Dog Harness Basics

Why SHOULD a customer consider a harness for their dog?

  1. DISCOURAGES PULLING. A front connect or Holt harness discourages pulling, because it limits a dog’s forward motion.
  2. JUMPING/TRAINING. If a customer has a dog that jumps up against people, a harness is also a good way to stop the action without worrying about choking the dog in the process. Harnesses can also help train puppies, which might get tangled while pulling on a regular collar and leash.
  3. SIZE OF THE DOG. Some smaller dog breeds may be more delicate and prone to injury. Wearing a harness disperses the pressure from one smaller area on the neck, to the back and the body. It spreads the stress over a larger surface area.
  4. CHOKING AND INJURIES. Neck and trachea injuries might occur even in larger dogs if they are constantly yanking, pulling or fighting the leash. Harnesses take the direct stress off their neck and distribute the force across the chest area.
  5. SECURITY. If a harness is fitted properly and is the right size and style for the dog, it is more difficult to wriggle out of than a simple collar might be.
  6. SAFETY. Using a seatbelt for a dog reduces distractions while driving. Many states now require pets to be restrained while in a car. Auto harnesses or harnesses paired with a tether help keep your dog where they belong. In case of an accident, crash tested auto harnesses make sure the dog will be held securely in place. 

Figure 8

Features:

  • Works with dogs of all shapes and sizes
  • Complete adjustability
  • The “universal harness” for fit
  • Perfect for tough to fit pups
Coastal Figure 8 Harness Lines:

Step-In

Features:

  • Works well with dogs with pointed chests
  • Adjustable neck, girth and chest
Coastal Step-In Harness Lines:

Step-In Mesh/Padded

Features:

  • Comfortably fits short haired dogs
  • Adjustable girth
  • Works well with broader chested dogs
Coastal Step-In Mesh Harness Lines:

Over-the-Head

Features:

  • Comfortably fits long haired dogs
  • Adjustable neck and girth
  • Coastal Over-the-head Harness Lines
Coastal Step-In Harness Lines:

Over-the-Head Mesh

Features:

  • Adjustable girth
  • Large sizes are reinforced with webbing for durability
Coastal Comfort Soft® Adjustable Dog Harness:

Walk Right! Harness

If a customer is faced with a true “tug-o-war” champion, this product is a great solution.

Features:

  • Front-connection naturally redirects the dog’s attention back to the owner and stops dogs from pulling
  • Back leash connection for when dog stops pulling
  • Step-in-style design makes harness easy to fit and use
  • Chest pad for dog’s maximum comfort
Term to know: GIRTH - this is the area directly behind the dog’s front legs that should be measured to help determine the appropriate harness size for each dog.