Several times during osteopathy sessions, clients have asked me for advice on the right harness for their companion. It is difficult for individuals to find the shape that could be suitable or that would be the most comfortable for their animal. Some professionals also ask themselves the question in order to make the most of their dog's abilities.
Trust aesthetics? To the best sellers? To the promises of supermarkets?
First, you have to know what you want this harness to be used for. There are harnesses of different shapes, with one or two attachments, of various lengths, with a handle. The choices are many and we do not rely on good advice.
What shape?
As for the shape, whether it's for walking, sports or work, the "X" and "Y" shapes will meet your expectations. These shapes have the advantage of distributing the weight related to traction over the entire sternum and therefore the thorax, unlike the horizontal strap harnesses (or Norwegian harnesses) that are the most sold in pet stores and that we all know.
These have disadvantages such as compression of the trachea by the horizontal strap as well as concentrated support on the sternal manubrium. This support requires only a tiny part of the absorption capacity of the forces by the whole body and will lead to an encystment of energy due to the pressure. Also, the shoulders are not free to move. Using this harness alone will have little effect on your dog's body image, although he will probably not feel comfortable.However, if used repeatedly, it can cause chest compressions, sternal tenderness, musculoskeletal disorders of the forelegs, muscle pain and even early osteoarthritis.
Warning!
Let's not generalize. This type of harness is not suitable for dogs that provide a tractive effort such as sports dogs (cani-cross, cani-ATV, hitch, sled and so on), utility dogs (search, tracking, guide blind people) or simply to dogs who have not learned to heel and who tend to pull on the leash.
Other working dogs that have a role of deterrent or dogs that do not pull on a leash could find compatibility there ( although there is still a jerky movement of the shoulders).
With or without handle?
The handle may be important to you:
- if your dog is responsive, to exercise good control over your dog,
- if you are a canine professional / canine enthusiast who practices in security, research or intervention.
Know that there are other models with a suitable shape that have it.
What fasteners?
For dogs with a tendency to pull excessively, you can favor a ring at the front as well as a ring at the back. You can then easily teach your companion how to behave during walks on a leash.
How long?
In the case of sports dogs, using a harness with a clip between the iliums (pelvic bones) will optimize your dog's performance. Be careful that the attachment is not too far and does not rest on the last vertebrae as well as on the waist. A harness that is long and too wide could frame and block the iliums and hips.
The harness is important to ensure osmosis with your 4-legged friends, don't miss out on its comfort, both short and long term! Be attentive to his needs, the harness that will suit your neighbor's dog will not necessarily correspond to yours. Take the time to study its morphology, its behavior as well as the activities in which you wish to participate in order to find the ideal harness.