The right harness and lead make walks more comfortable for your dog and much more enjoyable for you. The wrong one can rub, slip off, or leave you being dragged down the road. With so many styles to choose from, it helps to know what each one is for. This guide covers when to use a collar or a harness, the main types of harness, how to get the fit right, and how to choose a lead.
Collar or harness?
Every dog should wear a collar with an ID tag, because it's the quickest way to get them home if they're lost. For walking, though, a harness is often the better choice. A harness spreads pressure across the chest and shoulders instead of the neck, which is especially important for:
- dogs that pull, as pulling against a collar puts pressure on the throat
- small and toy breeds, which can be prone to a weak windpipe
- flat-faced breeds, like Pugs and French Bulldogs, which already find breathing harder
- dogs with neck, back or eye problems
- puppies, who are still learning to walk on a lead
The main types of harness
- Back-clip harness. The lead clips on between the shoulder blades. Comfortable and easy to use, and best for dogs that already walk nicely.
- Front-clip or no-pull harness. The lead clips on at the chest. When your dog pulls, they're gently turned back towards you, which helps teach loose-lead walking.
- Dual-clip harness. Has both front and back lead points, so you can train with the front and walk normally with the back.
- Adventure harness. Built tougher, often with a grab handle on the back for helping your dog over obstacles or keeping control in busy places.
- Car harness. Designed to connect to your car's seat belt, to keep your dog secure while driving.
How to get the fit right
- Measure your dog. Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs. Some harnesses also need a neck measurement. Use the size chart on the product page, and if your dog is between sizes, go by the chest measurement.
- Check the snugness. You should be able to slide two fingers under the straps, but no more.
- Check the shoulders and armpits. The straps shouldn't sit in your dog's armpits or block their shoulders from moving freely.
- Do the escape test. Gently pull the harness forward over your dog's head. If it slides off easily, tighten it.
- Recheck regularly. Puppies grow fast, and adult dogs change shape with their weight and coat. Check the fit every few weeks.
Choosing a lead
- Length: around 1.2 to 1.8 metres suits most everyday walks, giving your dog room to sniff while keeping them close.
- Material: rope and braided leads are strong and soft on the hand. Leather softens with age. Nylon is light and easy to wash.
- Clip: choose solid hardware that matches your dog's size and strength.
- Slip leads combine a lead and collar in one. They're popular for training, working dogs and quick trips. Use them with care, as they tighten when the dog pulls, and never leave one on an unattended dog.
- Retractable leads can be handy in open spaces, but they're harder to control near roads and other dogs, and the thin cord can cause injuries.
Remember that most councils require dogs to be on a lead in public places unless you're in a signposted off-lead area.
Harnesses we stock
We stock the EzyDog range, so there's a harness to suit every dog and every type of walk.
EzyDog Essential Chest Plate. Our all-rounder pick. A moulded foam chest plate spreads pressure across the chest rather than the throat, with reflective stitching for low light. It comes with a car restraint, too. The EzyDog Chest Plate offers the same comfort in larger sizes.
EzyDog Quick Fit. Clips on with a single buckle, as easily as a collar, with a soft, padded chest strap. Great for everyday walks and for dogs who don't like things going over their head.
EzyDog FormFit Mesh. Lightweight and breathable, made especially for small and toy breeds, with reflective trims and stainless steel D-rings.
EzyDog X-Link No Pull. A padded harness with front and back lead points. Use the front to train against pulling, then switch to the back for normal walks. For a lighter everyday option with two lead points, try the EzyDog Express, whose sliding back ring helps stop the harness rolling.
EzyDog Crosscheck No Pull. A figure 8 training harness for strong pullers and dogs that try to back out of their gear, with several lead points for walking or training.
EzyDog Convert. An adventure harness with even weight distribution and a grab handle, for tramping, beach days and active dogs.
EzyDog Drive. A car safety harness that connects straight to your car's seat belt, built with seat belt webbing throughout. Our guide to summer road trips with pets covers car safety in more detail.
Leads and collars we stock
Mendota Snap Leads. Soft, strong braided rope with leather and solid brass hardware, handcrafted in the USA and guaranteed for the life of your pet. A great match for any harness.
Mendota Slip Leads. British-style slip leads with a leather stopper, popular with trainers and working dog owners. The Mendota Pro-Trainer Slip Collar turns any snap lead into a slip lead.
Collars. Mendota Double-Braid Adult Collars adjust to any length without holes, and there's a narrower Junior version for puppies and small dogs.
EzyDog harnesses are ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Not sure which size or style suits your dog? Pop into our Oxford store with your dog and we'll help you find the right fit.
Getting your dog used to a new harness
Some dogs are wary of a new harness. Let them sniff it first, reward them, then put it on for a few minutes at a time indoors with treats and praise, before heading out. Take it off when you get home, as harnesses aren't designed to be worn all day.
Find the right gear for your dog
Browse our range of dog leads and dog collars, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your dog. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information. If your dog has a neck, back or breathing condition, ask your vet which type of harness suits them best.