The Difference Between Dog Harnesses Explained!

Step-ins, mesh, front ring, 2-ring...what does all this mean? Harnesses serve multiple purposes, all of them good! We're going to make sense of it all for you right now. First, if you wish to take pressure off your pup's neck on walks a harness can do the trick. Secondly if you wish to have more control and train your best friend to walk by you, instead of propelling you forward, a harness can help! Different dog harnesses address different issues. Here's the low down.

Mesh Dog Harnesses are comfortably soft and distribute pressure on a dog's front chest instead of on a dog's neck 

when they pull on their leash. So if you have a small to medium size dog who is always choking on walks because they are pulling, this will help to eliminate your dog's discomfort. However, it will not stop your dog from continuing to pull forward. This style harness is also handy when you have to quickly grab your dog and pick them up, as you can do so by grabbing the harness. These harnesses are adjustable on both the front chest/back and girth, so they can be sized for Dachshunds, Corgis and Pugs who can be difficult to fit.

Step-in Dog Harnesses are placed on your dog just like the name indicates; they step into the 

harness. So this style harness does not stress the trachea or neck and goes around the front legs and chest. Dogs step their front legs into the harness with your assistance and you fasten the buckle on their back by their shoulder blades. Two rings are ready for you to attach your leash and go for a walk! Similar to the mesh harness style, these are adjustable around the front chest and girth, but they do not stop your dog from pulling. Because they are very adjustable they can be appealing for dogs who are growing like puppies.

2-Ring Velvet Dog Harnesses are made in the U.S. and also are fairly adjustable. The girth strap 

that goes under the chest and by the front legs is lined in velvet for comfort and also minimizes the possibility of chafing. With a different color web by the top leash attachment ring, it makes it super easy for you to visualize how to put this harness on your dog. This dog harness is unique in that it provides a ring on the front chest and a ring on the back by the shoulders to attach a leash. If you are looking for control and to train your dog to walk by you without choking, this is the harness you need. You can attach leashes to both rings or even just to the front ring for control of the direction your dog's shoulders will go. When your dog pulls forward, the harness will re-direct your dog back to you. It's a no-pull dog harness! With verbal commands and consistency your dog will learn to heel by you and at some point you may just use the ring on the back for lead attachment. Love these harnesses that are made for small to very big dogs and give everyone the right amount of freedom.

Fabric Dog Harness with Front and Back Lead Rings are somewhat of a new comer on the block. With padded belly 

and chest panels they are comfortable for your dog, yet they feature an aluminum ring on the back for lead attachment as well as a reinforced web ring on the front. With adjustments in 4 spots, these harnesses can be sized to fit small to very big dogs comfortably. Similar to the 2-Ring velvet freedom harness, you can choose to use both rings or just one. Using the front attachment will provide you with more control and assist with training to walk on a leash. This front range harness minimizes pressure that can cause choking and also provides the option to control your dog on walks. 

Bottom line, we love harnesses and want to make sure you pick up the best dog harness for you and your dog. While some of these harnesses may be left on throughout the day, we like to recommend you attach ID tags to your dog's collar that is worn the majority of the time. Please reach out to us if we can help!

Make a tail wag and enjoy your dog walks now with the right harness!