Taking your dog for walks is one of the best bonding experiences you can have. You are both getting some fresh air and exercise, and your pup gets to sniff all the sniffs they could possibly want. Walks help dogs burn off some of that excess doggy energy helping them stay fit, feel more relaxed, and sleep better. Plus, walks are great mental stimulators, just think about all the new wonderful sights, sounds, and smells your dog gets to experience! To prepare for a successful experience, your dog will need the right gear. The right walking accessories make ALL the difference between an enjoyable outing and a chore. A small dog harness is an excellent choice to keep your pup safe, secure, comfortable, and happy during their stroll. Let’s take a look at small dog harness types and you can decide which one is right for your dog.
What is a Small Dog Harness?
A small dog harness is a piece of equipment, typically made of nylon or nylon and mesh. Similar to a halter, a dog harness is designed to fit snugly over a dog’s chest and around their back and belly. When attached to a leash, a dog harness is used as a means to control and restrain your pet. They are an alternative to a dog collar (although some dog harness styles attach to your pet’s collar) and are designed to keep your pup safe and secure on outings. Unlike collars, dog harnesses distribute pressure over a larger portion of your dog’s body, easing the stress on any one part of their body, particularly their neck and back. This is extremely important for small dogs with medical issues, toy breeds, and brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs. For the safety of your dog, dog harnesses should only be worn while your dog is supervised. Dog harnesses come in a variety shapes, materials, colors, and sizes.
Small Dog Harness – Types
There are essentially 4 types of small dog harnesses. The back clip, the front clip, the dual clip, and the head harness. Let’s take a look at each one closer.
The Back Clip
A good choice for dogs that don’t do much leash pulling. This harness has the leash attachment clip (D-ring) on the back of the harness resting on your dog’s spinal area. The back clip may actually make leash pulling worse because of the pressure exerted from the leash (think sled dog harnesses). Back clip harnesses provide minimal, if any, directional guidance, which is why they are a good choice for dogs that already have polite walking manners. The back clip harness design makes it easier for your pet to run without tripping over the leash. This harness can be used with a retractable leash. If your pooch is extra tiny, you may want to try a back clip harness made for rabbits. Or even a harness made for kitties (just don’t tell your dog). They are designed to fit some of our smallest furry friends.
The Front Clip
Great option for dogs that pull on walks and need a little more guidance. This harness has the D-ring on the front of the harness, located about mid chest. The idea is that if your dog starts to pull, the harness will redirect your dog back next to your side. Some front clip harnesses come in a Martingale style. These harnesses also tighten when your dog pulls, applying pressure to further discourage pulling. Because the leash attachment is in the front, you have better directional control versus the back clip harness. The front clip has the potential to cause injury in some of our height challenged friends as leashes can sometimes get entangled in their short legs. This type of harness is not designed to be used with a retractable leash.
The Dual Clip
This harness comes with two D rings, one on the front and one on the back. As the name implies, this harness allows you to choose which leash attachment depending on what type of activity or walk you and your dog will be doing. A double-ended leash can also be used for simultaneous D-ring attachment and maximum control. Dual clip harnesses tend be a bit bulkier, so this option may not work for you if your pup is teeny tiny.
The Head Halter
This harness is a combination of two straps, one goes around your dog’s neck and the other around their muzzle, with the D-ring under their chin. The head halter allows you the most control and guidance over your dog. These halters have the potential to inflict serious injury to your pet when used with a retractable leash, so do not use a retractable leash with a head halter. Seek professional advice from your vet or trainer if you have any questions about the proper use of a head halter or the correct way to put a head halter on your dog.
Dog Harness Sizing
Ok, so you’ve decided on a type of small dog harness. Your next step is dog harness sizing. This step is crucial, you don’t want to just “eyeball” your pup’s size. You’ll need to accurately measure your pup to find the correct size harness. Too tight and the harness can cause pain, chafing, and restrict normal movement, too loose and your pup can slip right out. You will need a few pieces of information about your dog-weight, girth, and neck size- and a flexible measuring tape. If you don’t have a flexible measuring tape, a piece of string will do, then you can just measure the string. For neck size, place the measuring tape around the thickest part of your dog’s neck, at the base just above his shoulders. For girth, place the measuring tape around the largest part of your dog’s torso, typically right behind the front legs. The harness should fit snugly and comfortably with no large gaps between the harness and your pup. However, the harness should not fit so snug that it’s performing the Heimlich on your dog. A harness should never restrict movement of their chest or put pressure on the neck or armpit area. Remember the two-finger rule when sizing dog harnesses. You should be able to place two fingers between the tape measure and your pup’s body comfortably. For extra tiny dogs, one finger may be more appropriate. If your pup falls between sizes, size up to the next harness. Ideally, your dog can try the harness on in the store before you buy. If this is not an option, make sure the harness is fully refundable in case it doesn’t fit your pup.
Advantages of a Small Dog Harness
Safer than a collar for small dogs. A dog harness is designed to distribute pressure exerted from the leash over a larger area of a dog’s body, this eases tension on the back and neck areas. Many small dogs, like the Toy Poodle, are prone to spinal issues, such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), and collars can exacerbate these problems. Small dogs, your Toy Poodle included, also have very delicate tracheas. Unlike collars, dog harnesses for small dogs decrease the pressure on this area decreasing their chances of injury and tracheal collapse.
Fairly easy to use. I say fairly because I had a heck of a hard time putting my Mom’s Chihuahua, Cassie, in her harness the first time! But, once you’ve mastered this art, using a harness is a breeze and there are tons of how-to videos showing the correct way to put a dog harness on your dog.
Less anxiety. Many dogs feel a sense of security with the snug fit a harness provides, similar to a anxiety jacket.
Secure. The design of the dog harness helps keep your pup under control and less likely to break free or slip out compared to a dog collar. Harnesses are not escape proof, a small dog can still wiggle free, but the chance of this is greatly reduced with a properly fitted harness.
Stylish. With so many colors and patterns to choose from, your dog will be walking in style in no time.
Easy to pick up your dog. Some harnesses have a small handle on the back of them. This helps get your tiny friend out of harm’s way quickly.
Comfortable. Many harnesses come with extra padding for added comfort.
Disadvantages of a Small Dog Harness
Bulky. Some harnesses, like the dual clip harness, can be a bit too bulky for a tiny pup.
Challenging. Can be super challenging trying to put on an excited pup hopping all over the place.
Tangling. The leash can get tangled between your dog’s legs with front clip harnesses.
Chafing. Chafing can occur at shoulder area and under armpits with ill-fitting harnesses.
Pulling. The back clip harness may actually encourage pulling (think dog sledding).
Less control. Some harnesses provide less control over your dog’s movement compared to a collar.
May alter a dog’s gait. Choose a nonrestrictive harness that doesn’t sit across their shoulder to avoid long-term strain and injury.
Uncomfortable for some dogs. Some dogs may find the harness too restrictive if they are used to a collar. Harnesses can also be uncomfortable for dogs to wear in hot weather, so check your pup frequently.
What to Look for in a Small Dog Harness
High quality, durable, weatherproof materials and rust resistant hardware are a must when choosing a dog harness. Also, look for a dog harness that has adjustable slides on the straps, this will allow for a more customizable fit. Quick release clips are very helpful for easy on and easy off. You’ll want to look for the least restrictive harness that keeps the neck area free of pressure and harness straps that cross the body above, rather than over, the shoulder joint. Choose thicker and wider straps to help distribute pressure better and prevent chafing. Reflective material is a must if you and your furry friend do any early morning or late-night walking.
Small Dog Harness – Popular Designs
There are 2 popular designs that the clip harnesses come in, the step-in and the standard.
The step-in harness, as the name implies, allows your pet to step into the harness, and is comprised of two straps or a vest style. I’m partial to the vest style because it is easy to get on and off and has extra padding for a more comfortable fit on my Toy Poodles. Some Poodle owners have complained that the vest causes matting, but I have not had an issue with my Toys.
The standard harness design has two straps that fit around your pet’s neck and ribs. You will need to put your pet’s head through the first strap, which can be tricky. Some dogs do not like anything going over their head and your mild-mannered pup can quickly turn into a rabid animal. This design is a favorite for many pup owners though, and with a little patience may work well for you too.
Conclusion
The right walking accessories make ALL the difference between an enjoyable outing and a chore. A small dog harness is an excellent choice to keep your pup safe, secure, comfortable, and happy during their stroll. With so many options out there, you’re bound to find one that fits your dog’s size and personality.