There are many reasons owners to use a dog harnesses, including behavior issues, safety concerns or medical conditions.

The harness is recommended by many dog trainers and animal behaviorists as a harness has many advantages over a collar in some very basic and humane ways: A dog harness distributes force evenly throughout the dog. Instead of yanking the dog’s head, you can pull on a harness and the dog feels his entire center of gravity being moved. This is a much more humane way of applying force to a dog, when force is needed.

For some small dog owners harnesses become a medical necessity due to a condition called collapsing trachea. The trachea (the airway to the lungs) of these animals can become flattened or completely collapse as a result of pressure on the throat, such as when pulling on the collar during walks.

Harnesses are also more difficult for a dog to slip out of than a flat buckle collar, so for dogs that have a relatively large neck when compared to their head (e.g. greyhounds, pugs, etc.) a harness can be essential as they can easily pull out of many collars. These dogs may slip their head through collar.

No matter what your motivation for using a harness, finding the right style should be easy when you stop to consider a few factors before you shop.

Features to Consider in a Dog Harness

• Type (Car seatbelt, step-in harness, coat harness)
• Material: Strength of material, type of buckles, width of straps
• Design: Adjustablility, comfort, convenient and easy to use
• Safety: Strength, secure buckles
• Size
• Machine washable

An ideal choice for a harness for your dog is an adjustable, easy to fit harness with secure buckles, that is comfortable, durable and machine washable. Choose based on your dog’s size, temperament, body type or for primary function and ease of use.

On of our favorite types for smaller dogs are the soft canvas harnesses.

Size

The harness should be snug, but still allow two fingers to slip easily beneath it.

Harness size is determined by the size of the dog’s chest. To find your dog’s harness size, simply measure the widest part of the ribcage just behind the elbows nd add about 5 cms.Keep in mind that each harness type may have different or additional measurement points to assure proper sizing.Harnesses usually fasten with a buckle, so the size is adjustable.

A harness should be tight enough to prevent slipping, note that some dogs have the capability to slip out of harness that is too loose. Note that the harness material may stretch or loosen with use so be sure to check the fit regularly. So whatever type of harness you select, find one that is adjustable so it fits your dog properly can expand.

A Kong is a rubber chew toy that you stuff with your dog’s favorite dog treats. Some stuffed Kong dog chew toys will provide hours of stimulating chewing fun for your dog, and you’ll have fun coming up with new stuffing recipes that your dog will really love.

Many dogs are home alone for hours each day. This time alone can be very difficult for some, symptoms of separation anxiety, boredom and loneliness are not uncommon. Before you leave for the day, try giving your dog some treat filled Kong dog chew toys, this can keep him occupied for hours.

Choosing the Kong chew toy that’s right for your dog?
1) Select your dog’s chewing temperament. Red for typical or black for power chewer. There is also aqua for puppies and purple for senior dogs.
2) Select the appropriate sized Kong from the based on your dog’s weight.
(If you’re selecting a Kong for stuffing and you have a small dog, Kong recommends using a medium sized Kong chew toy rather than the small one).

Getting your dog aquainted with kongs
If Kong dog chew toys are new to your dog, remember that it is very important that your dog succeeds at getting the dog treats. In the beginning make it easy for your dog to remove the filling. Slowly increase the challenge for example by freezing a treat filled Kong.

Filling the Kong
Anything that you would normally feed your dog can be used in a Kong chew toy. Try mixing crunchy bits of dry dog food with softer foods like peanut butter, cheese, meat, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scramble egg, rice or canned dog food. The list is endless – just make sure you fill it with foods that your dog really loves. Your dog will happily work at the task for hours on end. Homemade fillings are the best.

There are many recipe ideas and different ways to fill Kong dog chew toys. The simplest recipes start by combining all the ingredients into a gooey mixture that you spoon into the Kong. A more advanced technique is to layer different fillings… so as the hours pass the tasty rewards change.You may even want to try putting your dog’s most favorite treat in first, so that the final part of the excavation could be your dog’s grand prize.

Try filling a Kong dog toy with cheese and pieces other treats, and then heat it in the microwave. This will bind the pieces together and add to your dog’s challenge. Always remember to let the Kong cool before giving it to your dog. Another way to increase the challenge is by plugging the larger hole after you fill the Kong. You can use a piece of fruit, dog treats, peanut butter, a piece of carrot or anything else that will plug the hole – making your dog work a little harder to get the filling out.

In the warmer weather try filling your dog’s Kong chew toy and freezing it. It will take your dog much longer to get it all cleaned out if it is frozen. Your dog will really appreciate this type of cool treat on a hot summer day. If you are using a liquid filling, start by stuffing the small hole with a treat. Depending on how much liquid you use… you may want to reserve this treat for outdoor fun since it can get a little messy as it melts.

Cleaning your dog’s Kong toys
It is important to clean your dog’s Kong before refilling. Yes, Kong dog chew toys are dishwasher safe.
If you don’t have a dishwasher just soak the Kong is warm soapy water to loosen any food residue and rinse thoroughly.