Escape Proof Dog Harness Buyer's Guide
There is a range of benefits to finding the ideal escape proof canine harness for your dog, and it is essential to do your research.
Large, muscular dogs are strong and powerful, and a harness allows you extra control over your pet. As well as control, a well-fitted harness can reduce the likelihood of your pooch pulling and causing themselves injury.
This can also occur in smaller dogs, who may suffer from having the pressure of the lead concentrated on a single small area on the neck.
Why Does My Dog Need A Harness?
- A harness helps to spread the stress over a larger area, leading to a more comfortable experience.
- A harness can reduce the risk of choking, or injuries to the neck and trachea. Some dogs will constantly pull and fight the leash, and without a harness, this restricts the collar on the neck. A harness can connect the leash to the back and shoulders, offering a wider area and reducing stress.
- Harnesses can also be useful for dogs who tend to tangle the rope. This act can unbalance the owner and give the dog a chance to escape, and both pet and owner can be injured by becoming trapped. Your canine friend will find it much harder to tangle himself up when attached to a harness.
- Harnesses can be beneficial in training, as they offer more control over your pet, putting you firmly in control and allowing you to set and reinforce the desired behavior.
- It can also be a useful alternative for dogs who react badly to a collar during training; a good, well-fitted harness will be comfortable for your dog, as well as being trickier to slip.
- Safety is also a factor if your pooch is in a vehicle; a seat belt can be attached to the harness, keeping them firmly in place and safe and secure in the event of an accident.
What Are The Types Of Escape Proof Harness?
There is a range of escape proof harness types, and it is important to try and test the best ones for you and your dog to get the safest and most comfortable fit.
Type 1: Back-Clip Harness
A back-clip harness has a ring on the dogs back, and the leash is clipped to this. Many dogs find walking with these easy and have little objection, and they are particularly useful for smaller dogs. They are good for dogs who are already well trained and unlikely to pul; the design is not intended to discourage pulling, and this may result in the owner being dragged.
Type 2: Front-Clip Harness
Front clip harnesses, as the name suggests, allow the leash to attach to the center of the chest, and can be ideal if your pooch tends to pull on the leash.
The owner is more in control with this option, allowing them to redirect and replace the dog when an escape attempt is made. They may not be suitable for dogs who have severe behavior issues; such canines may need additional control, such as a head halter. These are also the most likely to tangle if the owner allows too much slack.
Type 3: Tightening Harness
Tightening harnesses are examples which should be used with caution, as they run the risk of causing pain.
They work by tightening and adding pressure if the dog pulls, and this discomfort discourages the behavior. It is essential to make sure that the pull is slight, and doesn't cause the dog any pain.
It is important to thoroughly research the variety of options which are available, to help you to make the best possible choice for you and your dog. This decision can depend on factors such as the size of the dog, prior training, your lifestyle, and any issues your pooch may have.
Getting Your Dog Used To A Harness
Helping your dog get used to an escape proof harness starts with them being comfortable with touching. Regular petting and making sure they are comfortable with contact will make the process easier.
Step 1: Start Slow
Take it slow; if your dog is unused to being petted or has a nervous disposition, it can take time to build up to be happy with regular contact.
Rushing the process and introducing the harness too early or forcefully will only make your pet scared of the item, and will lead to outright refusal and potentially aggressive behavior when faced with an escape proof harness. Taking it slowly will help improve your connection with your pooch, gaining their trust and making them more willing to accept a new item.
Step 2: Introduce The Harness
Once this trust and ease with contact are achieved, your pet will need to get used to the escape proof harness itself, and this starts with an introduction. Start by allowing your pooch to see the harness clearly from all angles, offering plenty of opportunities to sniff, to help them to determine the shape, feel, scent and other attributes, lessening the surprise when it is attached to them.
A good idea is to add a treat on the back or top to it for your dog to enjoy, to help make a positive connection between them and the harness.
This will encourage your dog to sniff the escape proof harness in the hope that they will receive a treat. If there are any fastenings, such as Velcro or buckles, make sure that your pooch is used to the sound so that it doesn't scare them. Slowly open and close the straps until they no longer bother your dog.
Step 3: Gently Place The Harness On Your Pooch
The next stage is contact, and this begins by placing the escape proof harness gently on the areas where it will sit, such as the back, chest, and neck. Make sure you reward with a treat after each contact to ensure the experience is positive.
Allow your pet to be entirely comfortable and happy with the harness touching their body before proceeding. When you come to put the harness on, start very slowly and make sure your dog is totally happy at every stage.
Dangle the escape proof harness in front of them, and let them poke their head through in return for a treat, before easing their body into the structure without fastening the straps. Follow this step by removing the harness; this tells your dog that this is a temporary object to be worn, not a permanent feature.
Step 4: Repeat & Repeat
Repeat this process a few times, to allow your pet to get used to the weight and feel of the escape proof harness. When they are ready, try fixing the fastenings to secure the piece. Before embarking on an adventure, allow them to roam familiar territory such as the garden, to get used to the feel of the harness.
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