Where to measure for a dog harness
Knowing where to measure for a dog harness is crucial to making sure you get one that fits your pooch safely and comfortably. A great alternative to a traditional collars and dog leashes, harnesses can be more comfortable for your pet and offer you more control on walks, which can be a real help if you have a dog who can be a little strong on the dog lead.
Dog harnesses are becoming a more popular choice for all types of dogs, with many owners regarding them as kinder to pets than a traditional collar when out on walks. This can be true for dogs who are inclined to pull as a harness can make control easier. We know that dogs come in a wide range of shapes and sizes, but no matter how big or small your fury friend is, when you follow our where to measure for a dog harness guide you’ll be able to get your dog’s harness fitting perfectly – ready for all those adventures you’re going to have together.
Dog harness measuring: A step by step guide
Finding a harness that fits your pride and joy perfectly is simple with our step by step measuring guide. Before you get started make sure you have a tape measure to hand and that your pet is calm and able to sit or stand still for the measuring process. It can be worth getting a few treats ready on standby just in case they need a little persuasion or asking a friend or family member to help hold them still.
- Measure the chest circumference.
Using the tape measure, start out by measuring the width of your dog’s chest, measuring at the widest point. This is usually just behind their front legs. The tape should feel snug but not be pulled too tightly. It’s especially important to get this right for deep chested dogs (Basset hounds, Labradors and hunting dogs) as mistakes here can mean ordering a dog harness that is too small.
- Measure the neck circumference.
The second most important measurement you’ll need is their neck circumference. Measure this again at the widest part. Add a few cms or an inch to this to make sure the harness you get isn’t too tight.
- Weigh your dog.
Having an accurate recording of your dog’s weight is important when shopping for a dog harness. Some companies sell dog harnesses by weight, so having a good idea of your dog’s weight can be handy.
Top tip - Record all your measurements in both cm and inches as retailers can have different specifications.
If your dog is between sizes then you should always size up when shopping for a dog harness. Australia has a huge range of different retailers offering all kinds of harnesses to suit your dog’s needs but the ones at Dog Friendly Co are super easy to adjust, making them a great choice for growing with your pooch.
