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.

Preparation: Getting used to the car
Let your puppy become accustomed to riding in a car gradually. There are a few simple things you can do to ease the uninitiated pet into a comfortable travel mode. Start by simply playing with your dog in the car and rewarding good behavior. Next, take short trips to fun places. The more fun the better, as eager anticipation and fear are not compatible. If every time your dog gets in the car he ends up at the vet, he’ll soon dislike riding in one.

Safety & Restraint Equipment
Keeping your dog safe is the number one priority.
Do not allow your dog to stick his head out the window. Not only can he damage his eyes this way but what if he jumps? And although your dog might be happy about having he whole backseat to lounge on, remember that if you have to brake suddenly your dog is going to become a projectile. Even relatively low-speed accidents can be fatal. Also, an unrestrained animal can interfere with the driver and be the cause of an accident herself. Your dog should travel in a safe, designated place.

Crate
A crate is the safest way for your dog to travel in a car. Make sure the crate is secured. If you have a crate, get the crate essentials.

Safety harness
A safety harness that attaches to the seat belt will keep your dog safely restrained while allowing him to sit or lie down.

Car seat
If your have a smaller dog there is also the option of dog car seat. Car seats allows for a dog’s natural desire to look out the window, while minimizing motion sickness. Look for a car seat that can be secured by using your car’s seat belts so it will remain stationery. Many car seats also come with straps to secure your dog to the seat or the seat belt.

Before you leave
Feed your pet lightly before beginning the trip, about one third of their normal amount. Save the remainder and feed it once you’ve reached your destination. Before you set out on your trip, take your pet for a walk.Once you are in the car, make sure that your pet’s area is either well ventilated or amply air-conditioned. While each pet is different, plan frequent pit stops (at least every 2-3 hours or so) to exercise your pet on a leash.

On the road: Ensure ventilation, shade and water
Dogs, cars and summer temperatures do not mix. NEVER, EVER leave a dog in the car on warm summer days – even if there is no direct sunlight and even if your are planning on being gone only for a few minutes. The temperature inside a car, even one where the windows are open, can rise in minutes to dangerous or fatal levels. Even on overcast days and even if the temperature outside is not particularly hot the temperature in a car can get dangerously high very quickly! Many pets have suffered heat stroke and death from being left for just a short while in a car.

Even when traveling, the sun beating in the windows can quickly turn backseats into heating pads. Ensure shade, water and ventilation during travel.

Crate fan
If your dog is crated, buy a crate fan to ensure adequate ventilation, as even in an air conditioned car it can get hot in a crate. If you do not have an air conditioned car consider fans with cooling elements.

Crate waterer or bowl
Get a dog crate waterer (To train the dog how to use a crate waterer, dab a little honey on the opening and show it to your dog)