| Which is better, a dog collar or a dog harness? If you | | | | they will accommodate; for example, medium will fit a |
| are trying to decide which one to purchase for your | | | | girth from 32 to 48 inches. Opinions vary as to |
| dog, here is a consideration to keep in mind. | | | | whether to choose the smaller or larger size that is |
| If your dog pulls you along as you are walking or you | | | | closest to the girth measurement of your dog. If you |
| have a hard time controlling him, you may want to | | | | have a pup that is still growing or a senior that has |
| consider purchasing a dog harness for him instead of | | | | stopped growing, you are the best judge. When you |
| a collar. The first reaction to a dog pulling you is to | | | | have fitted your dog with his new harness, check to |
| yank up on the leash. Yanking up brusquely creates a | | | | make sure that you can place a couple of fingers |
| "whiplash" effect with extreme pressure on the neck. | | | | vertically between the harness and the body of your |
| We all are aware that when you have continuous | | | | dog. The adjustable straps on the harness will enable |
| pressure or stress on one area, something is going to | | | | you to secure your friend safely. |
| give eventually. A collar places all of the stress on the | | | | Your new dog harness should be made of a |
| neck area whereas a harness distributes the pressure | | | | comfortable material. You know what kind of coat |
| across the chest and "armpit" area. Disc and neck | | | | your dog has so you will know if a leather harness is |
| problems usually do not show up until later in life, so | | | | suitable for your coarse haired friend. If your dog has |
| you are the judge. You know your dog better than | | | | fine hair, then your best choice should be a lighter |
| anyone else. | | | | nylon harness perhaps. |
| If you feel that a harness is the better decision for | | | | To keep both you and your friend content and |
| your friend, you need to measure the girth of your | | | | happy with your dog harness, bear in mind the |
| dog to properly fit a harness. Place one end of your | | | | following tips: |
| tape measure on top of your dogs spine at the | | | | Just like a collar, remember to increase the size of |
| widest part of his rib cage. Wrap the tape measure | | | | your harness as your dog grows or gains weight. |
| underneath your dog behind his front legs and up to | | | | Believe it or not, some owners just do not check |
| meet the end of the tape you have placed on his | | | | their pet attire regularly. |
| spine. The number on the tape measure that | | | | Make sure that the harness does not rub against |
| coincides with the beginning of the tape is the girth | | | | your dogs skin and create sores or lesions. Check for |
| measurement. | | | | irritated or broken skin in the areas where the |
| Most dog harnesses will indicate the sizes of girths | | | | harness is close to your dogs body. |