There are several types of puffs on dogs. Some are divided into categories of use. Others - on the materials used. The third - in size, etc. The harnesses are usual for the walking of dogs, tie, guard, sledge, special. Each of them is useful in certain situations. But we are more interested in conventional harnesses. They are needed to evenly distribute the load on the chest, if the dog is strongly torn forward. Most often, the materials of the gloves are applied to the skin, nylon and leatherette. Consider how to properly dress a harness on a dog, so that she and the owner would be as comfortable as possible.
Scope of application
Harnesses are the best alternative to collars. The one who kept the dogs knows that the collar can lead to serious injuries to the neck. For example, when a dog rushes sharply to the side or it is pulled by the owner. There are micro-displacements of the vertebrae of the neck and back, which in the future causes painful sensations and developmental defects. Sometimes the thyroid gland is injured. In addition, a tight collar prevents breathing.
Harnesses consist of several straps, covering the body of the dog on the chest and under the paws. If the harness is matched to the size, then it evenly distributes loads when jerking. In addition, the areas of the body where the straps are fixed are less traumatic.
Begin to use harness for walking with puppies. First, they get used to additional ammunition. And secondly, do not choke on the collars with leashes, trying to wriggle out of the way. Puppies of some breeds because of the features of the structure of the skeleton are even shown. As a rule, these are chunky strong breeds with thick necks: amstaffs, boxers, bulldogs, rottweilers and the like. Also, harnesses are shown to dogs of miniature breeds to protect their fragile skeleton.
Enthusiastic dog breeders also use special harnesses for their duty: for training dogs to search by smell, for training, towing, harnesses with weighting, driving, etc. Ask why they are in an ordinary family? In fact, there are many applications. For example, towing harnesses will be useful for fans of active sports. Of course, units participate in dog sled competitions. But with the help of a towing harness a strong dog can with a breeze ride a skier or a skier. And the riding harness is easily attached to the usual sledges. If you trust the dog, then it will gladly roll in the winter for children. Harnesses with weighting are an excellent simulator for strengthening the muscular system. True, before using them, one should consult with specialists: with a veterinarian about contraindications, and with a cynologist about the training regime.
How to properly wear a harness
To properly wear a harness on a dog, it must be correctly picked up. For this purpose, the girth of the dog's chest is measured. The size of the harness is determined by the table. Naturally, there will be no ideal values. Therefore, the sizes of the gloves are given with variations: from the maximum, to the minimum. After all, the length of the straps is regulated within the indicated limits:
The size | Belt width in mm | Breast reach from max to min (cm) | Dog breeds | |
XL | 25 | 130 | 90 | Leonberger, St. Bernard, Newfoundland, Great Dane |
L | 25 | 100 | 70 | Doberman, Weimaraner, German Shepherd, Rottweiler |
M | 25 | 80 | 60 | Labrador, Boxer, Golden Retriever, English Setter |
20 | 70 | 50 | fox terrier, cocker spaniel, beagle | |
XS | 15 | 55 | 40 | pug, cavalier-king-charles spaniel, west highland white terrier |
XXS | 15 | 45 | 33 | Chihuahua, dwarf pincher, yorkshire terrier |
Correctly to put on a harness it is necessary so that the belt of a harness was on distance of a width of a palm from axillas. To make the dog feel very comfortable, the straps are tightened so that between the body of the dog and the belt held the palm.
If a towing harness is used, the main belt of the towing harness should lie on the front surface of the chest. So the maximum load is distributed evenly. With properly fitted towing harness, the ring should not be placed in the withers area. Otherwise, the balance will be broken. The ring should be on the croup of the dog and fasten or slide along the lines, depending on the design.
The guard harnesses are used as an alternative to the collar when training dogs. It is known that at the beginning of training (most often in puppyhood), dogs do not understand what they want, and break out. The design of the guard collars protects the neck from injury. These collars are different from the towing position of the chest strap. The belt is located between the front paws. A leash for lessons is attached to the rings above the dog's withers. Buying a harness, it is necessary to carefully check the rings, the place of their fastening and the connection of the straps on the withers.
How to choose the right cable
The harness should fit tightly to the body of the dog, but it does not impede movement. If you are planning to involve an experienced cynologist in training a dog, then pick up the harness with him. For medium and large breeds of dogs, choose a harness made of durable material (braid, leather), with thick belts, strong carabiners and buckles. Harnesses should not be unnecessarily heavy. The last trend is nylon harnesses. By strength, they are not inferior to the skin, but it is much easier and more durable.
Naturally, when choosing a sash, you need to determine what they are for. For example, for towing skiers and skating sleds light nylon harnesses are perfectly suitable without additional buckles and rings, but with a cable for fastening. For classes with dogs, choose leather harnesses with strong buckles and wide straps. Make sure that the rivets hold tight, the straps are properly stitched, and the rings are soldered. In addition to leather gloves, a combination of nylon + leather is suitable. They will be easier and cheaper, but still as reliable.
For fashionable miniature doggies with a gentle neck and thin neck instead of collars it is better to purchase light velor harnesses. Also suitable inexpensive nylon and leather, decorated with rhinestones or crystals.