Harness trouble

[KShep]

Ripley needs a harness upgrade!

In the time I've had Ripley, I have bought her 3 harnesses. The first worked well enough (she doesn't like for me to pull it over her head). I've adjusted it to the max and I think she may outgrow it shortly or at least before she is fully grown. The second was too small and she was afraid of the velcro (scary noise). The third I bought today. It fits and it's a step in, but I can tell she doesn't like it. I put it on and she froze like she didn't know what to do next and wasn't sure if she would be able to walk. So I guess I'm out 8 bucks and there is not that great a selection at my local petco!

What are the comfort concerns with harnesses? I see a lot that are labeled "comfort fit". Are they uncomfortable for dogs in general? I would hate that- because there is no way I would know! How should a harness fit- does the two finger rule apply like for collars or is it better if they are a little looser?

Would love some advice on this one!

[Jeff N Oscar]

Jeff gets like that when he's not used to something too. I would encourage her to walk and see she starts to feel comfortable with it. You'll know once you start to walk if there is a problem with this harness. Also, I've returned many harnesses while trying to find the right one, you are not out $8 bucks, just exchange it for a different one. They also suggest you try the new harnesses on AT Petco to make sure you get the right fit.

Jeff is still not thrilled to get his step in harness on before a walk. EVERY SINGLE TIME he acts like he is worried when I approach him.. he walks fine the whole time, I just think he has some "issues" :X

[KShep]

I took the tags off like a dummy! Anyway- I think my mistake was not getting the roman style harness (I just read that this style is better for smaller dogs). No problem! I have amazon points. The step-in is too restrictive, plus it has this really complicated buckle on it. I just have to make sure that the neck of the harness is adjusted wide enough so that I'm not "pulling" but rather "placing" over her head. She is very particular about things like that and not crazy about messing with her head OR feet!

[Jeff N Oscar]

they don't have to have the tags... you will find plenty of item around the store that don't have their original tags or containers. It's worth a try, most stores want to keep the customer happy and you know you didn't use the harness and it's perfectly fine for another dog. Just trying to save you a buck or 8, lol.

[janis]

I'd try exchanging it to = that store is really pretty customer friendly.

Kirby uses the "Sport Harness" It is open, kind of a flexible nylon mesh. It has reflector fabric for trim, so we are visible when we walk at night. It has big arm openings. I put it on the floor, and just step him into the holes, pull it up over his back and it does velcro across the back, then had to adjustable straps that snap over that with two rings attached. I like it cause it won't choke him if he pulls and because it is very strong. I actually lifted and swung him away from an approaching car with it. It is also easy to clean. The opening of the velcro startled him at first, but he loves to go to the park, no problem once it's on.

[Tami]

We use a Puppia brand harness for Fearghus. It's a step in with a buckle around the body. We bought it from a little specialty shop but have since seen them sold at the big box pet stores and online at Amazon. He wasn't keen about it at first but after 3 days of bribing him with a treat to let me put it over his head he was good. Now he even will lift his left leg to go into the opening! He seems much happier with it than when we were using the Easy Walk harness for training. Sometimes we go back to that one for quick walks around the block for a bit of reinforcement training. I think it's all a matter of discovering what harness will work for you .. each dog is different. Good luck!

[Zekey's Mom]

Maybe you could train Ripley to like the sound of velcro, with treats, so that every time she hears it she gets excited?

With Zekey, I've tried lots of harnesses, and he doesn't have a problem with them. Gavin's a whole other story! He has major issues with collars and harnesses. I'm looking for a step-in, very comfortable, mesh harness, and will probably try the type that velcroes across the back.

[KShep]

I've ordered a Lupine harness. I've always wanted to test their products. They have such nice patterns and seemingly good quality items.