What is the best harness for my dog?

The most popular dog harness at Further Faster is the Ruffwear Front Range Dog Harness. However, there are many other dog harnesses to choose from depending on your dog's size, shape, and the main activities you will be doing together.

How do I choose the right dog harness?

Take your dog to a shop specialising in dog harnesses for a proper in-person expert fitting. If you are in Christchurch, visit Further Faster.

The staff all love or own dogs and fit dogs into all types of harnesses daily. 

Other factors to think about when choosing a harness for your dog are their shape, personality and adventure plans.

What harness style is best for my dog?

Choose a harness that doesn't pull on your dog's shoulders, so your dog has the freedom and flexibility to move comfortably.

What is the best dog harness for broad and barrel-chested dogs?

Broad and barrel-chested dogs, like Greyhounds, need a harness that accommodates their more considerable girth. A good option for them is the Ruffwear Flagline Harness, which sits a bit further back, giving space at the front of the harness.

What is the best dog harness for an escape artist?

If your dog is an escape artist, you may prefer a harness with extra clips, like the Ruffwear Webmaster. It goes longer down the belly and has additional straps under the dog's torso, fitting snugger than the thickest part of the dog's girth, reducing slippage.

Is a collar and lead better than a harness?

Yes, a harness is better than a collar and lead as it reduces friction and pulling on your dog's neck and throat. An easy-to-use and very comfortable dog harness is the Ruffwear Front Range Harness. It is padded for comfort and everyday wear. It has leash attachment points on the front and top of the harness and has matching leads and collars, too, for the complete set-up.

Is it better for a dog harness to be tight or loose?

Your dog's harness should be tight enough that it won't slip off but loose enough to be comfortable. Our general rule is to be able to fit three fingers under the harness so we know it is not too tight. Also, avoid all chaffing under your dog's armpits, so check the harness and ensure it sits back enough to prevent this.

How do you know what size harness to get?

When you get a new dog harness, measure the widest part of your dog's girth with a measuring tape. Then, check your measurement against the product size guide. But always try it on to check, as each dog is slightly different and may need a harness that sits further back, or needs more padding. 

Should I always walk my dog in a harness?

For consistency in training your dog to walk next to you, using a harness every day will be helpful. However, a collar is a great backup when you need it and is also very useful in dog identification.

Top 5 Tips for Buying a Dog Harness: 

1. Take your dog into a shop and get fitted for the harness if you can.

2. Think about what activities you will be doing with your dog - Hiking, Trail Running...

3. Measure your dog's size round the widest part of its girth, behind the front legs, to get the general size your dog will be in a dog Harness.

4. Make sure you can fit three fingers between dog and harness and that it's not rubbing around the dogs armpits. 

5. It's better to walk your dog in a dog harness, but having a collar is a great place to put identification and registration. 

If you liked this blog, make sure you check out this one: How Do I Choose a Dog Backpack? – Further Faster