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Benefits of a Dog Harness

Alice Newen | 06 November, 2024


          
            Benefits of a Dog Harness

Regardless of your dog's breed, daily walks are a must. Apart from keeping dogs healthy, a walk in the park is a fun activity for you and your pup—refreshing air, dazzling sunshine, and exhausting chases and tugs. Wait, what?

Like humans, dogs struggle to stay calm outdoors. Consequently, pet owners worry about leash tugging and choking. Collars causing neck pressure worsen the situation, leading to the emergence of a dog harness!

Unlike collars, dog harnesses alleviate neck strain by distributing pressure across the body, proving safer and more effective. But dog harness benefits aren’t just limited to these. 

Discover detailed insights into dog harnesses to aid your search for the finest options!

Types of dog harnesses 

Aren’t all dog harnesses the same?

Nope. If you’re looking for the best dog harness, it's crucial to know the different  types and benefits they offer. 

Back-clip dog harness

Back-clip harnesses feature a D-ring on the harness's back to attach the leash, keeping it clear of your dog's feet to avoid tangles. 

This design spreads leash tension across the dog's chest and back, making it suitable for smaller dogs with fragile necks.

No-pull dog harness

If your dog’s as big as Rottweilers and Dobermanns, you’d find it difficult to control them when they pull. This is when no-pull dog harnesses shine. 

Contrary to standard or back-clip harnesses, No-pulls have their leash attachment D-rings positioned on the dog's chest, discouraging dogs from pulling.

Head halter

Unlike regular harnesses wrapped around the dog's body, a head halter harness encircles the neck and snout. The leash attaches to a chin-based D-ring.

Fret not. This isn't as uncomfortable as a muzzle. It lets you gently control your dog's head like a horse, making it ideal for training.

Benefits of Using a Dog Harness 

On to the exciting part—dog harness benefits!

If you’re still unsure whether to buy harnesses, acquaint yourself with these benefits that all types offer, whether a small dog harness, a big dog harness, or a puppy harness. 

1. Establishes better control over dogs

Who’s the alpha?

As a dog harness securely embraces your dog's chest and physique, the force you exert is evenly spread, granting improved and safer management of your canine companion, especially the bigger ones.

2. Minimises dog pulling

Wanna keep your dog close without causing discomfort?

No-pull dog harnesses reduce your dog’s tendency to pull by gently prompting the dog to remain close and progress forward—otherwise, the leash sidetracks and hampers movement. 

3. Reduces neck strain and injury

Regardless of type and size, Nottingham Trent University research shows that collars risk causing neck injuries in dogs as they pull. At least 40 Newtons for every firm pull was recorded to impact a dog’s neck.

Since dog harnesses are designed to distribute the force or stress on the dog's body, neck injuries would be less likely.

4. Assists senior dogs and those with orthopedic problems

Elderly dogs afflicted with orthopedic issues may encounter challenges in mobility and experience discomfort when attempting to move. Harnesses wrapped around their body offer a valuable remedy for these issues.

5. Prevents Ocular Proptosis

Are your dog’s eyeballs strangely protruding from the eyesockets? 

It could be Ocular Proptosis, and it’s often caused by the pressure exerted on the dog’s neck region from a collar. With a dog harness, you won't have to worry about this condition. 

6. Good for brachycephalic breeds 

Flat-faced or brachycephalic dogs, like pugs and bulldogs, have uniquely structured heads, restricting their airways. If you have this type of fur baby, using a dog harness is better than putting on neck-straining collars. 

7. Keeps dogs safe

Small, determined dogs (like Greyhounds and Terriers) and puppies often escape collars. But a harness with secure straps guarantees their safety and comfort.

Moreover, there are small dog harnesses for petite dogs and big dog harnesses for big breeds, ensuring one for your dog's size. Nalzo even offers adjustable harnesses and sizing guides.

8. Allows more freedom during walks

Dog harnesses provide greater freedom than collars by evenly spreading pressure and control across the body instead of focusing on the neck. This promotes natural and comfortable movement, minimising the chance of neck strain or injury.

9. Offers dog styling opportunities

Looking to have a more furbulous walk?

Dog harnesses also provide excellent avenues for matching outfits and accessories with your dog. Nalzo offers dog bandanasleashes, and bow ties you can attach or overlap on dog harnesses and match with your scrunchieshair bows, and MAMA dog bags. 

You can even opt for our dog harness bundles to have it all in just one set!

Harness or Collar: Which is Better?

This rivalry is a major topic in the dog world. Dog harnesses and collars both have pros and cons. But what's the final verdict on these accessories?

Although collars offer simplicity and convenience, dog harnesses have gained popularity for their unique benefits. They alleviate neck strain by distributing leash force to the body, avoiding neck injuries and choking during pulling.

But if your dog isn't a puller and a brachycephalic breed, dog collars might be enough.

Potential Cons of Dog Harnesses

Hmm…aren’t these benefits too good to be true?

While dog harnesses are generally better than collars, these also have their fair share of potential disadvantages—just like any product! Get to know these considerations to help you decide whether to pursue harnesses.

  • Can be uncomfortable for dogs
  • Can be a hassle to put on and off your dog
  • Requires more physical strength during a walk
  • Loose dog harnesses may allow dogs to escape
  • May encourage pulling if not used properly
  • Likely to cause tangles or mats
  • Bulkier to pack

What do you think? Do the potential cons outweigh the benefits, or are these too trivial to stop you from buying a dog harness?

Whichever it is, always put your dog’s comfort at the top of your priorities.

Key Takeaways

As fur parents, we only want the best for our dogs, including harnesses and collars. But remember, every dog has unique needs, and what works for others may not work for you and your pup. In other words, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma.

The only way to get around this is by getting to know your dog and its needs. This way, your fur baby gets what’s best for them, whether a collar, a dog harness, or both!

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