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Which harness?

8K views 22 replies 8 participants last post by  Harley_Girl 
#1 ·
I noticed that there is a 'harness recommendations' thread but it doesn't seem to be the same purpose as what I need.

I am looking for a 'no pull' harness but I understand that it is limited to what it can do regarding pulling. Regardless, I need to get something soon since my current harness is no good any more - it is designed with velcro and I finally realize it's a bad design. The velcro doesn't stick any longer so it comes off.

I have to use the collar to connect the leash to but it's a strain on my dog's neck and I would rather use a harness if I had to choose between them.

I am overwhelmed with all these harnesses out there so could someone please recommend one, two or three? Preferably, one that I can have shipped to Canada. I guess the pet stores will have some but I am afraid the selection might not be that great and they will be expensive.

Maybe, there is some good ones that have good comfort material to avoid chaffing?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/recommendations.
 
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#2 ·
Hi there!

A velcro harness does sound pretty unsafe! I hope I will be able to help with some recommendations. A quick Amazon search showed this type of harness:

https://www.amazon.com/Rabbitgoo-Ha...F8&qid=1527995425&sr=1-4&keywords=dog+harness

It's a no-pull, vest style harness. While I'm not familiar with this specific harness, this type can be very helpful with dogs that pull, is safe, comfortable, and as an added bonus can come with extra reflective strips for night walking. ANother benefit to this type of harness is that it does GREAT with seatbelts in the car, because it has full chest coverage.

Another type of harness can be exampled here:

https://www.amazon.com/PUPTECK-Harn...F8&qid=1527995425&sr=1-9&keywords=dog+harness

These harnesses can be found at your average pet store (especially if you have a Petsmart or PetCo near you in Canada) and are easy to put on because they can be stepped-into. They are advertised as no-pull, but as I have used them before, they do not necessarily do that greatest work at getting a dog to stop pulling. They are safe, with the snap in place around the dog, but I would only recommend this type as a last resort. They are still good, just not my personal preference.

A final type of harness I would recommend is this one:

https://www.petsmart.com/dog/collar...adjustable-dog-harness-37071.html?cgid=100221

The Great Choice harness goes on around the neck and then loops around the stomach/chest of the dog, providing adjustability on two spots with good coverage. These are the basic harnesses I use for my dogs, and they do help a bit with the pulling (though I do not believe they are specifically for pulling, they are advertised for the rambunctious dog).

I would say what you get depends on what kind of dog you have, how much coverage you want, and how much you are willing to spend. These are just some examples/suggestions. And I would definitely stay away from anything that has velcro in the future! I didn't even know they made harnesses like that!

I hope this helps!
 
#4 · (Edited)
I've come across the rabbitgoo one before. It looks pretty good. I am not too interested in the other ones you suggested, sorry. They are too basic and my dog has short hair so I worry about chafing with those ones.

I have a Ruffwear Front Range that I really like. There is a clip on the front if you want to use it more as a 'no pull' side pull type thing. They are sturdy and well made. They can be pricey but they are quality.

I've also used the Freedom Harness in the past to combat pulling and like them. I really liked the design (Front clip with more to keep the harness in place) and may be an option as well depending on the dog.
I like the Ruffwear and went to a pet store that has it. It's pricey, right. The clip at the front is just a piece of rubber, though? I guess I was put off that such an expensive harness would only have a piece of rubber for a 'clip.' I liked it, otherwise, though.

I have noticed that some of the harnesses just have a strap and no padding but they are on short hair dogs in the pictures. I was worried about chafing because I thought I have read of it doing that to some dogs.

There were a few other harnesses I was interested in but I forgot them already. There's just too many and although, it's good for choice, it makes it hard to know what is good.

I prefer a harness that has a clip on the front, though, in addition to any clips on the back. Then, there's a choice of where to attach the leash.

I think I know which size to go with whatever the harness, btw. I just hope I am right if I order something online.

There's a kurgo (?) harness that I was initially interested in and this local pet store (well, I practically had to drive into another nearby town) had it but I was turned off by its design. Some harnesses use convenient clips (or should I call them 'connectors?') that attach/detach which makes putting them on or taking them off easier. But, this harness doesn't have that. You use the strap like a belt so you have to move it through clips to adjust it or take it on/off. My dog doesn't sit still when one needs to use a harness and I have a dog walker who talks about this, too.

So, anything that makes it even more inconvenient is probably a deal breaker. The kurgo also has a 'seat belt' accessory, too, but I read that most of these are not good - they have been tested but only two passed testing. I hope you (all) know what I mean.

I might go with the really expensive harness for that purpose but then I'd have to switch them when she goes in the car. However, that particular harness passed the tests and is certified by pet safety or something like that.

However, I just need something for walking at the moment and I am just attaching the leash to her collar so I don't want to do that for much longer. I don't want any strain on her neck when she pulls (when going on walks). Knock on wood, we haven't encountered any rabbits or too many squirrels on her walks recently.
 
#3 ·
I have a Ruffwear Front Range that I really like. There is a clip on the front if you want to use it more as a 'no pull' side pull type thing. They are sturdy and well made. They can be pricey but they are quality.

I've also used the Freedom Harness in the past to combat pulling and like them. I really liked the design (Front clip with more to keep the harness in place) and may be an option as well depending on the dog.
 
#5 ·
#7 ·
I can see how the lack luster front clip may turn you off to the front range although I can tell you I walk my 50lb aussie with that front clip and have had to use it before and there are no signs of wear and tear. At least that's my experience.

The Freedom harness is another great choice. The hardest part about harnesses is that it really depends on the dog. My aussie is ok with just about any harness but my lab acts like you've just put her in a straight jacket if I put even the most minimalist harness on her. So try a few. Most places will allow you to return what you don't like.

As for the car harness, I've heard great things about the sleepypod. They've done the testing. Ruffwear also has one that they have also crash test rated that did well I believe. You can't go wrong with either of those.
 
#8 ·
I'm thinking about getting the front range. If the front clip is good, then it should be fine. It has a lot of good reviews and I liked the design. I can also get it locally so I don't have to wait (I'm pretty sure that XXS is the right size to get). Neck was about 12" and girth was around 16".
 
#9 ·
I've also been told that Ruffwear has AMAZING customer service. So if there are issues you can always try calling them.

PS they will also recommend a size. Also if you can get it locally can you bring the dog in and try it on?
 
#10 ·
Not yet. :( I just got a new (actually used) car and I want to bring my dog with me sometimes, when we go to the vet or to the park.

But, I guess that is question #2 or is 3? :) I am wondering whether to buy a car seat cover or the hammock style for the back....or what do you recommend?

I was thinking of buying a 'single' car seat cover for the passenger seat and the hammock style for the back and that way, she can ride beside me or in the back.

I want to protect the interior anyway because it's in good condition right now. I want to protect it from myself (not just the dog), too. :) I don't want my dog's claws to scratch anything or for her to move around (freely) which I allowed previously in an older vehicle that wasn't mine. She is relatively well behaved in the car but she used to try to get closer to me so eventually, I need to get something that is 'car seat' ready so one of those specific harnesses and/or a belt accessory.

Then, it will be ready for my dog to accompany me. :)
 
#11 ·
I am in a pretty different circumstance being that I have 2 medium-large sized dogs and a Honda Civic so I usually have a sling in the back for them. I usually have to replace often (dogs break the buckles) but they like the back seat. I tried to get seat belts for them but Roxie was PETRIFIED of the 'full body' type ruffwear one and I decided with her reaction to it (shaking and tucking her tail) I didn't think a seatbelt would work.

You best believe my dog's water proof sling has saved my car interior when I was driving around some catering food and the green bean juice leaked out. Couldn't have been more thankful for that sling!
 
#12 ·
I currently have a Honda Accord. What do you mean by 'sling?' The hammock style or?

I am thinking of getting the Ruffwear Front Range harness but I might have an issue with the dog walker putting it on her. She is good with him but he told me that he is afraid of her maybe objecting to it. He has reluctance putting on the leash on her collar and she sometimes goes on her back for a tummy rub so he has to convince her to 'go for a walk.' I was told by a mutual friend that he's really good with her but I know how some people can be a bit suspicious of her sometimes. I had two ideas: 1) have the harness on her when he arrives - but, this would mean it's on her for a few hours (3 or 4). That's no good, right?

2) I could invite my dog walker and see how it is with him putting it on her. The one thing I like about this style is that it is fairly easy to do with the one clip and hopefully, not too much adjustment is needed for the straps. I think XS would be her size.
 
#13 ·
Yea the Hammock style. The one that connects from the back of the front seats to the head rests on the back.

I definitely would not leave it on while you are away. Not only could the dog possibly get herself into a bad situation (They seriously do the craziest things) but you also risk her getting uncomfortable and chewing it off. And no one wants to bother throwing money away like that. I would recommend inviting the dog walker over and seeing how they interact. I know @TheAdventureK9 taught her dog to pretty much put her harness on herself. She might have some insight on ways to help make it easier.
 
#14 ·
I need to get something soon. I noticed that a lot of the harnesses out there seem to be very similar to the Ruffwear Front Range. They seemed to have copied each other? :)

Even the sizing system looks almost identical.

Anyway, I am leaning towards getting the Ruffwear because I am wincing every time I take my dog for a walk. She likes to pull and I don't like any strain on her neck.

I am looking into getting a hammock seat cover but I read on one site, that you should use a carrier if the dog weighs under a certain amount - for e.g. under 15 lbs.

The Sleepypod harness company (the one that had good crash tests for their car harness for dogs) recommends using a carrier for dogs under 15 (18?) lbs. My dog is around 10 lbs.

Carriers are expensive and there aren't a lot out there. But, if that is a better option than a car harness, I would consider it. What do you think?

I like to take my dog to the park and I would want everything 'dog ready' for going to the vet or getting nail trims (I don't want to do this myself).

I think a lot of people use these car harnesses and tethers but I suspect they would not be 100% safe and wouldn't pass a lot of the crash testing. But, I seem to be having difficulty deciding and it seems the 'recommended' or arguably 'safest' options out there are pretty expensive. I know money shouldn't be an obstacle for our pets but I also wonder about the options and how they effect the dog. My dog used to freely go in the vehicle with me and I know that's bad now but she might not like being in a carrier.

I would like to decide on something by the end of the week, anyway, as I am not liking these walks with her just attached to her leash with the collar. I try to avoid her pulling but sometimes, there's nothing I can do. I often just pick her up to interrupt her pulling sessions.
 
#15 ·
You have to love when 1 company releases something and other copy. I choose Ruffwear because the quality and customer service is bar none.

I think it depends on the dog of course. I only have experience with large dogs. A carrier may be a better choice for a small dog.
 
#21 ·
Oh yeah, P.S.! :)

I thought, maybe, someone will suggest bringing my dog to the store. I don't think she's very good around other dogs so there's a few concerns with this idea:
1) if there are other dogs in the store, I might have a problem. She's very suspicious of other dogs due to problems in the past - via previous owners and she was attacked by a dog. I guess, that is my theory but I'm no dog behaviourist.

2) She is not too good with strangers either. I would be wary of some other customer sneaking up and sticking out their hand, 'cute dog....' She has trust issues.

3) My car is not 'dog ready' yet. :-( I guess that is amusing but I am planning on making it easy to travel with my dog. I am debating between a crate and car harness for a dog. I also would like the hammock for the car seats

4) My dog doesn't seem to like these 'over the head' harnesses and it's a bit of a chore to put them on - although, those seem like the best ones?
 
#22 ·
I'm a little late to the tag and respond but as this post still is current I'll do so.

I did kind of teach Aayla to harness herself. I did this because she hates harnesses and as a backpacker she has to wear one. On a good day, with 10 minutes of warm up, Aayla will step into her ruffwear webmaster and put her own paw through the loop. Other days, she still avoids me and lays down behind me. I've done away with the counter conditioning and just put it on her right as we get to the trail and let her loose. (She has 2 minutes of acting like it bothers her before the smells and sights distract her enough)

If your dog does not do the submissive roll over for you and object to being leashed up, I would think its a comfort/shyness issue with your dog walker. (They may be great, not saying it should be a concern for your dog walker) You may want to work on training with a bunch of people leashing/unleashing and harnessing your dog.

Personally for no-pull harnesses I suggest the balance harness or the freedom harness as suggested before. If your dog pulls hard constantly, chaffing, and back strain are always going to be a problem with any front clip harness.
 
#23 ·
We have used the EX walk harness for years and love it. Limited surface area so can be worn when the weather is warm. Front clasp to better control and limit pulling.

I have used the Halti on a 100 plus Lab/Shepard/St. Bernard young pup, a couple years ago, and as long as it's fitted right it worked wonders. Her owner still uses it so it is definitely effective.
 
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