A dog harness can prove to be a beneficial item to a dog owner, especially when travelling. Unlike a leash, a dog harness does not wrap around the dog's neck but rather works somewhat like a backpack with straps wrapping around the legs and torso of the dog.
Types and Styles
There are a number of different types and styles of harnesses on the market. Choosing one depends upon the needs of the dog owner and the function of the harness. No matter the style, the main function of any harness is to secure the dog and allow the owner to maintain full control over the animal. This provides safety to both the dog and to those around him.
Selecting a Harness
A dog owner should first determine the type of harness he needs for his particular breed of dog. Knowing the weight of his dog will determine the size needed. The owner also honestly needs to determine the personality of the dog as well. This will determine the strength and size of webbing needed to maintain his dog under control. Obviously a large dog will need a larger and stronger harness than a small dog. A more aggressive dog will also need a stronger and thicker webbing harness as well.
Benefits of Using a Harness
Using a harness instead of a leash can make walking a dog easier, safer and allowing for more control on the part of the owner (walker). A dog on a leash can spin around since there is only one point of contact around his neck. However, a dog on a harness is more secure since there are many points of contact around the shoulders and torso and because the harness is designed so that the dog faces the same direction as the owner holding the other end of the harness.
Though rare, there is always the possibility that a leash can choke a dog or cause minor injuries since a leash and collar are secured around a dog’s neck. This is especially important whenever a dog is being transported in traveling from one location to another in a crate. A leash should never be left secured to a dog’s collar since it can get entangled in something during the journey and literally choke the dog to death. The collar should not be a choke collar either for the same reason but rather a fabric collar that can slip off in emergencies in the event it gets caught on something.
A harness should be used instead of a leash for all traveling purposes since it cannot choke a dog even if it gets caught on something. However, this means that the dog MUST be properly trained to obey all commands given by the owner to maintain control of the dog and safety for all of those who come into contact with him. It would be irresponsible for a dog owner to allow an aggressive and/or untrained animal to be uncontrollable in an airport, bus station or train station and could actually expose the owner to any lawsuits in the event that the dog hurts someone because the owner could not maintain control over him.