Some pet owners have long discovered such a convenient device as a harness for a dog. Others prefer leashes and collars. Probably, you need to figure out that this is just a whim of the owner, or the use of harness is justified.
This accessory is necessary to control the behavior of the dog, in order to keep it close to the owner. That is, his functions are the same as those of the leash plus collar combination.
A harness for a dog is a combination of belts that extend between the front legs of the animal and are connected to a belt that encircles its chest. Thus, the main difference between the harness and the collar is that it does not affect the neck. For sports and service dogs, harnesses with fastening in the withers area are sewn, and for sled dogs in the croup area.
When can you use the harness
Owners of show dogs should avoid the constant use of this accessory, as it changes the center of gravity of the animal. As a result, the biomechanics of movements in the ring will be violated.
There are situations when the use of harnesses for dogs is allowed, and sometimes even necessary. Veterinarians recommend the use of a harness for animals that have neoplasms on the neck or have been operated on in this area. There are dogs that know how to deftly turn out of the collar. For such pets, trainers advise buying harnesses for complete control of the animal.
Often owners of small decorative dogs get their beloved harnesses instead of collars. This is correct, because such babies have a thin and delicate neck. Dog breeds such as pugs and bulldogs, on the contrary, have a short and thick neck and also feel better on the neck. If we talk about dogs of large breeds, then for them a similar accessory is applicable for sports training, for example, towing competitions (towing a sled, a skier), as well as for physical exercises to develop muscles.
Special car harnesses are produced to ensure the safety of the dog in the car, they fasten the animal to the standard seat belt latch .
Such ammunition for dogs, like harness, is not recommended for use in puppies of any breed. They form a skeleton and, so that there are no problems with the spine and limbs in the future, the helmet should be abandoned.
How to choose
Modern production offers harnesses made of various materials: nylon, leather, fabrics (for example, velor), as well as combined. The harness for the dog should be sewn from soft and smooth material, be light, have a lining and high-quality metal buckles and rings. It’s good if there are reflective plates on the ammunition so that the animal can be seen in the dark.
Choose a thing based on the breed of the pet and the purpose of the ammunition. If it is possible to bring the dog to the store, then do it and measure the harness on it. Or carefully measure the size of the pet and focus on them. Remember, a harness for a dog is ideal when you can put your finger between the straps and the body of the animal. It should fit snugly to the body, but not press on the skin or rub it.