If you are a pet owner you probably at one time or another have used a leash and collar to control your pet.  This is a great way to make sure your dog does not run out into traffic or makes a nuisance of themselves in public. The dangerous thing about dog leashes and collars is sometimes a dog can slip the collar off their neck and put them selves at danger.  So many times a dog has slipped from the owners control and has run away. Even worse, there have been cases where a dog has slipped their owner’s collar and has run out into traffic and has been killed.  You do not want this to happen, so maybe it is time to look into using a dog training harness.

Dog training harnesses are designed to go across the chest and back of your dog.   There is a secure latch the holds the harness in place and a metal ring in which you can snap your leash. A dog training harness is more secure than a collar because the straps are snug against the dog’s body and it would take a lot of effort for the dog to escape the bounds.  You as the owner can control your dog more effectively without jerking the dog’s head around like you would do with a traditional collar and leash arrangement. The harnesses are secure enough that you can pick up a small dog with the leash to pull them out of danger.

Dog training harnesses can be decorative as well as functional. Though most are made of nylon or woven cloth, you can find harnesses that are made of metal or leather.  Hemp dog training harnesses have become popular with the college crowd and studded leather harnesses are a favorite of the Hip Hop culture. You can find harnesses in almost any shape, material, and color and some people even buy harnesses that match their own clothing. Seasonal harnesses are a decorative way to share your spirit of the holiday as your pet displays little Santas or Halloween Pumpkins on their daily walks. You can even buy dog jewelry to adorn the harness so that your pet has a personal look that will turn heads as they walk down the street.

No matter what kind of dog training harness you choose, make sure that the harness has a snug fit on your pet. You should get about two fingers underneath the harness. This will allow your pet freedom of movement without binding the skin or causing some of the circulation to be cut off.  You should check the skin of your dog once they have worn the harness for a few times. Make sure they do not have an allergic reaction to the harness or if the harness is rubbing their skin the wrong way. Look for pink or irritated skin or loss of hair.  It may just take a simple adjustment or you may have opt for a larger harness.