Walkies Are Just the Beginning — Harnesses Do It All
Let’s bust some common dog harness myths. Harnesses encourage pulling. Dogs hate wearing a harness. Harnesses aren’t safe in the car. The vet doesn’t like your dog to wear a harness. The list goes on. . . Harnesses get a bad rep, but let us bust these myths and reveal the truth that dog harnesses are one of THE most important pieces of gear you’ll ever own.
1. Taking the Show on the Road
One of the most underappreciated uses for a dog harness is in the car. We’d go so far as to say dog harnesses are essential for car safety. But why should you use a dog harness for your buddy’s car trips?
The Lead & Collar Car Combo
You might see other dog owners securing their besties in the boot or backseat with their lead and collar, but this is an accident waiting to happen. Any sudden stops will spell disaster for your pooch, with no protection for their neck and spine.
A Harness for Safe Support
Kitting your pup out in a comfy dog harness and using its D-rings as an attachment point means any pressure from sudden pulling will be evenly distributed across their body. Your pup will be secure and ready for any unexpected swerves or stops.
Tip: Our leads can attach at both ends, so you can easily clip them onto your pup’s harness and secure them inside the car. Forget tangling their lead around a headrest! Alternatively, you can check out short leads with a clip on one end and a seatbelt buckle on the other for more control if your pup is a rowdy passenger.
A Harness for Anxious Passengers
But let’s be real; not every dog loves a car trip. Some pups are royalty in the backseat, but many like to sing the high notes while you’re driving. Car anxiety is typical and expected for their first trips, so a harness is an easy way for them to feel more comfortable and supported, which will help with their anxiety. It’s like wearing a hug.
Tip: Ensure their harness is adjusted to be snug but not too tight, which can cause chafing after a long car ride. As a quick test, you should be able to fit two fingers under any of the straps.
Follow our guide on how to get your puppy used to a harness.
2. The Doggie Doctor
As a pup parent, vet visits are guaranteed and likely come with a lot of drama. If your dog gets the shakes, whimpers, cuddles into you like you’re going to protect them, or shows any signs of fearing their vet visit, then you need a dog harness. Most owners will just roll with their usual collar and lead combo, but here’s why you should be different:
A Harness for Vet Visit Drama
Not only will the full-body, hug-like support of the dog harness help calm your buddy’s nerves, but it will be a serious help to the vet. Whether they’re getting their puppy shots, checking a tooth, or having their nails clipped, you’d be surprised at how your vet will use their dog harness to help position your pooch.
The goal is to make vet visits easy and comfortable for your pup, and a dog harness goes a long way! But don’t just take our word for it. Try it yourself on your next visit to the vet.
Tip: Prep your pup’s harness before you leave for the vet. Putting their harness on at the vet or in the car park will create a negative association that will be hard to undo.
3. Walking Etiquette
Dogs don’t come programmed with walking manners, so you’ll need to guide them. Whether you’re teaching a puppy new to walking on a lead or an experienced older dog, the end goal stays the same: minimal pulling and a calm pup walking beside you. Easier said than done, right?
A Harness for Runway-Worthy Walkies
Some dog harnesses have a front D-ring for a no-pull design, and this feature is nothing short of revolutionary. Simply attach your dog lead to the front D-ring, and it will be virtually impossible for your pooch to get ahead. It’s next-level dog walking.
Read more on why you need a dog harness for walks.
A Harness for Training Polite Pups
But a dog harness won’t just correct any bad sidewalk habits; it’s an indispensable training aid. Let’s not sugarcoat things; a dog with poor walking manners will try to take control of your walk. They’ll want to lead, and the harness is the best way to teach them that you need to be the leader and call the shots. Unlike collars, which choke your dog when they pull, the full support of a dog harness means you can safely and gently redirect your dog without putting unsafe pressure on their neck.
More control? Tick!
Better support? Tick!
Suitable for training? Tick
Gentle for your pup? Tick!
It’s a winner.
