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How to properly put a harness on a dog: step-by-step instructions, photos. How to put a harness on a cat: step-by-step photo instructions How to put a harness on a cat

A harness is a convenient accessory to ensure complete control over the animal during a walk. But if the device has never been worn by a dog, its use may cause discomfort and even frighten the pet. Let's find out what you should focus on in order to choose the right harness for your dog, and how to put on this product.

What is a harness?

To figure out how to properly put a harness on a dog, it is worth considering the design of such an accessory. The device looks like a thin strap that wraps around the animal’s body in the area of the chest and shoulder blades. The harness is fastened on the neck and on the stomach. The ring from which the leash extends is located at the withers, which does not cause the pet to feel discomfort as a result of excessive pressure on the neck.

Types of harnesses

There are several types of dog harnesses:

Standard– represent a regular walking option. A ring for fixing the leash is placed between the animal's shoulder blades. Devices with minimum quantity belts are used for walking small dogs. For enough large pets use standard harnesses with plenty of straps.
Towing– the use of such ammunition is resorted to mainly during competitions. Harnesses of this type can be seen in dog sledding. The defining difference from the previous version is the presence of wider, more durable belts and fastenings.
Weighted harnesses– used when it is necessary to train a pet, strengthen an insufficiently developed muscle mass. Often such devices are used during the recovery period of a pet from injuries or broken limbs.

How to accustom an animal to a harness?

Experts recommend starting to put a harness on your dog in the first months. How to put on such a device, we will consider further. Puppies more easily get used to new attributes that appear in their lives. Therefore, in this case, the harness will not cause them unnecessary discomfort.

To accustom an adult animal to using an accessory, you need to be patient. To begin with, you should put on the product at home. As soon as the dog gets used to such a leash, the owner can move on to controlling the movement of the animal. After this, it is worth practicing on the street for some time, choosing places for this without people, other animals and public transport.

How to put a harness on a dog: step-by-step instructions

To quickly prepare your animal for a walk using a harness, you should use the following recommendations:

How to put a harness on a dog? The scheme involves straightening the leash so that its soft part is located from the inside. If the animal resists, you need to squeeze its body between your legs.
The top and bottom loops of the harness need to be placed on the dog’s head. In this case, the supporting, vertical strap should be located in the animal’s chest area.
On the side of the loops that are already on, there are several straps where you need to thread your pet’s paws. The ends of the paw straps should be connected with a buckle.
At the end, it is enough to adjust the harness, make the necessary adjustments, tightening the fasteners and fastenings. Before taking your pet for a walk, it is worth checking whether the harness can be removed over the head. You also need to evaluate the reliability of fixation of the elements where the animal’s paws are inserted. If the harness falls off, you should tighten the fastenings more tightly. Ultimately, the front strap should be located in the pet's chest area, and the D-ring for the leash should be located between the shoulder blades.

How to make this accessory yourself?

If you wish, you can try to make a harness for your dog with your own hands. It will be much easier to figure out how to wear an accessory you made yourself. During the work you will need the following tools and materials:

nylon sling about 30 mm wide;
material for making lining in the form of flannel fabric or felt;
steel rings;
snap-lock buckle;
strong threads;
scissors;
sewing machine.

To make a harness, it is better to use solid steel rings. If these structural elements contain slots, the latter may unbend during strong jerks. It is worth choosing rings into which you can freely stretch several loops from the slings.

How to make a harness for a dog, how to put on such an accessory? To begin with, it is worth taking measurements of the animal’s body parameters. The circumference of the chest should be measured behind and in front of the pet's limbs. Next, determine the distance between the dog’s shoulders.

The work begins with cutting out the lining. The material, folded in half, is placed on slings that will pass in the animal’s chest area. Nylon slings are sewn together with the lining. Using scissors, all excess parts are carefully removed, and the edges are machine stitched.

The buckle-lock is attached to the slings in the chest area of the animal. Additional length of material is provided to allow for adjustment. The ring for the leash is sewn on the top of the product. It is desirable that the latter is ultimately located exactly between the pet's shoulder blades.

During assembly of the device, it is recommended to periodically put it on the animal, making the necessary adjustments. This will ensure not only a comfortable fit of the product on the dog, but also ensure that the four-legged friend does not escape during a walk.

In conclusion

So we looked at how to put on a harness. The instructions suggest holding the dog tightly during this procedure. A product that is suitable in size will not only provide complete control over the animal during a walk, but will also make wearing the accessory the least uncomfortable for him. Proper use of the harness does not make you worry about the safety of your four-legged friend and allows the animal to explore the world around it.

In the understanding of the average city resident, all that is needed to walk a dog on the street is a collar and a leash. At the same time, many owners do without these accessories at all, exposing the dog to unnecessary risk. But experienced dog lovers are well aware of such a device as a harness. It helps you better manage your pet, develop its strength and endurance. The leash is attached to the withers or croup, and even with great tension, it will not squeeze the throat, making it difficult to breathe.

The correct harness for a dog is in many ways similar to the harness worn on harness horses. This design allows you to use all the draft power of the animal, which makes it mandatory element dog sleds. They are made from genuine leather or stitched strips of fabric. It is very important that the owner knows how to choose a harness for dogs; the accessory must be ideal in size, match the breed and physical capabilities of your pet. In this article we will tell you how to choose the right harness for your dog, what types exist and how they can be used.

What to consider when choosing

Harnesses can be used for various purposes: for regular walks, sports activities or official work. IN winter time they can find and traditional use– harness the dog and use it to transport loads. Such events can be turned into interesting game– a pet giving a child a ride on a sleigh will get the physical exercise he needs and will give the family a lot of positive emotions. To know how to choose the right harness for your dog, focus on the following indicators:

Material. Manufacturers use durable, soft and wear-resistant materials. At the same time, not all companies treat their work responsibly. Please note that during walks a lot of dirt will appear, so the harness should be easy to wash. It is best to make a choice with a minimum amount of knowledge about all the available varieties. For dogs miniature breeds lightweight woven products are suitable, whereas for a wolfhound the best solution there will be a heavy leather harness;
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What to consider when choosing
For dogs, make sure it is easy enough to put on and take off. Several fasteners will increase its resistance to tearing and make it more comfortable for your pet - you can easily adjust its size so that your dog does not feel discomfort;
Fit to the body. Ideally, the straps are attached tightly to the body so that they do not move when moving. At the same time, the accessory should not restrict the pet’s movements; excessive tension will make walking and running difficult, and can cause inflammation and hair loss in the contact area;
Matching sizes. Knowing how a harness should sit on a dog, you can do right choice. First of all, you need to take into account that it upper part should fully correspond to the width of the back (measurement is carried out with a centimeter along the body, taking into account thick hair).

The main requirement for the product is convenience for daily use, but the owner must take into account that it should not be used daily. The harness is considered as a means for training and special training in physical training pet, but too much frequent use may harm the coat. After a walk or completing a required task, it is better to remove it; leaving the dog in a harness at home unattended is unacceptable, as this can lead to undesirable consequences.

How to measure a dog for a harness

An inexperienced owner does not know how to determine the size of a dog harness. This task can be overwhelming, especially if you go to a large pet store. Sellers can give certain advice, but it is better for the potential buyer to know how to choose the right size harness for a dog. This is especially important for those who make purchases online. To avoid mistakes, you need to take the following measurements using a centimeter:

Back length. Measured from the base of the withers to the base of the tail;
Neck circumference. It is measured in the place where the collar usually sits - at the bottom of the neck. The anterior point is on the keel (the bone that protrudes forward under the dog's neck), the posterior point is on the edge of the shoulder blades, located closest to the head;
Chest circumference. The harness fits over the entire front part of the body, so before choosing a harness for your dog, set the dimensions of the area behind the front paws at the widest point. To the resulting value you need to add 0.5-2 cm (depending on the size of the dog.

For representatives of middle and large breeds a good choice would be ammunition made from woven braid or leather. The product must be equipped with steel carabiners and solid rings. This requirement is also true for dogs of small working or hunting breeds - miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, and others. For representatives ornamental breeds more important appearance and comfort, so here best choice will be nylon or velor models.

How to put a harness on a dog, step by step guide

An owner who has only recently acquired a pet may face categorical rejection. He will resist in every possible way, trying to free himself from the tight harness. This is completely natural, because the dog may not immediately appreciate all its advantages. But if you do the right thing, then over time he will rejoice at the sight of the harness in your hands, because for him it will become a symbol of a walk and a fun time.

How to measure a dog for a harness Without knowing how to put a harness on a dog, you can waste a lot of time; some owners, after several unsuccessful attempts, generally consider it as a useless accessory, depriving them of all the benefits that it can provide. To put it on quickly, use the following guide:

If your pet is disobedient and refuses to obey, secure it between your legs in the back area.
Before putting a harness on your dog for the first time, distract him with a favorite treat or toy. If even at this stage you are unable to achieve the required results, then conduct several exercises for endurance;
Place the ring-shaped part of the closed-type harness around the chest in front of the paws; its dimensions may vary depending on the design of the accessory;
Next, position the strap along the top of the case to the desired position, thereby limiting the space between the jumper and the closed circle. The right paw is threaded into the area between the closed circle and the strap;
The bridge passes through the surface of the chest, on right side The strap is put on, after which the loose part must be threaded through the armpit of the left paw. Next, all that remains is to fasten all the belts.

After you manage to tie the dog harness, release it, adjust it and make sure that the accessory does not choke your pet and fits firmly enough to his body. The last step is to check the fastened parts. Even using step-by-step instructions on how to put a harness on a dog, you may encounter certain difficulties. Take your time, perform all the steps sequentially, and do not hesitate to ask questions to familiar dog breeders or store sellers. Harnesses may vary in design, but the principles remain the same.

Types of harnesses

The modern market for accessories for dog breeders is very diverse and represented a large number products different types. They can be divided into groups according to size, type of materials used, and purpose. Some models are complemented by special pockets for cargo, fastening rings for harnesses or other elements that expand the functionality of the product. When you go to a pet supply store, you can find the following harnesses:

Walking. The fastening ring on them is fixed in the withers area. They are well suited for daily walks, which is especially convenient with small pets. Products of larger sizes are equipped with additional belts;
Towing. Their purpose is sports competitions. Such harnesses are worn on hyperactive dogs prone to non-stop forward movement. With their help, the chest muscles are trained for German Shepherds and other breeds. I use it for them
Dog Harness Size Chart
bonds. If your dog requires increased physical activity, use weighted harnesses. Some models are complemented by weights sewn inside, others have pockets with metal bars with which the weight can be adjusted. Their use is advisable for strengthening muscle mass after fractures.

Progressive dog handlers never wear a harness for every walk and activity. The load should be uniform and appropriate. It is most convenient to train your pet at a very early age, at the same time as a collar, in which case you will need a miniature harness designed specifically for puppies. By putting it on your baby already at this stage, you can accustom him to the idea that a harness and other types of equipment are primarily associated with walks and having fun.

How to put a harness on a dog, step by step guide

Types of harnesses

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A dog harness is not a fashion statement, but a serious device, originally invented as a harness for dogs. Its design feature was that it did not cause discomfort to the animal performing its professional duties: it did not disrupt the breathing process and evenly distributed the load. Modern harnesses have changed somewhat in appearance and began to be used not only for riding, but also for other needs. It is worth considering their properties and features in more detail.

A harness is a special piece of equipment, just like a leash and collar. However, it has some advantages. If the dog pulls forward, the collar can cause physical harm to the pet, which cannot happen with a harness. And it’s much easier to control a wayward animal with a harness. But here, too, everything is not so simple and it is not always possible to use this device.

Harnesses are divided into types, depending on the area of their use:

It is important to know that many experts do not recommend wearing a harness all the time; it is necessary to periodically change it for regular collar. Moreover, studies have shown that dogs that always wear only a collar are often diagnosed with neck problems and spinal cord. This trend is especially clearly visible in active, restless dogs that often break from leashes, and pets that are bred on a collar with spikes or in the form of a chain.

When choosing a harness, you should always be guided by the size of your pet. For puppies, it is recommended to purchase special equipment and in no case for growth. Harness for large dogs It’s worth choosing the appropriate one.

What material is better to buy a harness from?

In addition to the scope of use, you also need to pay attention to the material from which the device is made. This is especially important when choosing a harness for dogs of decent size.

Harnesses made of synthetic materials are considered the most practical. They are not susceptible to moisture, are easily cleaned of dirt by regular washing, are highly durable and quite durable.

The most inexpensive among budget options Harnesses made from canvas braid are considered. This material has high strength, but its wear rate is higher. In addition, canvas harnesses are difficult to wash; the material tends to get wet and at the same time long time dries.

If you look at the appearance, then the harnesses made of genuine leather are definitely the most beautiful. But it is worth considering that after getting wet, the skin loses its elasticity and may lose its shape by stretching. Once it dries, in most cases it becomes rough and its surface may crack. Leather harnesses are undoubtedly beautiful, but they are expensive and impractical.

It is not recommended to select ammunition in absentia - without a pet or only from a photograph. Only by trying it on a dog can you assess whether the product is suitable or not. Moreover, not only the size of the harness may not be suitable, but also the design itself. For the convenience of customers, most pet stores allow fitting of such products.

When is it necessary to wear a harness?

In addition to the specific needs associated with the pet's activity, there are additional situations that require wearing a harness. For example, if a dog is too active, it constantly tries to break off the leash, thereby causing injury to itself. In this case, in order not to worsen the dog’s condition and not cause additional seizures Pain-related aggression can be switched from a collar to a harness for a while.

In addition, for some breeds that have a larger neck than head circumference, a collar is not a good option. Because when he tilts his head, he slides off the dog. For dwarf dogs, such as a toy terrier or, it is also more practical to use harnesses.

Dogs that naturally have a short, flat muzzle (Pikines, Petit Brabançons, Pugs, Bulldogs, Japanese Chins, etc.) have problems with the respiratory system, and collars can cause discomfort. And in this case, the situation can be corrected by using a harness, which will allow them to breathe more freely.

At what age can a dog wear a harness?

You can put a harness on a pet of small breeds starting from six months, and for larger dogs - from 8-10 months. Experts have found that getting used to such equipment too early can provoke outward deformation of the forelimbs.

Rapid development similar pathology This is caused by improper fastening of the harness - this happens if the belt around the pet’s body passes too close to the muscle cavity. This position causes discomfort to the dog, and it tries to twist its elbows to ease the discomfort. After just two or three weeks of wearing the harness this way, the correct placement of the paws will deteriorate. If the individual is a representative of the show class, with such a defect you will have to forget about exhibitions.

How to choose the right harness

To make the task easier, there are special tables indicating the dimensions. To use them, you need to know some dog measurements:

Back length - measured from the withers to the base of the tail.
Chest circumference – correct measurement is made in a place just behind the elbows, 1 cm is added to the resulting size for small dogs, and 2 cm for large ones.
Neck circumference - covers the area where the collar is supposed to be.

For sledding harnesses for dogs, measurements are taken slightly different, this is due to the design feature:

Distance from the beginning of the sternum to the withers.
Chest length.
The length of the segment from the end of the sternum to the base of the tail.

If the accessory is chosen correctly, it will not dangle, but it will not be able to squeeze the pet’s body. A human palm should fit under the harness.

How to put a harness on a pet

Already when trying it on, you should know how to properly put the harness on your dog. You can follow the step-by-step instructions:

If the dog has a violent character, it must be restrained before the procedure. This can be done by holding the animal’s body in the back area between your legs.
The harness must be straightened so that the soft surface is inside the structure.
The ring-shaped closed part of the harness is carefully placed on the pet (its parameters vary depending on the size of the dog).
The harness strap is positioned to the required position. If everything is done correctly, then the space between the jumper and the circular part is limited.
Without stopping the action, you need to insert the dog's paw into the space between the strap and the closed circle.
The jumper should slide through without any problems chest pet, on the right side there will be a harness strap.
If all dressing rules are followed, then one side of the structure will be free. It must be inserted through the muscular cavity of the dog’s left paw, and then the strap is fastened.

The last step is to adjust the harness. To do this, the dog is placed on the floor, the circle on the neck is adjusted so that the straps do not put pressure on the neck, but at the same time fit tightly. After the entire procedure, you need to check whether all the mechanisms are fastened.

Of course, putting on a harness for the first time may seem complicated and time-consuming. However, as practice shows, a couple of uses and everything will return to normal, the pet will get used to it, and the dog owner will gain experience and a certain dexterity in this matter.

The pet owner decides whether to use a harness or a collar, but it is important to think, first of all, about the convenience and safety of the pet.

The idea that cats are inveterate homebodies is not entirely true. Yes, furry pets enjoy spending time in the cozy atmosphere of their home. But how many bright sensations await them beyond the threshold! In addition, walks are good for the health of cats: they strengthen nervous system, are the prevention of obesity and heart disease.

Unfortunately, in conditions big city Pets should not be allowed outside unattended. Transport, dogs, cruel people, poisonous plants, waste household chemicals pose a mortal danger to them.

The presence of the owners is also not a guarantee that the walk will end safely. The cat is both curious and timid and, unlike a dog, does not obey commands. In the process of exploring new territories, she may get scared, run away or hide so that it will be very difficult to find her.

How can you ensure your pet’s safety and peace of mind? The answer is clear: acquire such a useful attribute for walking as harness.

Why a harness and not a collar?

A cat's neck is very vulnerable. The design of the collar does not take this into account anatomical feature and creates a harmful burden on the weak neck muscles. The harness is another matter. The attachment point for her leash is between her shoulder blades. This protects the fragile animal from the risk of injury and suffocation in cases where the cat, keen on exploring the world around it, pulls hard on the leash. Therefore, a harness is much safer than a collar.

Types of harnesses

1) “Eight”, H and V-shaped models.These accessories are made of straps and equipped with a carabiner for attaching a leash.

The “Figure Eight” is a closed ring and a strap connected by a jumper.

The model in the form of the letter “H” consists of two rings with a connecting strip between them.

The V-shaped design forms the Latin letter of the same name on the cat’s chest.

H - shaped, V - shaped, figure eight

Important! If the harness is not put on correctly, the freedom-loving fluffy will slip out of the complex weave of straps and run away on the first walk!

.Our pets are very sensitive creatures. Some of them categorically do not accept the mentioned types of harnesses due to the discomfort that the straps can cause, cutting into the skin when tensioned.

For obstinate picky people, there are extremely comfortable overalls. Cats adapt to this “suit” without any problems.

It is much easier to put on a jumpsuit than a harness made from straps. The danger of the animal being released is completely eliminated.

This model is ideal for walks in the cold season, but in summer it will be too hot for your pet.

What you need to pay attention to when buying a harness.

Most products can be adjusted in size. And yet, before you go shopping, it is better to measure the circumference of your pet’s chest behind the front legs. In the store, you need to find out what parameters the selected model is suitable for (read the designations on the packaging, consult with the seller).

Main condition: the material should be light and elastic m. The most preferred products are made of cotton and nylon with a soft felt lining.

But leather harnesses are not best option: Leather is too hard a material for cats.

Pay attention to the leash. Most models are sold complete with . Its optimal length is at least two meters. The standard version can be replaced with a retractable roulette leash for dogs.

Aesthetics matter to many owners. The beauty of a four-legged friend is a source of pride for its owners. Pet stores offer a wide range of walking accessories.

Exquisite harness design, original fasteners, colors that harmonize with the color cat hair, emphasize the charm and individuality of the pet.

Preparing a cat for a walk with a harness

A kitten at the age of 2-3 months easily adapts to walking equipment. But with a reasonable approach, it is possible to train an adult animal to walk with a harness.

Don't put on new clothes right away. It is better to put the harness in the cat's favorite corner. Let her examine the mysterious thing.

When the pet is convinced that it is harmless, you need to carefully put the harness on it without sudden movements.

The next stage of training: the cat walks around the apartment with the owner, who holds the leash in his hands, but does not limit the animal in choosing a direction.

It is possible that the cat will sharply protest against the “shackles”. The owner will need patience. The main condition: training must occur regularly, every day. Effective reception– end the lessons with a tasty treat. Then the harness will evoke pleasant associations in your pet.

When the household understands that the cat has become accustomed to the new property, it is taken for its first walk in a quiet place where there are no dogs or cars.

How to properly put a harness on a cat?

First you need to unfasten the leash.

Eight model:

Place a closed ring around the cat's neck so that the carabiner is on the withers and the jumper is on the animal's throat.
Moving the strap, expand the space between the ring and the jumper and place your right paw there. The jumper will move to the chest, the right paw will be covered by the strap.
Place the free end of the strap under your left paw. Fasten the strap.

H-shaped model:

The first stage is similar: the first ring is placed around the neck so that the leash clasp is on the cat's back.
The front paws are threaded into the second ring and all the locks are fastened.
The subsequent steps are the same for all models.
Adjust the size if necessary. Two fingers should fit into the space between the body and the harness. Then the cat will not experience discomfort from tightness and at the same time will not wriggle out of the harness.
Check that all the zippers are fastened and that there are no bends in the straps.
Attach a leash.

Important! During a walk, you should not relax your attention and let go of the leash. In this case, the cat should be given the opportunity to move along the route that interests it.

So, the owner learned how to put on a harness correctly, and his pet was convinced that this was a wonderful item. Walks bring both only positive emotions. Now you can safely go on a trip, to an exhibition or to veterinary clinic. Good luck!