D for diversity
Nowadays there are countless dog collars, dog leashes and of course dog harnesses. The numerous types of dog harnesses can easily overwhelm you. What types of dog harnesses are there? Which do I like and my fur nose? Which are perfectly matched to our common needs?
In this post we want to bring you closer to the different types of dog harnesses, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
The H-harness
The first of the numerous types of dog harnesses, which you are sure to already know, is the classic: the H-harness or also called driving harness. Why is it said so? Because it visually resembles an H. It consists of two loops and two connections. The first loop is at the neck, the second at the chest. One connection is on the upper back, the second goes between the two front legs. These dog harnesses are suitable for all dog breeds: from large to small.
In addition, they are usually very simple and large adjustable so that they can grow with them if necessary. In addition, they can be adapted almost perfectly to the physique of your own fur nose. But exactly this advantage also harbors the first disadvantage. Adjusting the dog harness perfectly is often very difficult due to the many adjustment options. You also have to make sure that the two connections are not too short, since these are usually not to be adjusted.
If the connections are too short, the harness will probably press into your dog’s armpits. It is logical that this is painful. Another important point, which is usually not the case with cheaper representatives of this category, is that the connection on the chest and forelegs is wide and ideally padded. Otherwise, strong pull can cause the dog to have pain in the larynx and chest.
The Y harnesses
The second classic is the Y harness. A disadvantage of H-dishes is no longer a problem with most Y-dishes from the H-dishes. Because almost all Y harnesses are well to very well padded on the chest. Visually, these types of dog harness are very similar to the letter Y. The close-fitting cut ensures a good fit with a wide variety of dog breeds. But that also means that it is usually very close to the shoulder and armpits.
It is also much more difficult for your fur nose to wriggle out of this harness. Real breakout artists also find a way with these dishes. So-called safety harnesses are a sensible alternative for these candidates. Dressing is comparable to H-harness. However, a good fit is extremely important here too. Make sure that the dog feels comfortable when wearing it and that the fur is not rubbed off.
N like Norwegians
The latest “evergreen” among the types of dog harness is the Norwegian harness. The great popularity is probably due to the particularly simple application. Simply pull over your head, close and off you go. Because the Norwegian harness only consists of a horizontal chest belt and a vertical waist belt. Due to the comparatively small contact area, these dog harnesses are also a good alternative to other types of harness.
However, this is precisely why the Norwegian harnesses can only be adapted very little to the physique of your own fur nose. As a rule, they can only be adjusted on the waist belt. This means that if the chest strap is too short, it cannot be changed. Therefore, the following applies to these dishes: either it fits or it doesn’t fit!
With these types of dog harnesses, the entire pressure is distributed across the chest. Sensitive areas of the dog are therefore completely protected. In addition, most of these models have a small loop on the upper back, with which it is easier to hold the (large) dog.
V like vest
The “step-in” or waistcoat harnesses, which we also affectionately call trouser harnesses, have recently become increasingly popular. Where does the name come from? These types of dog harnesses have two holes and are put on like pants and closed at the top of the back or shoulder. Mostly these harnesses have a small metal ring on both sides. The carabiner of the dog leash is led through both metal rings. This not only ensures additional protection, but the dishes are always in the middle.
These dog harnesses are usually very well padded and have a very good pressure distribution. However, they are often only available in small sizes, which is why they are particularly suitable for small to medium-sized dogs, as well as puppies and young dogs.
S like saddle
The saddle harness looks very similar to the Norwegian harness. Therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of these two types of tableware are also comparable. In contrast to the Norwegian harness, the saddle harness has a wide surface on the back. Similar to a saddle. They are easy to put on and offer good freedom of movement. Although these harnesses are supposed to be very robust, we advise you not to use these harnesses for sporting activities in which you want to lift your fur nose on the harness, because the dog is usually not tight enough in the harness and slips so quickly the dishes.
If you are a fan of simple design, you will probably not have any fun with this tableware. In contrast to the Norwegian harness, it looks very large and overloaded, especially on small dogs. In addition, the “saddle” is very warm or takes a long time to dry again.
S for special
In addition to the harnesses listed above, there are also numerous other types of dog harnesses. These include, for example, safety harnesses and pulling harnesses.
Safety harnesses are particularly useful for scared dogs and outbreak artists. These dog harnesses are usually slightly longer on the back and have an additional strap on the lower back. This runs behind the rib cage and is intended to prevent the dog from wriggling out of the harness. But for real professionals, safety harness is not 100 percent safe.
Pull harnesses logically come from the dog sport. They are not suitable for everyday use, but rather for sporting activities such as canicross. These harnesses distribute the power optimally. However, they are mainly for large dog breeds.
Of course there are also other harnesses that are adapted to the physique of certain breeds, such as pug and bulldog.
You can find all dog harnesses at TARIGS here.