Australians are known for their active lifestyles and love of the great outdoors. Do you know what else they truly love? Their furry friends, so much that they even let their dogs join the fun. It’s precisely because of this trend in user behavior that more companies have been putting out dog harnesses that cater to every activity under the sun!
As a responsible dog owner, your pet’s safety and comfort are paramount, and dog harnesses play a crucial role in doing so. They also offer a multitude of benefits, which you can know more about in today’s article.
What are the benefits of using dog harnesses?
More pet owners are favoring the use of harnesses instead of collars. Compared to the latter, a harness allows the even distribution of pressure from your dog’s shoulders to their chest. It makes it easier to control your dog because of this, unlike collars, which can choke and strain your furry pal’s neck. Plus, there are a lot of different harness types, which you can check at Dog Friendly Co.’s dog harnesses depending on the activity and purpose you have in mind.
It decreases the risks of neck injuries. As mentioned above, a dog’s neck is very delicate, and there are certain breeds whose necks are more sensitive than others. Switching out your dog’s collar to a harness significantly reduces the risk of neck injuries, especially concerning breeds that tend to pull more.
It gives owners more control. Using a harness makes training and other activities much better because you have more control over your dog. A harness also discourages your dog from pulling, so it’s much easier to guide and redirect them.
It prevents the collapse of the trachea. Tracheal collapse is a serious condition that is commonly experienced by certain dog breeds that are prone to excessive pulling. To avoid this injury, switch out your dog’s collar to a harness to alleviate the pressure on your dog’s trachea.
It also offers comfort and safety. We’ve said it a couple of times before, but we cannot stress enough how harnesses are a better choice than collars for your furry friends. The wider distribution of pressure prevents them from suffering discomfort and chafing, which is important for every activity. A comfortable dog is a relaxed and stress-free dog, which enables them to enjoy the activities carefree. This also helps reduce their anxiety, thus lessening the chances of pulling or fear-based behavior.
How do I choose the right harness for my dog?
When selecting a harness for your dog, consider these few factors in mind before making your purchase:
Dog breed and size. There are a lot of dog breeds with varying shapes and sizes. With that said, it’s important to buy a harness that fits snugly to their body—not too tight and not too loose—just enough so they can move freely, securely, and comfortably during activities.
Level of activity. Speaking of activities, it’s also equally important to choose a harness that is according to your dog’s lifestyle. Dog owners who have active pets should opt for a harness that provides support for their dogs that can also withstand the strains and intensity of their activities.
Comfort and fit. One of the telling signs that a harness is a great fit is if your dog can wear it for an extended period. It shouldn’t constrain or restrict them. As a dog owner, you also have to check if the harness is fitted correctly to the body, so make sure you do it from time to time.
Purpose of use. What kind of activities do you have in mind when availing of a harness? Is it for walks? Hikes? Or maybe it’s for travel and training. Whichever the case may be, make sure you pick a harness that’s ideal for its intended use; walking harnesses should not be used for rigorous training since the latter needs more safety and security.
Durability and materials. Most importantly, invest in a harness that’s made of high-quality materials that are not only durable but also resistant to damage.
Harnesses are one of the most crucial pieces of equipment for dog owners who value their furry friend’s comfort, safety, and well-being. Having a better knowledge and understanding of how harnesses work and their benefits helps dog owners make informed decisions on what harness they need to avail for their dogs. By choosing the right harness, you can be sure that any activity shared between you and your dog will be enjoyable and memorable.