The Best Puppy Harness Options for Your Pup

Navigating the world of puppy harnesses can feel overwhelming! With a huge selection of options available, choosing the right one can become a daunting task. However, amidst the sea of choices, there are some fundamental factors that should guide every pet parent’s decision, which prioritize a pup’s well-being at all times. Ensuring that a harness not only fits snugly but also prioritizes the health, comfort & safety of your growing puppy is paramount. In this blog, we delve into the details involved in picking the perfect harness that strikes the balance between style and functionality.

What to Look for in a Harness Design 

When choosing a puppy harness, there are several key features to consider 

1. ‘Y’ shaped Design – look for a harness with a 'Y’ shaped design to ensure that there’s no pressure on your puppy’s neck & throat area. This design helps to distribute the force evenly through the chest, reducing the risk of injury to throat.
2. Avoid Soft Tissues – ensure that the harness sits on the breast plate, rather than the sensitive soft tissues around the neck. This prevents chaffing, discomfort and potential injury.
3. Freedom of Movement – It is important for your puppy to have freedom to move the front legs when out on walks. Ensure the harness does not have straps across the front legs, impeding movement. Instead, look for straps which sculpt around the legs and  shoulders. 
4. Soft, Comfortable Material – opt for a soft puppy harness, made from materials that promote comfort and reduce rubbing or movement, which may irritate your puppy.  
5. Growth Room – choose a puppy harness that allows for growth, with plenty of adjustment in various areas. Puppies grow quickly, so investing in a harness that can adapt to their changing size is important. 

What to Look for in a Lead 

When teaching your puppy to walk nicely, a suitable puppy harness and lead is an essential part of your toolkit. It may seem intuitive to opt for a shorter lead in order to encourage your pup to stay close. However, using a shorter lead increases the likelihood of your puppy reaching the end of the lead, resulting in a taut lead and potentially pulling you along. This creates what is known as the opposition reflex, where your puppy instinctively pulls against the tension of the lead, perpetuating the cycle of pulling. A longer lead offers more freedom as your energetic pup explores the world. By keeping the lead loose rather than taut, your puppy has more opportunities to make positive choices, such as engaging with you, which can then be reinforced with rewards.

Collar or harness for my puppy? 

When deciding between a collar or harness for a puppy, it’s important to learn about the roles of both tools. First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why fitting your puppy with a harness is beneficial. Unlike collars, which can put strain on a puppy’s delicate neck and potentially lead to injuries, harnesses distribute the pressure across the chest. This is especially important for puppies whose necks are still developing and are more susceptible to harm. There is still a place for collars - they are a handy and necessary tool to attach your pup’s ID, however, by opting for a well-designed puppy harness & lead, you are prioritizing your puppy’s safety and well-being during walks and training sessions. 

By prioritizing your puppy’s safety and comfort with a well-designed puppy harness and lead, you can enjoy your walks in the knowledge that your puppy is not only comfortable, but safe too. Remember to choose a puppy harness with a ‘Y’ shaped design, soft materials, and room for growth, and consider investing in a longer lead for added training success. With the right gear, you and your puppy can explore the world together calmly and comfortably.