Let’s Talk Harnesses

Harnesses can be a huge benefit to a puppy, particularly whilst they are perfecting their loose-lead walking and learning how to walk ’nicely’ on a lead.

And they are a far safer option when using a long-line with your puppy when out and about or practising recall training.

We want your puppy to enjoy your walk together and for them to be as comfortable as possible. There will inevitably be many times that the lead goes tight, so when that happens, with a harness, pressure is kept to a minimum.

All that said, it’s imperative that the harness is fitted correctly. Ill-fitted harnesses can result in a safety issue (i.e your puppy wriggles out of it) or they can get sore if it rubs (too loose or too tight) or it could restrict natural movement, which can be detrimental to their musculo-skeletal structure, particularly whilst they are growing.

If your puppy has a bad experience with their harness, they will become reactive to putting it on or wearing/moving in it.

So …….

1) Make sure the harness is fitted correctly

2) Choosing a harness can be a minefield so seek expert advise where possible. 3) Ideally choose an adjustable fit harness to help with your growing puppy

4) Don’t buy big so they ‘can grow into it’, you want some longevity but go too big and you’ll have the issues I mentioned above

5) Get them used to the harness slowly, let them sniff it, give them a treat then put it down. Put it over their head, give them a treat, take it off. Put their harness on, give them a treat, take it off. Feed them their tea whilst wearing it then take it off. The more time you can give your puppy to gradually get used to the harness, the quicker they will accept it without fear or avoidance. Make it a happy experience for them rather than grabbing a wriggly puppy and forcing them into it. The time and patience you use will pay dividends.

There are many different harnesses on the market, think FIT, COMFORT, MOVEMENT

If you have addressed those 3 categories, then you’re well on your way to getting the right harness for your puppy.

One brand of harness which is quite popular in the training world is the ‘Perfect Fit’ harness.

It is a ‘Y’ shaped comfort harness which allows for shoulder movement. They have proved a good fit (or should I say the ‘perfect fit’!) for many breeds, including the bull dog type shapes which are well known for being a difficult one to fit.

Your local pet shops can help with choosing and fitting harnesses, including Pets Corner in Bicester Avenue. As long as your puppy is fully vaccinated, take them into store…. not only can you get help with your harness, your puppy will have an extra opportunity to socialise… win, win!!

If it’s the Perfect Fit harness you are after, I can recommend a local fitter and supplier - Jennie from Completely Canine. https://www.completelycanine.co.uk/harnesses

More next time when I’ll be talking LEADS!!

Thanks for reading