DOG SPORTS SPECIALISTS ✦ EXPERT HARNESS FITTING ✦ SPORTY PAWS ACADEMY
FITTING YOUR HARNESS
A good harness fit isn’t just about how it looks while your dog is standing still.
Different harness styles sit differently on the body, and pulling harnesses in particular need to be assessed in their working position under tension.
This guide will show you what to look for when your harness arrives, how to check the important fitting points, and what to watch once your dog starts moving.
CHECK THE HARNESS UNDER PULL
When your dog is standing relaxed, a pulling harness can bunch, wrinkle or appear shorter than it really is. Apply steady tension in the direction the line will pull so the harness settles into its working position before you judge the fit.
THE 5-POINT CHECK
Start at the front of your dog and work backwards through these five checks. Always assess a pulling harness in its working position under tension.
1. NECK & STERNUM
The neck should be snug, with the bottom of the opening sitting on the sternum.
The neck opening should sit closely enough that it stays in position under tension and doesn’t slip backwards over the shoulders.
At the front, the bottom of the V should sit on the prominent point of the sternum rather than riding upwards onto the softer throat area.
It should be snug and secure, without digging in or restricting the dog.
2. SHOULDERS
The shoulders must be completely free to move.
Check that the harness isn’t sitting across or restricting the shoulder blades. Your dog should be able to fully extend their front legs forwards without the harness interfering with their natural stride.
Watch the shoulders while your dog moves and pulls, not just while they’re standing still.
3. ARMPIT CLEARANCE
Keep the harness clear of the armpits.
Check where the harness sits behind the front legs. Straps and edges shouldn’t sit so close that they rub, chafe or interfere with movement.
Check this again under tension and while your dog is moving, as the harness may shift forwards from where it sits when relaxed.
4. LAST RIB
The final strap around the body should not sit behind the last rib.
Find where the final strap passes around your dog’s body. It should remain supported by the ribcage rather than sitting behind the last rib over the softer abdominal area.
This is particularly important under tension, when pressure through the harness increases.
5. HARNESS LENGTH
Finally, check where the harness is designed to finish.
The correct finishing point depends on the style. Some harnesses finish around the middle of the back, while long pulling harnesses may extend towards the base of the tail.
For long pulling harnesses, always judge the length fully extended under tension, not while the harness is bunched forwards on a relaxed dog.
CHECK AGAIN WHEN YOU’RE OUT
A harness can look great when you first fit it, but the real test is how it performs when your dog is moving and pulling. On your first few outings, check regularly for rubbing, chafing, twisting or straps moving out of position.
Pay attention to your dog too – changes in movement, reluctance to pull or signs of discomfort can all be a reason to stop and check the fit.
A GOOD FIT SHOULD STAY GOOD WHEN IN MOTION
STILL NOT SURE?
We’re here to help.
If you’re still unsure about the fit, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. If possible, include your order number and clear photos of your dog wearing the harness — ideally from the side and while the harness is under tension.