Harnesses

There seems to be some myth about harnesses but in reality most of it should be down to common sense. At the end of the day different people have different preferences that do or do not work for them so I shall try to stick to information that applies to all.


A good harness fit is essential to get the best performance from your dog. It must be comfortable for the dog to carry out the job that it has to do without causing discomfort through chafing or rubbing thus giving the dog discomfort. Every dog is built in a different way.  It is important that the dog is measured accurately and the harness be made for the dog. In most cases you can get harnesses that are off the peg so to speak but you cannot go wrong with measuring and then transferring this to your given choice of harness manufacturer.


To begin with, the harness should be a good fit at the neck. You should be able to place your fingers through without squashing them. If the harness is too loose at this point then the load will be transferred to the shoulder blades thus interfering with the front movement of the dog. If the harness is too small then interference will cause the dog to suffer from restriction of the windpipe and the throat.


Adequate padding should be used on the breastplate and the area under the front legs so as not to cause rubbing and to give the dog some comfort from the webbing. Again, which type of padding is up to each individual's choice?


Where the harness passes over the ribs it should just sit past the last rib, so it is important to be able to locate this area. If you cannot then you might want to consider putting the dog on a diet. This is important so as not to put excessive pressure on the rib cage.  The harness should just reach the base of the tail when pulled by the loop. In some breeds with heavy coat, or when shedding coat, there is every possibility that you may require more than one harness.


To judge length, if it is not long enough the webbing will bind under the dogs armpits. If the harness is too long then the dog's tail may come through the top of the harness. Also if it cuts along the dog's thighs then the harness is too long.

 

Measuring Harnesses:

1. Breastbone/ sternum tip to midpoint just in front of shoulder blades or withers.
2. Breastbone/ sternum tip down through front legs up across ribs to joint of tail and back.
3. Breastbone through front legs to last rib.
4. Breastbone through front legs to rear most point above hock.
5. Behind withers/ shoulder tip to deepest part of chest.
 

This is the most standard way of measuring for a harness.  Other things that a maker would also require would be the breed, age and sex of the dog.

 

Frequent causes of bad harnesses:

1. Home jobs cobbled together or some people who think they know how to make a harness     and don't.
2. Poor quality webbing, and insufficient padding, or that some harnesses never see a wash.  Here with some of our gravel trails it is important that there is no grit left in for the next run.
3. Always go to a reputable maker and the best way is through recommendation.
4. Remember also that some makers manufacture different types of harnesses.

Peter Carol, Whyphurst Kennel