Dogs need exercise; that’s a simple fact of dog ownership that everyone will agree with. It doesn’t matter how busy you are during the weekdays; they will always need some quality time with their owners.
A leash is a fantastic way for your dog to get the exercise they need while also having fun and meeting new friends. There are all kinds of leashes for different needs – lightweight ones that won’t get in the way of your hands while you’re using them, or heavier duty ones for when your dog wants to really pull!
However, you might not know about leashes that some are made with specific dog breeds in mind. This is especially true for harnesses instead of regular collars, meant to protect their necks if they start pulling on them or get spooked by something on the street. Here we’ll look at the thinking behind these harnesses and which ones might be right for your dog.
How a Dog’s Neck is Different from a Human’s Neck
The neck of a dog is made from different bones and muscles than a human’s, which makes them stronger in some ways but weaker in others.
Most importantly, because their necks are made from thicker, more muscular bones, they can take a lot more pressure before they start to hurt. This is true even when the dog starts to pull against the leash aggressively; any good Madison vet clinic will tell you that!
In contrast, a human’s neck muscles are much thinner and more delicate, which means that pressure can get to them much faster. This is why an emergency doctor will always put a collar on someone to stop them from moving after an accident, even if they aren’t bleeding or have any specific neck injuries.
What is a ‘Good’ Harness for Dogs?
A harness for dogs is one way that dog owners can protect their animal’s necks while not giving up on walks completely if they are heavy pullers.
Most harnesses look a little bit like a vest, but they wrap around the front of the dog’s torso and allow them full range to move their legs while also supporting their body weight from behind.
With a collar, you might feel great while your dog is wearing it, but you might notice nasty pressure from the tight leash around his neck and shoulders. If he starts to pull against the leash and twist around aggressively, it’s possible that at any moment, you could step into an accident.
Harnesses for Other Reasons
Of course, not all harnesses are used just to protect a dog’s neck when they pull!
Some harnesses allow dogs to sit in cars, and alert harnesses are designed for off-leash play areas at dog parks without worrying too much about running over something or getting confused by other dogs who could be aggressive.
Even so, you know that most dogs love to pull on a leash if they get excited, and most owners want to do whatever we can to keep them safe and happy.
When Does Your Dog Need A Specific Harness?
For many people, simply using a regular collar whenever they go for walks is just fine. They’re comfortable and look nice, and it doesn’t matter too much what color they are
However, there are some occasions when you want to control your dog’s movement.
Harnesses designed for dogs pulling weight (like sled dogs) or harnesses with a third “belly strap” that will help stop dogs such as Manchester Terries from slipping out are just two examples of specific harnesses preferred by responsible dog owners.
