your pup to use.

There is also the no-jump harness, designed to restrict the dog’s movements. This will teach the dog not to jump at you or other people when provoked.

In choosing the right harness, there are several things to consider. The good thing is, there are limitless choices available. Whatever dog training harness you prefer, there is one to fit that need.

The key is to know where and how to find them. Check the internet or your local pet shop and see the many designs and styles that you can choose from.

Photo Credit: Hank Pajak/Flickr; Tim De Decker/Flickr

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