Buying Tips For Small Dog Harnesses
Every dog loves to be walked, but if your dog is a little too uncontrollable, a small dog harness might be just the ticket. The simplest form of dog harness involves double straps that run just behind the dog’s front legs, around their back, and then in front of their front legs. This design lessens the danger of injury to the dog’s neck from strong pulling. Dog harnesses also provide a stronger connection to your dog, making it easier for them to respond to a small tug instead of a sharp pull.
A standard collar is worn around a dog’s neck, whereas a harness fits over the front shoulders and behind the front legs, and attaches at the top of the back, between the shoulder blades. The leash attaches to a ring at the top of the dog’s back, usually at the shoulder blades. Harnesses come in many different styles, materials and colors, but are mainly variations on the fundamental design and position a harness takes on the dog.
No-Pull Harness
The no-pull harness distributes the pressure in the area between the dog’s front legs and chest (armpits) when the leash tightens. The dog owner needs to keep an eye out for pinching under the front legs. The no-pull harness can cause abrasion in the armpits.
Regular Harness
A regular harness distributes the pulling force fairly evenly across the chest and shoulders, and can actually allow the dog to pull harder. Regular harnesses, when fitted properly, are favorable for their unobtrusive impact on the dog’s flexibility and comfort. They rarely cause pain, and work quite well on small dogs, who cannot pull against the harness. If your dog has had a neck injury, then a harness is the preferred option to a standard neck collar.
Fitting
Proper fitting is important. Harnesses attach in a variety of ways, depending on the manufacturer. Pay special attention to chafing under the dog’s front legs. The harness should not be too tight. Dimensions and sizing is often given on the packaging. Using dimensions of your pooch, estimate harness size and adjust the harness to your pet’s size. With the D-ring facing your dog’s tail, slip your pet’s head through the loop. A harness is ineffective when used to stop pulling by medium to large dogs, except when a no-pull harness is used.
Training
A small dog harness can be an excellent choice, as your dog cannot really pull against it because they are so low to the ground. It also protects their neck and trachea.
Here is just a sample of the many small dog harnesses available to you:
 Poochee Leather Step-in Harness & Leash Set (3/8 in. width) – $ 64.00 Poochee Step-in Harness & Leash Set for Small Dogs |
 Walkeez Harness from the Simon Edwards Collection by Releashme for Small Dogs from Golly Gear – $ 49.95 Walkeez Harness for Small Dogs, sturdy fleece harness from the Simon Edwards collection from Golly Gear. |
 Poochee Cloth Step-in Harness & Leash Set (3/8 in. width) – $ 37.50 Poochee Step-in Harness & Leash Set for Small Dogs |
