Don’t you just love and always look forward to the daily ritual of taking your furry companion out for walks? And how about playing with them and training them for different commands? All these priceless bonding experiences are every pet parent’s cherished moments. However, one challenging and quite important part of these amazing experiences is ensuring the availability of the right tools at your disposal, including the right type of harness. When prepping your dog for these outings, their health, comfort, and safety are paramount, something no dog parent would want to compromise with ever. With several types of harnesses available, such as a step in dog harness, adjustable harness, front clip harness, back clip harness, etc., the choice becomes difficult. On top of that, you also have to ensure that you are using the harness correctly so that your dog receives the maximum benefits without any health hazards. If you have bought or are considering buying a step in dog harness for your pet, this guide is all you need.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Step in Dog Harness
Learn to avoid the common mistakes people usually make while using these canada pooch dog harness. This will ensure that each walk is an enjoyable, safe, and hassle-free experience for you and your dog.
Mistake 1: Not measuring well to check the fit
Many pet parents who are new to having a dog often have trouble finding the right fit step in dog harness. This is because the first step in finding a well-fitted harness is not to ensure correct measurements. Accurate measurements mean you will be able to find a proper fit harness for your dogs, ensuring their comfort. An ill-fitted harness can lead to discomfort, chafing, and restriction in your dog’s natural movement. Start by gathering a measuring tape and your notepad. Wrap the measuring tape around your pet’s neck and then around the chest and girth. For the latter part, wrap the tape around the widest part of their body, behind their front legs. Finally, take measurements of the length of your dog, starting from their neck to the tail joint. Now when you go to a store or look up a step in dog harness online, you will have correct measurements ready for comparison with the size chart and recommendations as per the dog’s breed.
Mistake 2: Fastening it wrong
If you have the right harness, the next mistake that could happen is fitting it improperly to your dog’s body. Not every dog harness is reversible, which allows you to put two prints in one, so your dog can wear it in two ways. Make sure you are aware of whether the step in dog harness you are buying is reversible or not. Next, many dog parents find themselves confused about identifying the ring attachment for the ID tag and the ring attachment for the leash. This is very crucial because the ID tag attachment cannot withstand the pressure that a leash creates.
Mistake 3: Not adjusting the straps
A step in dog harness, despite the right size, requires to be correctly adjusted so it fits well to your dog’s proportions. To ensure maximum comfort for your dog while it wears the harness, begin by loosening the straps before your dog steps into it. Then, tighten the straps bit by bit until the harness fits on your pet’s body snugly. Try the two-finger method by slipping your two fingers between the harness while it is wrapped around the dog’s body. If you can’t, it means you need to adjust it well so it is not too tight or too loose.
Mistake 4: Not checking pressure points
While it is good to shop a step in dog harness from a reputed brand known to use soft and breathable air mesh materials, you should always check how it distributes the pressure on your dog’s body. If you don’t tighten it well enough, it will be loose. If you make it too tight, it can create a lot of pressure on different regions of the dog’s body. It will also likely rub against a few areas, making the dog feel irritated or uncomfortable.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the signs of discomfort
You must give extra attention to how your dog feels and behaves when you initially introduce a step in dog harness to them, especially if they are young and still growing. Look if there are signs of excessive rubbing, scratching, or reluctance in their movements. Your dog may even try nibbling on areas where they feel discomfort. If you notice such signs, either adjust the harness as per their comfort or completely remove the harness.
Mistake 6: Forgetting about escape routes
If your dog is energetic and mischievous, then always double-check if the harness is aptly secured to their body and it is escape-proof. Check all the buckles to ensure they are fastened accurately and do not come loose often. This can help prevent accidents when you are out on noisy or busy streets.
Mistake 7: Not cleaning and maintaining the harness
If your dog enjoys outdoor playtime or likes to go for daily walks in the neighborhood, it is best to clean the harness every week to maintain its good shape. It is also important to keep your dog free from germs, mud, grease, etc., picked up from outside, and keep your interiors equally clean.
Final Thoughts
While ensuring perfect fit when you buy a step in dog harness, it is equally important to not make the above-mentioned common mistakes. Take accurate measurements of your dog, try the harness on, and observe their comfort (or discomfort) as you secure the harness on their body. Make sure the harness distributes the pressure evenly across your dog’s body so as to keep their neck, spine, and back safe from long-term health issues. Another important aspect of pet care is regular cleaning of the harness to prevent skin irritations and scrub off all the dirt and bacteria trapped in the harness. A well-fitted and clean harness made of comfortable fabric is key to ensuring your dog is safe and able to enjoy its outdoor adventures.
