Instructions
Choose the type of harness that's right for your dog. A harness differs from a collar in that it wraps around your dogs chest in front of and behind the forelegs and straps across their back. The leash itself is attached to the back of the harness allowing greater control for the owner.
Pick a padded harness for dogs that are larger, pull more or spend a lot of time on a leash. This will prevent your dog's skin from becoming rubbed raw and keep their fur intact. It'll also be more comfortable for your dog.
Find the right size. A typical harness is adjustable, and usually is sized based on the weight of your dog. Buy an appropriate one for the size or your dog and then adjust the straps until the harness is tight enough to stay on but loose enough to be comfortable.
Practice with the new harness. Your dog might be wary at first, but after a few walks they'll get used to the new style. A harness is also good for small dogs who pull and have delicate windpipes, or have recently had any sort of neck or back injury.
Consider a leader harness if it still isn't doing the trick. Some suggest that a harness can make a dog want instinctively pull harder against the owner over time. A leader harness is like a regular one, but has an attachment that goes over the dog's muzzle and pulls their head downward to their chest when then pull, mimicking an alpha or mother dog's correction. This type of harness quickly ends pulling for most dogs.
How to Select a Dog Harness
Every dog has a different personality, and sometimes a simple collar and a leash just isn't enough to keep your pet from dragging you down the sidewalk or trying to chase the neighbor's cat. If this sound like your dog, a harness might be a good alternative. Read on to learn how to select a dog harness.