A cuddly medium-sized dog is often great for a healthy lifestyle. Always charged with energy, these breeds keep up on hikes and adventures; thus, they are the most favoured pets among families. However, their power-pack performance requires a robust tool to handle them properly. A medium dog harness lets your pet be most active and comfortable. Better than a collar, these harnesses reduce their chances of slipping off the leash and giving chase. So, after getting the harness, the next thing on your agenda is learning how to use it to make the most of it. The specific way of using a harness depends on the kind of harness you use since there are several different types to choose from according to your dog’s suitability.
As such, we have curated some of the best and most important tips to help you easily learn to use a medium dog harness. These tips will ensure your dog’s comfort and teach you how to adjust the harness correctly. That way, your furry pal can enjoy as many walks as possible while being secure.
Tips for Properly Using a Dog Harness for Comfortability
Below are the tips to help you learn how to use a harness and prioritise your dog’s comfort and security.
Tip 1: Measure Your Pet for the Right Fit
Even if you have a medium-sized dog, it’s necessary to know the exact measurements of your pet. A properly fitting harness for your pet means utmost comfort since vice versa will cause chafing and discomfort and may restrict your dog’s natural movement. Ensure your medium dog harness is properly fitting by measuring the little guy or girl.
You can take a measuring tape and get your notes to write down your dog’s sizes. Start by taking the measurements of your pet’s neck, then go for the girth and chest. You can wrap the measuring tape behind the front legs around your pet’s widest body part. This way, you can measure the circumference and compare all the measurements to ensure you have sized them correctly.
Tip 2: Wearing it Right
This is crucial in learning how to use a medium dog harness. Start by checking whether you have a reversible or an irreversible harness. A reversible harness can be worked in two ways, whereas the irreversible can be worn only in one way. Next, identify the difference between the right attachment for the ID tag and the right attachment for the leash. It’s vital since the tag attachment cannot withstand the leash’s pressure.
Tip 3: Adjusting the Straps for Utmost Comfort
Even if you get the right-sized medium dog harness, you must still adjust it to your dog’s unique proportions. Begin by loosening the straps to ensure your pet’s maximum comfort, and then put the harness on your dog. Tighten the straps gradually once it’s on to ensure snug fitness on their body. You can check for the right fit by slipping two fingers between the dog’s body and the harness. If you cannot slip your fingers in, you have adjusted the harness tightly and must loosen the straps a bit.
Tip 4: Check for Movement Freedom
Ensure your dog can move around comfortably without being restricted once the harness is on. You must observe your pet at this time to ensure that the harness is not digging into or rubbing against their skin, specifically around the chest and under the legs.
Tip 5: Align the Harness
Dog safety while wearing a harness is important since dogs will likely want to run, jump, and fetch outdoors. Check the harness alignment to see whether it sits comfortably across your dog’s shoulders and chest without restricting movement or digging into its armpits. The straps of the medium dog harness should not bunch up or twist to cause discomfort.
Tip 6: Avoid Pressure Points
A dog’s harness must be made using breathable, soft air mesh fabric to avoid discomfort or irritation. You can also consider using anti-chafing products for your dog if necessary.
Tip 7: Observe for Signs of Discomfort
Pay attention to how your pet behaves when wearing the medium dog harness. Check for discomfort, such as reluctance to move, rubbing, or excessive scratching. Your dog may try to nibble in some places where it is not comfortable. Ensure you adjust in these places by observing the signs and making it the right fit. You can also remove the harness from your dog to relieve it occasionally. Remember that dogs are not meant to wear harnesses always; they need to wear them only when necessary.
Tip 8: Check for Escape Ways
Always double-check to ensure the harness is escape-proof and secure, especially when you have a notorious furry bunch. Ensure that all the buckles are properly fastened and will not come loose easily. Head out the door only once you know the harness’s security.
Tip 9: Regularly Check the Fit
Dogs grow with time. They gain weight while developing new muscles and becoming taller. So, you must check the harness regularly. Also, if the change is significant, you can buy a new harness or adjust the existing one. Remember that you must always prioritise your pet’s comfort over everything else!
Conclusion
A medium dog harness is a great option since it allows them to move freely without jeopardising their security. Ensure you pick the right harness for your dog and have already considered their measurements. Knowing your dog’s size will help you pick the most suitable harness. You can buy medium dog harness from a selection of standard, step-in, and front clip harnesses and see which is best for your little pup. Every harness has a different design, each with its characteristics. At the same time, using them can also be a little different, so you can go through the manufacturer’s instructions and use the above tips to put the harness on your dog and ensure their complete comfort.