Pitbulls have a reputation for being strong, energetic and loving animals. As a breed, Pitbulls tend to have a muscular build and high energy levels meaning it is essential that their masters invest in the right tools to harness them whenever taking a walk or while outdoors. For instance, pitbulls do better with a harness than a collar, especially in cases of leash pulling or when training them.
This is a step-by-step guide that will focus on harnesses for Pitbulls, their characteristics and features that should be taken into account when buying a harness for a pitbull, how to train a dog to wear a harness and the major harnesses with many recommendations from dog trainers and dog masters.
Why Make Use of a Harness on Your Pitbull?
Pitbullβs need a harness leash as this gives control if they tend to pull. Pitbullβs if left on their own can be uncontrollable, so they tend to be controlled by a harness. Following are some pros with the use of a pet harness:
1. Distributing Suppression Evenly.
Pitbulls are strong, so harnesses are recommend for them. These properly fitted devices do not put much stress on the neck, making them ideal for such soldiers. Proper devices, such as a harness, prevent harm and discomfort by evenly dispersing pressure across the body.
2. Harnesses make managing a Pitbull an absolute ease
Pitbulls can be quite challenging. A harness provides more control over your pet. This can help reduce leash pulling and make walks more enjoyable for both of you. Over time, this can negate the need for strong leash pulling and promotes a calm and friendly dog.
3. Prevent escape
Pitbullβs have shown the ability to escape traditional collars. Hence a collar does not bring about much control, but a properly fitting harness that prevents the collar from slipping will help in keeping your pet safe and sound.
4. Training Aid Most importantly, all varieties of the βno-pullβ harness can be effective tools of training. The purpose of these harnesses is to limit the extent to which a dog will pull and, in turn, to improve leash training. This is especially helpful when walking very strong and stubborn animals such as Pitbulls. Types of Harnesses for Pitbulls There are numerous harness types that can be found in the market today depending on the need. Knowing the differences can assist you in choosing the best one for your Pitbull. 1. No-Pull Harness Also called the vest no pull harness β this is meant to minimize the pulling tendency by controlling how the dog moves during the pull. These dogs are often equipped with it because they tend to have a front clip attached to them, allowing the dogs to turn when they pull forward. This is useful for pit bulls that tend to pull while walking as pivoting can improve their walking experience. Advantages: This is useful for leash training and decreases pulling. Disadvantages: may not be as much comfortable in well-trained puller resistant dogs.
2. Back-Clip Harness
This is among the most used harness types and consists of a leash attachment point located at the back of the harness, just above dogβs shoulder blades. Back-clip harnesses are quite unique in their ease of putting on and comfort but in terms of use with pulling dogs, they may not be the best as the dog can push into the leash and exert more pulling force.
Advantages: Simple to handle and wear easily; suitable for dogs without the tendency to pull on the leash.
Disadvantages: May not address or resolve the pulling action.
3. Front-Clip Harness
With front-clip harnesses, the leash becomes attached to the clasp on the harness which is in the dogs chest, therefore affording the owner greater control over what direction the dog goes into. Should the dog try to pull, the front clip assists in twisting the dog to face the owner thus preventing the pet from moving straight ahead. This design proves to be beneficial for the owners of Pitbulls that have a tendency to pull but is still usable on day to day activities.
Advantages: Greater control is offered with this harness thus suitable to prevent pulling action.
Disadvantages: Only with some adjustment, trouble of twisting or discomfort might possibly be reduced.
4. Step-In Harness
A step-in harness is one that the dog steps into, and it fastens at the back or side. These are quite easy to put on, and are usually very comfortable, but may not give as much control as other designs.
Benefits: Can be easily put on, and the dog feels comfortable in it.
Drawbacks: They might not provide as much control as would be required for leash training or for a dog that is a strong puller.
5. Escape-Proof Harness
Some Pitbulls are known to escape their harness or collar and that might cause serious harm. Harnesses that are escape-proof do away with this problem by adding extra straps or creating a snugger fit. These typically have several positions of adjustment to make sure that the harness fits properly.
Benefits: Ensures that your dog does not wriggle out of the harness.
Drawbacks: These may require more time to put on and adjust the harness.
6. Tactical or Working Harness
A Tactical harness is designed for working dogs or ones who will engage in such activities like hiking, or doing service work, etc. These will often include pouches, Velcro for patches, handles for better control, and many more. Having a rough fabric made out of nylon, these are often foam padded as well for comfort.
Benefits: Very strong and functional for various purposes; additional controls such as handles are quite common.
Disadvantages: The weight and cost are often on the higher side when compared to standard harnesses.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Harness for Your Pitbull
Pitbulls are tough dogs, so it is important to keep the following factors in mind when selecting a harness for your Pitbull to ensure that it suits the role it is intended for:
1. Size and Fit
Size is one of the most important factors to consider in order to achieve comfort, as well as safety. If the harness is too loose, the Pitbull could easily get out, while a harness that is too snug can be uncomfortable or inhibit movement. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, measure your dog’s chest and neck and search for a harness that has adjustable straps to ensure a comfortable fit.
2. Material
Pitbulls have a lot of energy and strength, therefore, the material of the harness has to be able to resist damage from the wear and tear of these dogs. Look for harnesses constructed of durable nylon or polyester with reinforced seams. Also, it is crucial to use padded materials as they can help avoid discomfort if your pet pulls leashes.
3. Deficiency of Difficulty.
Buckle harnesses or straps can take time to fit and adjust on the dog. A harness that is comfortable for the pet owner should be considered, particularly one that can be slipped on and removed easily. Some pits might get hyper while being taken out for a walk. This makes a step-in harness or a harness with a quick release buckle essential.
4. Fit a Harness.
A comfortable harness is one that the dog will most times not want to take off, and this fact should also be a priority. Harnesses that do not cause excessive stress to the dog’s body will be appropriate. Such will have features including padding around misplaces, scientifically breathable fabric materials, and highly adjustable buckles. Additional harnesses should be avoided especially those with high rough edges or too many straps around them as they can lead to irritation of the skin of the dog in areas including around the neck and chest.
5. Harness Attachments and other Features.
Some harnesses can have source attachments such as reflective strips for easier voyaging during late hours that can make persons comfortable such as a handle for extra control of the dog when needed. There are instances when a pet owner has to assist the animal from inside the car or through rough areas and hence these features could be fairly standard.
The Correct Way to Train Your Pitbull to Wear a Harness
If your pitbull has spent most of its time wearing a collar, then accepting a harness may take a bit of time. Allow us to illustrate this with the following steps; first allow your pooch to make some adjustments wearing the harness.
1. Show the Harness to Your Dog First
Try to make the harness seem an enticing object to your dog. Associate the harness with βfunβ things like treats, toys, or praise. It is important to undertake this step correctly because it establishes how your pet views the harness.
2. Use the Harness While Indoors
Help your Pitbull once it shows some signs of adjusting to the harness by letting it hang around the house without the leash attached. Help your dog become accustomed to how the harness feels on their body by complimenting and encouraging them.
3. Time For Some Walking Practice
As soon as your dog is used to the harness and behaves calmly, you can attach a leash to it, then guide it indoors for some practice. Reassure your pet by stopping whenever it begins to pull and remains calm.
4. Let Them Wear it During Short Walks Outside
Start by letting your pitbull wear the harness only during short walks outside. Avoid overexerting your doggo in this case while praising it for wearing the harness. Gradually increase the duration over time depending on how comfortable your dog feels.
5. Maintain a Level of Committed Practice
Maintaining a high level of consistency is also matater in lessons related to the dog harness. It should already be apparent that such a require capability put pressure on the need to reinforce the dog collar harness on a consistent basis while training a canine.
Recommended Pitbull Harness Brands
1. Ruffwear Front Range Harness
Why Itβs Recommended: The harness is at the same time robust and comfortable, and features both a front and rear leash attachment. As it is made for daily use, there is also no doubt about effectiveness for leash training thanks to the padded straps.
2. Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Harness
Why Itβs Recommended: The Kurgo harness has a car safety tested feature plus adjustable straps for optimum security making it a safe harness during rides. It is also ideal for dog leash correction in case of dog pulling.
3. Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness
Why Itβs Recommended: This harness is famed for excellent strength and is constructed for working and active dogs such as Pit bulls. It is fitted with a handle that offers better control, and can be adorned with patches for customization.
4. PetSafe Easy Walk Dog Harness
Why Itβs Recommended: This anti-pull harness incorporates a front leash attachment to provide a gentle discouragement to pulling. There are innumerable scenarios where this specific harness should work perfectly