How to Fit a Dog for a Harness

Many dog owners prefer a harness to a dog collar. A dog harness can be quite helpful with large dogs or puppies that pull and jump while on the leash. Using a harness on a dog reduces the stress the dog's neck and the owner's arm when walking.Much like a collar, a dog harness is properly fit when two fingers fit snugly under the harness at the neck and chest.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Tape Measure
• Dog Harness
• String (optional)

Measuring a Dog for Proper Harness Fitting

1. 

   Use a fabric tape measure to measure around the dog's chest and neck. If no tape measure is available, use a long piece of string and mark the correct size on the string or cut it to the exact length. The best fit is when two fingers fit sideways under the harness at the neck and chest area.

2. Bring the dog to the pet store if possible for the most accurate fitting. If this is not possible, keep the receipt for the harness after purchase and ask about the store's return policy in case the harness does not fit correctly.

3. Look at the tag on the harness. Most manufactures have the neck and chest measurements clearly stated on the tag as well as instructions for properly measuring these areas.

4. 

   Try the harness on the dog immediately to check for proper sizing. If the neck or chest is too tight or too loose and cannot be adjusted to fit properly, return the dog harness to the store where you purchased it.

Tips & Warnings

• Sit in a kneeling position behind the dog for fitting the harness. If the dog has never worn a harness before be prepared for a possible fight. Most dogs and puppies will acclimate to the harness feeling fairly quickly, do not give in. Body shaking and rubbing on furniture or the ground are normal behaviors for first time harness fittings.
• Make sure the harness properly fits the dog. An improperly fitting harness can cause injury to a dog or puppy. A harness that is too tight can choke the dog, while a harness that is too loose can get caught on things and cause injury.

Resources

• DogsRuleIowa