Nowadays practically all veterinarians are suggesting that dogs wear harnesses as a replacement for collars. Harnesses are superior for nearly all dogs; they’re painless to dog’s neck and back. Harnesses come in a large number of styles, there is one for each dog, whether your dog is an escape artist, a puller, a chaser, or has medical problems. Not all the harnesses that are available are fine for every dog, except there is a suitable harness for all the dogs.

The first step in finding a proper dog harness for your dog is to measure him/her correctly. Manufacturers don’t make dog gear by breed or weight - they use measurements. Girth is the most important number. Take a tape measure and wrap it all the way around your dog’s chest, just behind her front legs. If she’ll let you - leave it there for a moment to make sure she’s not “puffing” out her ribs and snug it up if you feel it loosen. You should be able to get a finger or two between the tape measure and your dog, but that’s all. If she wiggles too much, just come back a couple more times and try it again.

If your dog has a particularly sensitive neck or issues with a “collapsing trachea,” as many small dogs are prone to, look for a “Step-In Harness.” These are very easy on both you and your dog. If your dog is an “escape artist,” hunching her shoulders and wiggling back, look for a harness with hook-and-loop closures at the neck and girth. These harnesses look like jackets and should fit closely, without much room for adjustment, or escape. If your dog tends to pull you down the street - try a harness with the leash ring at the front of the chest. These seem to work magically, drawing your dog into you whenever he starts pulling away.

A particularly popular harness is styled almost like a human-wear dickey, with chest coverage that distributes any pressure from the leash across the dog’s chest, instead of concentrating it at the neck. These typically slip over dog’s head, one paw goes through an “armhole” and the strap is brought up under the tummy and clasped. Most feature mesh fabric and sporty styling.

Dog harnesses currently are accessible in several different assortment and exclusive styles like Crystal Love Heart Harness Vest. Materials vary from leather, to cotton, to polyester. There is one to go well with every dog and circumstances. Look for a store, locally or online, with a broad range from a number of different makers. Don’t be hesitant about asking for guidance.