Labrador Harness: Helping you find the perfect harness

History of the Labrador

The Labrador Retriever, commonly referred to as a Labrador or simply a Lab, originates from the province of Newfoundland and Labrador in Canada. However, their ancestors can be traced back even further. In the 18th century, St. John's Water Dogs, a now-extinct breed, were brought to Newfoundland by European fishermen. These dogs played a crucial role in helping fishermen retrieve fish that had fallen off the hooks or escaped the nets.

The St. John's Water Dogs were praised for their exceptional swimming abilities, strength, and endurance. They were known to have a gentle mouth, making them perfect for fetching games without causing damage. Over time, these dogs were crossed with various breeds, including Newfoundlands, Setters, and Spaniels, to enhance their retrieving and swimming skills, resulting in the development of the Labrador Retriever we know today.

Labradors were primarily used for hunting and retrieving game, especially waterfowl. Their excellent swimming abilities, coupled with their strong retrieving instinct, made them the ideal companions for hunters. They would tirelessly retrieve ducks and other waterfowl, even in icy waters, and deliver them unharmed to their owners. This skill set earned them the title of "retriever." The Labrador's popularity quickly spread beyond Newfoundland and Labrador, and they soon captured the attention of British nobility. In the early 19th century, English sportsmen visiting Canada were impressed by the Labrador's abilities and began bringing them back to England. The breed's popularity soared in the United Kingdom, and it became a favourite among hunters and sports enthusiasts.

In 1903, the Labrador Retriever was officially recognised by the Kennel Club in England. From that point on, Labradors gained recognition and popularity worldwide. Today, Labradors are not only beloved hunting companions but also cherished family pets, therapy dogs, and search and rescue dogs. Labradors have also made their mark in popular culture. They have appeared in various films, TV shows, and books, further cementing their status as one of the most adored dog breeds. Their friendly and affectionate nature, combined with their intelligence and trainability, make them a favourite choice for families and individuals alike.

From humble beginnings as diligent fishing companions in Newfoundland to becoming one of the most popular dog breeds globally, Labradors have certainly left their pawprints in history. Whether you're a hunter, a pet owner, or simply a dog enthusiast, it's hard not to appreciate the rich history and incredible journey of the Labrador Retriever.

Benefits of the Labrador

There are plenty of reasons why Labradors have gained such popularity. These lovable canines offer a wide range of benefits to their owners, making them an excellent choice for families, individuals, and even seniors. 

1. Friendly and Affectionate: 

Labradors are known for their friendly and sociable nature. Given appropriate socialisation and positive exposure, they can be great with kids, making them an ideal choice for families. Their affectionate temperament allows them to easily bond with their owners, creating a strong and lasting companionship.

2. Excellent Family Dogs: 

Labradors are considered to be one of the best family dogs due to their patient and gentle nature. They are highly tolerant of children's playful behaviour and are known to be very protective of their family members. Labradors also get along well with other pets, making them a perfect addition to multi-pet households.

3. Versatile Working Dogs: 

Labradors are renowned for their intelligence and versatility. They excel in various roles, including search and rescue, therapy work, and assistance dogs for people with disabilities. Their high trainability and willingness to please make them perfect candidates for these tasks.

4. Active and Energetic: 

If you lead an active lifestyle, Labradors are the perfect companions for you. They are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Whether it's a long walk, a game of fetch, or a swim, Labradors are always up for an adventure, making them great companions for outdoor enthusiasts.

5. Easy to Train: 

Labradors are highly intelligent dogs, and their eagerness to please their owners makes them easy to train. Whether you want to teach them basic commands, advanced tricks, or even obedience training, Labradors are quick learners. This makes them an excellent choice for first-time dog owners or those looking for a trainable breed.

6. Low Maintenance: 

Labradors have a short and dense coat that is relatively easy to maintain. Regular brushing helps keep their coat healthy and shiny, and they only require occasional baths. Additionally, Labradors are known to be clean dogs and are not prone to a strong odour, which is an added bonus for many owners.

7. Emotional Support: 

Like many breeds, Labradors have a natural ability to provide emotional support and comfort to their owners. They are known to sense their owner's emotions and can provide a calming effect during times of stress or anxiety. This makes them wonderful therapy dogs and an excellent choice for individuals seeking emotional support.

From their friendly and affectionate nature to their versatility and trainability, Labradors truly are a remarkable breed. Whether you're looking for a loving family pet, a working companion, or an emotional support animal, Labradors is sure to bring joy and happiness to your life!

Why a Harness is Beneficial for Labradors

When it comes to owning a Labrador, one of the most important accessories you should consider is a Labrador harness. These specially designed harnesses offer numerous benefits for both you and your canine companion. 

1. Control and Safety: 

Labrador Retrievers are known for their enthusiastic and energetic nature. They can easily get excited and pull on their lead, which can be challenging to manage, especially if you have a strong dog. A Labrador harness provides you with greater control over your dog's movements, whilst maintaining comfort at all times, making walks and outings safer and more enjoyable. The harness evenly distributes the pulling force across your dog's chest, reducing the strain on their neck and preventing potential injuries.

2. Preventing Choking and Discomfort: 

Unlike traditional collars, which put pressure on the neck, a Labrador harness fits around the chest and shoulders. This design helps prevent choking and discomfort that may occur when your dog pulls or lunges forward. By distributing the pressure across a larger area, a harness ensures your Labrador's comfort during walks and training sessions.

3. Training Aid: 

Labrador Retrievers are intelligent and trainable dogs, but they still require proper guidance and training, using positive reinforcement techniques. A harness can be a valuable tool in this process. It offers your Labrador security and comfort, therefore making it easier for your Lab to learn and process information during loose lead training. 

4. Versatility: 

Labrador harnesses are available in a wide range of styles and designs, making them versatile for various activities. Whether you enjoy hiking, jogging, or simply going for a leisurely stroll, there is a harness suitable for every occasion.

5. Comfort and Support: 

Labrador Retrievers are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip dysplasia or arthritis, especially as they age. A well-fitted harness can provide additional support to their body, reducing strain on their joints and muscles. The padded straps and adjustable fit of a harness ensure your Labrador's comfort, allowing them to move freely without any restrictions.

Investing in a Labrador harness offers numerous benefits for both you and your dog. From better control and safety to comfort and support, a harness is an essential accessory that enhances your Labrador's overall well-being. 

Make sure to consider their size and weight to ensure the perfect fit. Measure your Labrador's girth (around the widest part of their chest) and refer to the sizing calculator on our website, to find the most suitable size. 

So, if you haven't already, consider getting a Labrador harness now and experience the difference it can make during your walks and adventures together!

Why a perfect harness is the best choice

The PerfectFit Harness has a modular design to fit any dog type including a Labrador. Our harness has a large range of sizes and fits to choose from, a massive benefit of our harness is that it is comfy and calming for your dog ensuring that both you and your dog are content on your walks. You can purchase our harness in 3 sections, so you can purchase the exact size for each part of the chest area, providing your dog with the perfect fit! We know how worrying it can be when your dog is pulling on their lead, causing their harness or collar to pull on their neck, however, our harness is designed with a Y-shaped front to avoid the soft tissues of the throat and neck. This will reduce the risk of any injury caused by the pulling. Our harness isn't just safer, it is also stylish. We offer a large range of colours and as you can remove and replace each piece you can have multiple different harness colours! We are the perfect fit for you!