How to Check Your Dog’s Harness

Dog harnesses are a great way to keep your dog safe on walks and take pressure off the neck. The best harnesses should be sturdy, double stitched and designed for any and every walk.

It is essential that all walking equipment is checked regularly and that every owner understands the correct fit. Here are some top tips for checking over your dog’s harness:

• Two Finger Fit– you should be able to fit two flat fingers between the harness and the dog’s body. This ensures the harness is secure and it is less likely to rub and cause sore patches. This also means if the dog was to pull, the harness wouldn’t slip over the dog’s head.
• Restriction on the Shoulder Blades– the harness should sit high enough up on the dog to not restrict normal movement. This can be checked by putting your hand under the top strap of the harness and moving your dog’s leg back and forth. You shouldn’t feel any tension or restriction on the strap.
• Always Adjust After Grooms– harnesses might need to be adjusted after your dog has been groomed. Dogs often come back from the groomers seeming smaller, which can lead to a sudden oversized harness.

Get into the habit of checking your dog’s harness every week. Remember wear and tear, weight loss or gain can result in ill-fitting walking equipment.

For more advice and our free fitting service, head into your local Pets Corner store.
Want some inspiration for your next dog walk? Read our guide on Making Dog Walks More Fun.