Why a Good Harness Matters: Our Top Picks for Happy Walks
- Skyline Pet Care
- Oct 16, 2024
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever been pulled along by an excited dog, you know that walking can sometimes feel like a workout. That’s where a good harness comes in! It can make all the difference in creating safe, enjoyable walks for both you and your pup. At Skyline Pet Care, we walk a lot of dogs, and we’ve learned which harnesses hold up best and keep dogs comfy. Here’s why a harness is key and which ones we love.
Why a Harness Over a Collar?
A collar is great for holding ID tags, but when it comes to walking, harnesses are often the better choice:
More Control: A harness gives you better control, especially with strong or excited dogs, without straining their neck.
Safer for Pullers: If your dog tends to pull or lunge, a harness prevents pressure on the throat, which can avoid injuries, particularly for small dogs or breeds prone to breathing issues.
Comfort for Longer Walks: A well-fitted harness doesn’t shift around and stays comfortable during long strolls or adventures.
What to Look for in a Harness
Adjustability: You want a snug fit that doesn’t rub or let your dog wriggle out.
Comfortability: Comfortable padding or being lightweight can make a world of difference, especially on longer walks.
Leash Attachments: Front clips are great for training and stopping pulling, while back clips are better for leisurely walks.
What to Avoid When Choosing a Harness
While there are many great harness options, here are a few things to steer clear of:
Harnesses that are too loose or too tight: A poorly fitted harness can cause chafing or allow your dog to escape. Always ensure the harness is snug but not constricting.
Restrictive designs: Avoid harnesses that limit your dog’s natural shoulder movement, as these can impact posture and joint health over time.
Low-quality materials: Look out for cheap plastic buckles or weak stitching that won’t hold up under stress, especially for stronger dogs or active pups.
Our Favorite Harnesses
After trying many harnesses, here are our top picks based on durability, comfort, and ease of use. These are listed in no particular order.
This is a go-to for us. It’s lightweight, durable, and has both front and back leash clips for versatility. Plus, it’s reflective, which is great for early morning or evening walks.
Best for: Everyday walks, active dogs.
For dogs that need help with pulling, this harness can encourage them not to pull. It clips at the front, gently guiding your dog back to you if they pull too hard. Lightweight and simple to use.
Best for: Training, reducing pulling, running.
This harness is all about safety and comfort. It’s got a padded chest plate for extra comfort and is even crash-tested, so you can use it as a car restraint, too. Super durable and easy to adjust, it works well for dogs of all sizes.
Best for: Car rides, everyday use.
If you’re looking for control and a perfect fit, the Blue-9 Balance Harness is the way to go. With six adjustment points, you can customize it for any dog’s shape, and the front and back clips make it super versatile for training or casual walks.
Best for: Dogs with unique body shapes, dogs in training.
This harness is built tough with double-layered nylon and metal buckles, but it’s soft where it matters, thanks to thick neoprene padding. The Y-shape design keeps your dog moving freely, and the adjustable straps make it easy to get the perfect fit.
Best for: Active dogs, adventure lovers, pups who need durability and comfort.
How to Get the Right Fit
A well-fitted harness is essential. Measure your dog’s chest and neck to find the right size, and adjust the straps so it fits snugly—two fingers should fit between the harness and your dog. Be sure to check for any signs of chafing after the first few walks and adjust as needed.
We Are Here to Help
The right harness makes a huge difference in how enjoyable walks are for both you and your dog. Whether you’re training a puller or just want a comfy, secure fit, the harnesses listed above have stood the test of time for us at Skyline Pet Care. Need help finding the perfect one? Get in touch with us, and we’ll point you in the right direction—or better yet, book a walk, and we’ll help you try one out with your dog!
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