A harness is one of the most important items you can buy as a dog parent – it makes walking and training your furry friend SO much easier.

Also, how cute do little pups look wearing a bright-colored harness that complements their coat? Stylish harnesses, for sure, make a statement - in real life and on social media!   

But is that all you should care about?

Nuh-uh!

When choosing a harness, responsible dog parents always think beyond their own convenience and aesthetic sense.

The main benefit of a harness is that it reduces pressure on the dog's neck and distributes it more evenly across the body by fitting around the chest and behind the front legs.

Your pet's comfort – that's what you should be looking for. Your ease and convenience will come with it.  

A comfortable dog harness will help ensure that your pup enjoys the experience and is more likely to cooperate during walks and training.

Now, the question is, how do you find a comfortable dog harness that's right for your pup?

While the options on the market are endless, you can narrow down the search results for soft dog harnesses with this guide.

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Comfortable Dog Harness

Different materials, designs, and shapes can all affect how comfy a dog harness is - or isn't.

Sometimes, one that looks perfect due to its weight and style might irritate your dog's skin and make his life miserable.   

To ensure your furry friend doesn't face the same fate, you must ask yourself the following questions when buying a dog harness.   

1.  Will It Fit My Dog Perfectly?

Dog owners often struggle to find a comfortable harness for their beloved furry friends because most harnesses on the market are either too loose or too tight, resulting in the dog feeling uncomfortable or even restricted.

Hence, the first thing you'll want to consider is the size of the harness.

Many dog harnesses are fully adjustable and available in small, medium, and large sizes. Depending on the age and breed of your dog, you can pick a size that can be adjusted around both the neck and girth (the broadest part of the chest just behind the front legs) for a perfect fit.

Alternatively, you can go for a custom-fit harness. For this, you'll have to take measurements of your dog's chest and neck and take into account their body shape to ensure you get the right fit. Make sure you add a couple of extra centimeters, so the harness isn't too tight.

A too-tight harness will be uncomfortable for your dog and not provide the support and stability they need, while a too-loose harness could slip off or rub against their fur.

2.  Will It Allow Free Shoulder Movement?

There are a few different types of harnesses available on the market. The H-style harness is the most popular, which features two straps that attach around your dog's chest and neck.

There are also step-in harnesses, which are easier to put on and take off, and vest-style harnesses that provide more coverage and support.

These harnesses may connect differently to the leash and allow a slightly different range of control over your dog's movement.

For example, those with a front clip allow more control over dog behavior but can easily get tangled underneath the front legs. On the contrary, back-clip harnesses are easier to attach to the leash and offer excellent neck support but with limited trajectory control. They may also encourage pulling, putting extra strain on you.

That said, side attachments have become quite popular for dogs under training as they gently steer them in the right direction when walking.

When choosing the right type of harness for your dog, you must see if it'll distribute the pressure evenly across the chest so your furry friend can move, walk, and run without restriction while still being in your control.   

3. What's the Material of Harness?

Some materials, like nylon, are strong and durable but can be uncomfortable for your dog to wear. Other materials, like leather, are more comfortable but may not be as durable.

You should look for soft dog harnesses that won't rub your dog's skin raw. A cotton weave is an excellent material that's not just soft to the touch but also moves flexibly as your dog walks or runs. 

This material is also quite breathable, promising to help keep your pup cool and comfortable, even on long walks or runs.

4. Is It Padded?

Harnesses with any sharp edges or hard materials are a big NO. These can dig into your dog's skin and cause discomfort.

You should look for a well-padded harness instead that guarantees optimal comfort, especially if you have a dog with short hair. The padding avoids skin rubbing during walks and prevents irritation, rashes, and discomfort by evenly distributing your dog's weight.

Padded harnesses also look super stylish, so you can rest assured that your dog will slay whenever you take them out for a walk. 

5. Is It Practical?

Practicality is another critical factor to consider when looking for soft dog harnesses.

Is it easy to put on your dog?

Will the material be too hot for walks during summer?

Can you adjust it to fit over a jumper when the temperature drops?

You must also consider if the harness is machine washable.

The ideal dog harness will be comfortable, practical, and easy to clean.

Get Your Furry Friend a Comfortable Dog Harness They'll Love!

Choosing the right dog harness is an important decision. There are many factors to consider, including size, style, material, and practicality.

The wide range of options on the market may be confusing, but taking the time to find a comfortable dog harness for your pup will pay off in the long run.

Soft dog harnesses not only keep your furry friend at ease while out on walks but also help prevent them from pulling or getting tangled in their leash.

At Pet Expertise, we have a dedicated selection of soft dog harnesses for all breeds and sizes. Each product is trainer-selected for multi-purpose use and made of premium quality materials to prevent chaffing of your dog's skin.

So, what are you waiting for?

Check out our no-pull harnesses to make walks and training sessions more comfortable and fun for your pup!