A stylish harness might be wrecking your dog's joints. If it’s not a ‘Y-front’, you’re risking long-term damage.
Many 'no-pull' harnesses use a horizontal bar. This blocks the shoulder blade, forcing your dog to walk with a 'stilted' gait that causes back pain.
An ergonomic harness sits on the breastbone. This leaves the shoulders free for full rotation on those rugged NZ trails.
Forget 'Small' or 'Large' labels. Use a tape measure in cm. Measure the neck base, the widest part of the ribs, and the chest plate length.
In our damp Kiwi climate, straps too close to the armpit trap grit and moisture. This leads to painful sores and nasty fungal infections.
Too loose causes friction; too tight restricts breathing. You should just be able to slide two fingers flat under any strap at any time.
Tightening isn't just for comfort. A snug girth strap behind the ribs prevents your dog from 'reversing' out of their gear near busy roads.
A fit that works while standing might pinch when they sit or lie down. Test the tension in every posture before you leave the house.
If the harness leans to one side, your dog walks diagonally. This puts hidden, dangerous stress on their hips over time.
Does your dog freeze when they see the gear? They might hate the 'overhead' application. Switch to a neck-clip for a stress-free start.
After a salty Piha swim or a muddy bush walk, wash the harness. Built-up salt and grit act like sandpaper on their sensitive skin.
A harness isn't a fashion choice from the pet shop. It’s a tool that either supports their anatomy or slowly degrades it. Choose freedom.
Get the full measurement guide and the 'Y-front' checklist to ensure your dog stays active for life.