Things You'll Need:
- Flexible Measuring Tape
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Step 1
Start off by measuring around the dog's back, or his girth. To do this you will start behind his front legs, then up and over his back, and back down under his belly until you are back where you started. You now have his girth measurement. This is the most important measurement in sizing for a harness.
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Step 2
Next, you will around the dog's neck. This particular measurement may not matter with certain kinds of harnesses, but it is good to have it on hand just in case.
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Step 3
If your dog is a little more broadly built, like a Bulldog, go ahead and get a chest measurement too. To do this you will start from behind the dog's front leg. Bring the tape around the front of the dog and around until you reach the same point behind the opposite front leg.
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Step 4
A lot of pet stores like PetSmart and Petco will let you bring your dog inside. This way you will be able to try on the harness for a better fit for your dog.
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Step 5
Once the harness is fastened, make sure you can fit two fingers comfortable under the harness at both the neck and the chest.
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Step 6
Watch how your dog walks around in the new harness to make sure he feel comfortable in it too. You do not want it to be pinching or hindering his gait.
Comments
mommyhen42 said
on 9/1/2009 Very nice information, you really need this if you are ordering a specialty harness online
KaraDiablo said
on 8/29/2009 Thanks for the tips
sullysee said
on 8/12/2009 Important tips on measuring for a dog harness. Tory loves his, it's made a big difference in his comfort on long walks.
godfather25 said
on 7/13/2009 These are excellent tips on measuring a dog for a harness.
ynohtna said
on 7/11/2009 Thank for the advice Rated 5*