An ill-fitting harness can permanently alter your dog's gait. Don't let a walk at Sea Point cause long-term joint pain.
Many 'No-Pull' harnesses have a horizontal strap that blocks the shoulder blade. It is like trying to run with your knees tied together.
A Y-front harness sits on the breastbone. This leaves the shoulders free to swing naturally, protecting your dog from premature arthritis.
Grab a tailor’s tape. You need three specific measurements in cm. Weight alone is a guess—a Boerboel and a Pointer have very different frames.
Measure from the withers to the breastbone. The harness must rest on the 'shoulders' of the neck, never pressing against the sensitive throat.
Measure the chest plate carefully. If this strap is too short, the harness will chafe the 'armpits', causing painful sores and hair loss.
You must be able to fit two fingers flat between the straps and your dog. Too tight and it restricts breathing; too loose and they can escape.
In humid KZN or the Highveld, a snug harness traps heat. For short-coated breeds like the Africanis, this causes rapid overheating and skin 'hot spots'.
Grab the D-ring and move it side to side. It should shift slightly but never slide over the shoulder blades or twist under the front leg.
Ensure there is at least a four-finger width gap between the front leg and the girth strap. This is the golden rule for movement freedom.
If your dog walks at an angle or takes short steps, the harness is restricting them. Stop the walk and adjust the straps immediately.
This isn't just about control; it's about biomechanical preservation. The right gear ensures your dog stays active and pain-free for years to come.
See our breed-specific recommendations and the exact measurement checklist for your next Petworld trip.