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A harness for every dog
Which harness is right for your small dog?
At our shop, Golly Gear, we get more questions about small dog harnesses than any other product. As more veterinarians recommend harnesses, rather than collars, for walking dogs, people have trouble finding the right size, style, and fit for their dogs' individual needs. There is a perfect harness for every small dog - and we'll help you find it!
When shopping for your small dog's harness, consider what problems you want the harness to solve. Function and fit are the most important considerations. It doesn't hurt if the harness looks adorable, either!
Shopping for the right harness for your dog?
There's a harness to address almost any consideration. Is your dog:
- the sporty type? The Comfortflex Sport Harness could be just her style!
- ready for adventure? With the EzyDog Harness your pup is ready to hit the trail.
- pulling you down the street? You may need an EasyWalk Harness.
- the toughest character on the block? What little dog doesn't need the Spiked Leather Harness?
- choking or prone to a collapsing trachea? You have some options, including the:
Soft Harness,
Poochie Step-in harness,
Daba-Doo Step-In Harness,
EasyGo Harness,
or the patented Choke-Free Shoulder Collar. - an escape artist? You'll need the Wrap-N-Go, or the Harness Lead.
- going everywhere with you? You need a Vest Harness to keep her safe in the car
- a classic? The leather H-Style harness, is as traditional as it gets - including an old-style buckle.
Choke Free Shoulder Collar
The Shoulder Collar circles the dog around the shoulders - never contacting the dog's neck or throat, a genuinely no-choke design. It even has a U.S. patent.
It's also one of the simplest to use - the dog's front feet go in the holes, the ends of the harness go up over the dog's back and stick together with industrial-strength hook-and-loop closures. The D-ring for the leash feeds up through a slit in the top end, doubly securing the dog when the leash is attached.
Comfort Harness
The new Comfort Harness is the first vest-type harness we've seen with a v-neck - designed to prevent choking. Easily adjusts around the dog and easy to use.
ComfortFlex Sport Harness
The ComfortFlex Sport Harness is among our favorites for active and/or broad-chested dogs. Its ergonomic design allows for a full range of motion and any pressure from pulling is distributed by a sturdy strap that leads to a loop away from the dog's back with a ring to attach a leash.
Among the easiest harnesses to use - simply put over the dog's head and attach the girth strap with a pinch clasp.
How to put on the ComfortFlex Sport Harness
EzyDog Harness with seatbelt attachment
The EzyDog® Harness has a padded, conformable "chest plate" to minimize pressure at any single point, without too much coverage to make your dog hot. Comes with a Seat Belt attachment that can be used in any vehicle to keep your dog in place, and also is a comfortable walking harness.
The EasyWalk Harness
The EasyWalk Harness is one of the original, no-pull harnesses. With the leash ring in the front, at the dog's chest, any pulling is directed toward you, rather than to the front. We're not exactly sure why it works, but we've seen instant results. The EasyWalk requires proper adjustment, so includes a pamphlet with complete instructions.
The Harness Lead
The Harness Lead is an innovative solution for people whose dogs either attempt to escape from their harnesses, or who pull incessantly on walks.
Rather than choking the dog, the one-piece Harness Lead gently tightens around the dog's rib cage when the dog either pulls or tries to back up, keeping him securely and comfortably at your side.
The Harness Lead should be adjusted the first time it's used - after that it's ready to go. It's easier to show than explain, so we made a video showing how to put on the Harness Lead (below.)
How to use the Harness Lead
Spiked Leather Harness
Just for fun - or for your dog's protection, the Spiked Harness featured spikes on both the chest plate and the back strap. Originally developed to protect hunting and/or protection dogs, Spiked Harnesses are now more of a fashion statement - available in Pink, Blue, and Black.
Soft Harness by Puppia
The Soft Harness by Puppia is one of the original vest harnesses, designed to provide comfort and ease of movement. The Soft Harness avoids the dog's "armpit" - preventing chafing that may result from using straps-only harnesses.
Poochee Step-in Harness
The Poochee Cloth Step-in Harness is a simple, practical, easy-to-use harness that adjusts perfectly every time it's used. Just pull the sliders up, put your dog's front paws through the openings, bring the leash up and adjust the sliders. With the attached leash, it's an all-in-one solution for everyday "walkies."
Step-In Harness
Fully-adjustable, light and strong, this Step-in Harnesses by Daba Doo is a classic step-in, with one, visible, pinch-clasp closure. Once adjusted, all you have to do is open the harness fully, place one front foot in each opening, grab the sides of the buckle and close it at the dog's shoulder blades. Dual leash rings keep the dog doubly secure.
The Active Dog Harness!
The Active Dog Harness by Dogo is a casual, and practical harness for our little dogs. It's also one of the very few vest-type harnesses that adjusts at the neck, as well as adjusting at the chest, or girth.
When it's a casual jeans day, your little dog can have his own jeans - red or blue denim. There's even a tiny pocket.
Striped Vest Harness
The Striped Vest is a bit of light coverage for any weather. Made of light-weight canvas, Striped Vest is adjusts with hook-and-loopstrips and secures with a buckle on the back with 2 leash rings over it. The Striped Vest functions like a little jacket, with the security of a harness built in.
The EasyGo Harness
The EasyGo Harness by Dogo is a soft, simple, vest-type harness.
The EasyGo adjusts with sliders for a custom fit every time you use it - without the hassle of buckles and straps. It goes over the dog's head, put the dog's front legs through, pinch the slider closed, and you're ready to go.
Vest Harness
The VestHarness is both a walking harness and a car harness. The back strap is split to accommodate any seatbelt sliding right through for security. The vest portion is lightly lined in fleece to minimize chafing for dogs who may be "fur-challenged."
Traditional H-Style Leather Harness
Many people prefer a standard harness for their dogs.
The H-Style Harness is a classic - goes over the head, buckles around the dog (with a regular, metal belt-buckle). Nothing fancy. But a good option for people who like a clean look, or prefer a leather harness, or who have arthritis in their hand.
Need help choosing a harness for your dog?
You can now Do It Yourself! Our DIY Harness Selector is now live! Answering a series of simple questions will lead you to our best recommendations for your dog - based on the yes/no answers you select.
How does your dog strut in style?
These all look really comfortable and excellent quality. Harnesses are so much better than collars and leashes, I wouldn't have my dogs without harnesses now!
- Author
@polarbear4: We'll send suggestions for you via email - congratulations on the new puppy!
looking for something inexpensive to start my golden puppy in that is missing one front leg. when she is grown, i can get her a nicer one.
A thoroughly enjoyable visit - thank you.
My dog Buddy loves his harness when he has to be on a leash. I like it much better because I am afraid he will choke himself with a collar.
I love these, they seem more humane.
- Author
@anonymous: We have a couple of options for you!
We really like the Choke-Free Shoulder Collar for dogs with neck/throat/collapsing trachea issues. You can find it here: http://www.gollygear.com/shldr_col.htm
Another choice, considering you would prefer a harness that doesn't hit behind her front legs, would be the ComfortFlex Sport Harness: http://www.gollygear.com/comfortflex.html
We're happy to answer any questions you may have - email us at manager @ GollyGear.com (without the spaces). Thank you!
I have a Pekingese who has neck problems and therefore cannot have a conventional lead. Therefore I need a harness that will put NO pressure on her windpipe or neck area, and would prefer a harness that goes across the stomach and does not go around the back of her legs. What do you suggest. She is fully grown and weighs around 5.3 kilograms.
Many choices! Can't decide which one my doggy would love!
Comfort . . . Charlotte has a padded one like the Hug-A-Dog Harness.
Like the idea of choke free collars.
What would be the suitable harness for my labrador dog?
- Author
@Aleayah: Most Labs do great with either the ComfortFlex Sport Harness:
http://www.gollygear.com/comfortflex.html
or the Quick-Fit Harness:
http://www.gollygear.com/quickfit.htm
If you have any specific issues to deal with, think about filling out our "Harness Picker" form to get personalized recommendations for your and your dog: http://www.gollygear.com/harnessform.htm
I also prefer harnesses over collars. Thanks for the lens!
- Author
@anonymous: We do carry one harness especially for escape artists! It's the Mesh Hug-A-Dog harness you'll find here: http://www.gollygear.com/mesh.htm
There's a miniature Poodle Houdini who comes in to test all of the harnesses for "ease of escape" and this is the only one he hasn't been able to get out of - after three years wearing it. We know how active JRTs can be, but we think this one can hold him!
Hi I need an anti-slip harness, my dog twist backwards out every harness I've tried - jack russell terrier = escape artist!
- Author
@Aleayah: Thank you, Aleayah! We are always happy to provide personalized recommendations for dogs - based on your dog's particular measurements, needs and issues. Please fill our and submit our "Harness Picker Questionnaire" and we'll give you customized advice for your Chihuahua! You'll find the form here: http://www.gollygear.com/harnessform.htm
Thanks for sharing useful idea here. Do you have a suggested leash for my cute chihuahua dog? Thanks. Aleayah
- Author
@anonymous: Hello! Thanks for your inquiry! You may want to try the EasyGo Harness & Leash Set in the Extra Small Size (30 cm. is about 12 inches). It has a slide closure, rather than a buckle, and is nice and soft. You'll find it here: http://www.gollygear.com/ezgoharn.htm
If you'd like more suggestions - please do submit a Harness PIcker Questionnaire to get personalized recommendations for your dog: http://www.gollygear.com/harnessform.htm
Hi I am looking for a soft harness for my tea cup chihuahua, she is 18cm around her neck and 30cm chest. I don't want it tight around her neck and would like a harness without a buckle. Have you any suggestions of harnesses that would be a good fit as she is so tiny. Thankyou. Lucie
I have a three pound chihuahua. Today i saw a yorkie with a harness on that looked like a coat without sleeves. Even had a strap on neck to pick the dog up with. That's what i'm looking for. It had usrap or usa rap on sewn in tag.
Great lens, thanks for sharing
@GollyGearHope: Thank you Hope. It's good to know that there is something out there that works. In the meantime, having written the note above, the "mother of invention" stepped in and since yesterday I have devised a method... Taking an existing dog collar (has collar and extra loop) and the harness I have attached both together with a clip. If he gets out of the harness, he will not be able to get out of the collar which tightens if pulled backwards over his head. I think this will work! Most kind of you to answer.
- Author
@anonymous: Hello, Gina!
You have a little escape artist on your hands! Fortunately, we have an answer for you. The Mesh Hug-A-Dog Harness, shown above and here: http://www.gollygear.com/mesh.htm is our go-to harness for little Houdini dogs! We have all of the harnesses we carry tested by a friend's dog (Coco) who is a master of escape. Coco has been wearing this one for more than three years now and has never managed to escape!
I need for my Silkie Terrier NOT TO BE ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE HARNESS! He is aggressive towards other dogs so it is very important that he cannot get free to attack... I have tried two different types of harness: 1. shoulder harness (that he steps into and it buckles at the shoulder 2. Neck collar that has an attachment that wraps and buckles around his midriff. He has gotten out of both. He is 18lbs.
- Author
@anonymous: It's important that any harness fit the dog properly. You should be able to fit only one or two fingers, laid flat, between the dog and the harness. If it's adjusted correctly and your dog still manages to wiggle out - you may want to take a look at the Mesh Hug-A-Dog Harness, which we recommend for dogs who are escape artists. Please feel free to fill out and submit our "Harness Picker Questionnaire" for customized suggestions for your dog: http://www.gollygear.com/harnessform.htm
- Author
@anonymous: We recommend the Mesh Hug-A-Dog Harness for Houdini dogs! It's the only one our escape-tester dog, Coconut, can't get out of, and he's been wearing one for more than three years now! You can see it here:
@anonymous: Sherry Hodgson. I have a cocker spaniel 15 months old and she is wriggling out of her harnesses. Have the usual buckle and d ring type and a Puppia one. Need help as she is like Houdini. Thank you.
We have a pug who outsmarts all harnesses. She very quickly does a Houdini trick of pulling it off over her head when on a leash or chain. We can't take her anywhere because of this. She frequently gets away in the yard too. We need a harness that she can't get out of. Pleae help.
A very helpful lens! I need to get harnesses for my doggies for sure.
We have a step-in harness for our Min Pin, but are thinking about getting a front close harness because of her pulling. Thanks for the info.
congrats, great info
I think harnesses are much more dog-friendly than collars.
great Lens, My dog Kingston loves the Ezydog harness
Another VERY useful lens!
We don't have small dogs, our boys weigh in at about 82 pounds but I love the harness for our walks. It is much easier to control a dog with a harness on versus a collar. This lens provides many options.
Geat options here. There are a lot more choices that I thought.
I like to use a harness on a dog rather than using a collar.
need a harness, looks much easier to take my dog for a walk and wouldn't get all tangled up.
hi
Great Lens
Expert information and so well presented. I just have to feature this on my I Want a Dog lens, thank you!
Very well written lens!
Thanks for the great lens. I have a pug who likes to pull. Right now he's got a nice harness but I want to invest in other harnesses for him. Including when he's in the car for his safety.
A harness will take the pressure off the neck and place it evenly over the whole body including the shoulders. This will help to protect the fragile part of your pet's body and he will no longer be at risk when he pulls away from you during your walks. You'll have peace of mind and be able to enjoy the time spend together when walking your pet. dog gates
your topic really captures my interest. i love stuffs about pet dogs and i have nice time reading what you have posted. thanks, anyway....
Looks like some great harnesses! I like the non choking aspect!
Harnesses are great, however if you have a dog that is strong on the lead they can do more harm than good as they then can use their whole body to pull you along!
Bristol Dog Walking
I never knew there were so many harnesses for small dogs
Nice lens, Thanks for sharing.
Mums Pug Dog, Diesel, looks super cool in his harness,or brace,and I love the pictures of your dogs on this lens-So Cute!
I can't believe the selection, wow!
harness? I never used it, but maybe future I would got one
I really ruff these dog harnesses bow wow
awww, so many cool harnesses and my dog keeps tearing them up :(
Have to wait a few more months till she grows out of the biting stage.
what a cute dogs,.,, nice lense
So many types! Great lens!
When you buy a harness for your dog, make sure they are comfortable with it.
Great lens and harnesses are essential for walking dogs. Collars are chokers. *-*Blessed*-* and featured on Angel Blessings for Dogs on Squidoo.
I use a harness for my dog running but no for walk my dog. Its harder to training a dog without collar
the most important thing about a harness is that it is comfortable for the doggie! cheers
We use the Easy Walk Harness for our dog, Daisy. You have an excellent selection of dog harnesses here! Lensrolling to my Easy Walk Harness lens.
i love these photos
It's great to see a group of people that is so passionate about puppy and dog trainin!
People don't realize just how important it is to start training your puppy/dog from an early age
also check out my blog at http://dog-experience.blogspot.com/
wonderful lens. Very informative
I wonder how my ten year old medium sized dog would feel about wearing a harness. I really like the striped vest...
Nice lens. . .Continue Doing that a kind of lens
Hi,
Thanks for sharing this wonderful info!
I know it can be very hard to find just the right one. We where trying to find one for our dog. It is a very small dog. We finally found one after a long serach though.
I had no idea there were so many beautiful and functional harnesses! Great lens...and thanks for the info.
Great variety of dog harnesses!
I love the super doggie harness'! I love the choke free one, i'm really thinking about getting one, it would be perfect for my short hair chihuahua! Great Pic's by the way too. Very well done! Have a super doggie day!
informative lens! thanks!
for swimming pool info and ideas, please visit Pool Filters . thanks!
thanks for the clarifications. nice!
I never new so many harness options existed. This is great! Functionality and designer designs - brilliant!
Really nice lens from a fellow dog lover. Blessed by a squid angel.
Harnesses are the only way to go! Great info! I've posted this lens as a featured lens on my newest http://www.squidoo.com/my-chocolate-labs-bad-eatin... I rated 5 *s, Fav and lensrolled, too. Thanks so much!
- Author
[in reply to Rosemariej] Rosemarie - we have just the harness for you! We have an escape-artist dog that comes into the shop to test-escape all the harnesses we carry! The one he wears every day and hasn't been able to get out of is the Mesh Hug-A-Dog Harness. We've had great success with this harness and hope you'll visit GollyGear.com to take a look! Thank you! - Hope
I have been trying to find a harness for my minpin.she likes to run off on me.then it takes along time to get her back.I've bought many harnesses for her and she keeps backing out of it and runs off.I really need to find a harness that she can't back out of.Do you know where i can purchase one?Please help me.Thanks Rose
Great lens - I have a Rat Terrier that is a perfect candidate for one of these!
Nicely done shopping page for harnesses; blessed by Brenda.
- Author
[in reply to boxerluv] Please e-mail me: manager@gollygear.com with your Boxer's girth and neck measurements. We're happy to help you find a great harness for your dog!
i'm glad there are so many comfortable harnesses for small dogs, but doesn't anyone care about the larger dogs out there? i'm having a really hard time finding a comfortable harness to fit my 75 pound boxer. oh well, cute harnesses anyhow!
We like the spiked leather harness. I had no idea that there are so many choices in harnesses. Amazing!
Very nice lens
I was actually looking for some other sources for a personalized Miniature Pinscher Checks and I came upon this lens of yours by accident (or war it really fate?) and I was glad I did! I also needed some harness for my little darlings, Jackie, my Min Pins and Jolly, my Bulldog! thanks for sharing this lens of yours! Hope you can also have the time to visit mine (5 of 'em!...i think) lol!!!! talking about 5, I give you 5 stars for this!
Excellent lens.
really cute and perfect for dog walking in the park with my dogs!
Some of those vests are great.
This is a really great lens! I need to check these out...need something that doesn't restrict my movement when running. Woofs, Johann
Great lens, very informative.
Hope you take a look at my phone card lens!
Interesting lens. Nice info.
Hi Hope. Thank you for visiting my lens. 5 Stars for you!
Great Lens- harnesses are the way to go- even with my bigger ( Boxer and Bulldog) fur babies! I use the sensations and the easywalk- and WOW- huge difference in both my ability to walk them while keeping them under control and the comfort level- great lens with great tools.
Looks great. The only think I would suggest is that you add images to your modules. Readers like to see images of the item you are describing without having to click onto another site. If the image and description are enticing enough the reader will click on to your store page.
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