How long should a harness be on a dog?

Posted by Keith Anderson on 14th July 2022

You're ready to purchase a new harness for your dog, but there are so many options out there. How do you get the perfect style, size, and fit? Never fear. We've created this handy guide to walk you through the process.

Still trying to decide whether a harness is right for your dog? Here are a few things to consider.

How to Measure Your Dog for the Right Size Harness

Selecting the proper size harness for your dog is the first order of business. To get started, you'll need a flexible cloth measuring tape and your furry friend. Then follow these simple steps:

Chest: Measure around your dog's torso, starting at the bottom of the rib cage and going up and over her back and then back down to where you started.

Neck: Wrap the tape around the thickest part of your dog's neck, just above her shoulders (not where she would normally wear her collar, which is narrower). Write down that measurement.

Weight: While chest and neck measurements are the most accurate ways to fit a dog, many harness companies use weight to guide sizing. If you're having trouble getting your furry friend on the scale, weigh yourself first, then pick up your pooch and weigh the two of you together. The difference will be the weight of your dog.

We have created a handy How to Measure Your Dog Video to help you with these measurements.

Once you have your measurements, you're ready to shop online or head to the store.

You'll find the suggested sizing for most harnesses on the back of the box or in the online product description. In most cases, the sizing ranges will overlap. For example, the neck size of a medium harness might be 16-25" while the large is 18"-30". If your dog falls within the range for both sizes on both the neck and chest, we suggest you select the larger size.

How to Set Up an Overhead Harness (for Your First Outing)

Before hitting the trail with your dog in her new harness, you first want to make sure you've set up the harness correctly. Loosen all the straps before putting the harness on your dog for the first time. The harness should be as easy to slip on as possible. Once the harness is on, you can tighten the straps for a proper fit.

Step 1: Slide the harness over your dog's head. Do not tighten the straps at this point.

Step 2: Lift up the chest piece so that it's touching your dog's chest and belly.

Step 3: Locate the two buckles on the chest piece (one on either side of your dog, behind the front legs). Fasten the buckles to the back of the harness.

Step 4: Adjust the sides of the harness to fit snugly—you should be able to fit two (and only two) fingers between your dog and the harness at any point.

Step 5:Adjust the belly of your harness (if applicable) to fit snugly.Only some harnesses, like Kurgo's Tru-Fit Smart Harness (with 5 adjustment points),include an adjustment point on the stomach. 

Step 6: Finally, adjust the neck of your harness to fit snugly.

How to Put on an Overhead Harness

Once you've adjusted your harness for the proper fit, putting it on should be a breeze. Follow the directions below or use our How to Put on an Overhead Harness Infographic.

Step 1: Slide the harness over your dog's head.

Step 2: Swing the chest piece up so that it's touching your dog's chest and belly.

Step 3: Fasten the two buckles on the chest piece (one on either side of your dog, behind the front legs) to the back of the harness.

Signs of a Poor Fit

Any of the following are signs that your harness isthe improper size or not fitted properly.

• Bare spots (loss of fur) around the harness area
• Chafing around the harness area
• Dog is able to wiggle free
• Back piece of the harness rotates to either side
• Dog strongly resists walking

If you notice one or more of these signs, refer to the How to Measure Your Dog Videoor size chart above to ensure you have the correct size harness. Once you're confident that you have the right harness for your dog, you'll want to make sure you have the proper fit by following the above steps in “How to Set Up an Overhead Harness.”

It's worth putting in a little time upfront to select the best harness for your dog and to make sure it's sized and fitted properly. But after that, you'll be amazed at how quickly and easily you'll be able to slip on the harness and head out the door. Most harnesses can be put on in a few seconds, which is good news for both you and your adventuring pup!

Happy trails!

One of the most commonly bought accessories for dogs is a dog harness, and most people rather have their dogs wear it 27/7. But this brings us to a very important question: Is it safe to leave a harness on a dog all the time?

Safety-wise, yes, dog harnesses are simply the most secure, and most comfortable way to hook your dog to his leash. Harnesses increase your control, prevent constant tugging and/or pulling, and are perfect for dogs with neck and oesophagus injuries.  But just like dog collars, it’s best not to leave them on your dog all the time. 

There are a lot of other factors as to why it isn’t recommended to leave it on 24/7. Read on to find out more about the dangers of dog harnesses, and important tips on how to select the perfect one for your lovely pup!

The Risks Of Constantly Leaving A Dog Harness On Your Dog

Dog harnesses aren’t generally dangerous. But there are some safety hazards linked to having them on your pup all the time. 

Here are some of the reasons why.

May Cause Discomfort and Injury

Compare a dog harness to a vest we wear all the time. They’re stylish and look cool, but it can be a total inconvenience if it’s either too tight or too loose. 

For dogs, a too-tight harness may cause pressure from the strap when dogs sit or lie down. If it’s too loose, dogs could develop sores if the harness constantly rubs against certain areas of the skin.

Harnesses that don’t fit well are a potential cause for a chest injury, especially if the dog pulls too hard on his leash. 

If a dog is particularly sensitive, skin infections and rashes may also develop if worn on a daily basis. 

May Cause Fur to Matt

Matting prevents proper airflow, especially if the hair is rightly pressed to a dog’s skin, proper temperature regulation, and skin irritation. It also increases the risk of parasites and often causes extreme discomfort and pain. 

Matting is highly likely to occur if a dog has his harness on all the time, especially if it’s a vest harness that may cover half a dog’s body. They often form underneath your dog’s collar or the parts of their chest and armpits where the walking harness rests.

Potential Choking Hazard

A harness may be considered a choking hazard if left on at night while dogs sleep. 

It may get caught in between a piece of cloth or blanket, and restrict air from properly passing through their lungs. A harness may not pose the same threat as dog collars, but as it has more straps, it’s easier for dogs to get caught on something. 

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[Related Article: Should I Take My Dog Collar Off At Night Before Bed For Safety]

Dogs May Chew Through the Harness

As an owner who’s had over five dog harnesses ruined from my dog chewing through it, I can definitely attest to how often this happens.

Dogs would normally chew on their harness in an effort to escape, especially if they feel it to be uncomfortable. Other times they’re just simply too bored and would treat their harness as a chew toy. 

If you’re adamant to keep the harness on, there are chew-proof dog harnesses available to be purchased, which are harder to chew on. But you can just avoid it entirely by just simply removing the harness while at home. 

Choosing the Right Harness For Your Dog

Some types of harnesses may be harmful to dogs. Not all of them support the dog’s weight and bone structure, and can badly hurt the animal in various ways if the harness is misused. Here’s a list of the common types of dog harasses to choose for your dog.

Training Harness

The Training Harness, also known as the Front-Clip Harness, comes with a leash at the front and is expected to go around the middle of a dog’s chest. Some training harnesses come with Martingale loops to decrease pulling pleasure. 

This type of harness discourages a dog’s natural pulling instinct and goes a long way in guiding your dog in the right direction because of the control it offers. Great training tool for puppies.

Vest Harness

Commonly made from mesh or nylon, vest harnesses, as its name suggests, have some semblance to a vest and appear thicker than the rest of the harnesses on this list. Vests reduce chafing and can make skittish dogs feel more secure. The only downside of vest harnesses is that they may cause dogs to feel “contained”. 

If you have petite dogs, mesh vest harnesses are perfect for them as it is easy to put on and adjustable for a perfect fit.

Back-Clip Harness

Designed for less aggressive dogs, this harness’s leave is commonly located at the top of a dog’s back. It’s the easiest to use for walking your dog and is shown to be the most agreeable type for many dogs to adjust to. Back-Clip Harness is best used for small dogs. 

No-Pull Harness

Non-pull harnesses are created to minimize your dog’s ability to tug hard on its leash as much as possible. When using the harness, the pressure caused by pulling is evenly distributed on the dog’s chest. Some of the same types are designed to tighten around the leg area of your dog. 

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3 in 1 Dog Harness

If you are confused by the options above and looking for a harness that is safe and performs several functions at once,  we recommend getting a 3 in 1 Dog harness.

This type of harness is one of my favorite and basically, you can use it for a no-pull walking solution with a front leash attachment,  a standard harness with back leash attachment, or as a car safety restraint. It is the perfect all-inclusive harness.

Final Thoughts

It isn’t entirely necessary to have your dog wear a harness all the time, especially if they’re inside the house. 

Your dog’s safety and comfort are largely dependent on the choices you make. Make sure to listen to all the cues your dog may show you for a happier, safer dog.

Dogs primarily communicate using body language, so make sure to closely monitor your dog’s physical cues to make sure he’s comfortable with his new dog harness.