Should You Buy a Harness for Your Labradoodle?

The Labradoodle is a fairly large breed and, though they are not aggressive dogs, they can be pretty powerful when it comes to getting what they want – especially during a walk. If you are struggling to keep your Labradoodle under control when he is on the leash, you might want to consider switching from a traditional collar to a harness. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of harnesses versus collars and to receive tips for using a harness on your dog.

What Are the Benefits of Harnesses Over Collars?

A dog collar serves several different purposes. For one thing, it is a place for you to hang your dog’s ID tags so that he can be returned to you if he ever gets out of the house. Second, it is something you can clip a leash to during your walks. The problem with regular dog collars is that they go around your dog’s neck and, if you or your dog pull too hard, it could potentially damage his trachea or collapse his windpipe. A harness is a safer alternative to a traditional collar in that it distributes the weight evenly across your dog’s chest and back instead of focusing it all on his neck. A dog harness usually has two straps – one that goes around his chest and another around his back. This design also gives you greater control over your dog in addition to reducing the risk for neck injury. On the downside, some dogs don’t like wearing a harness and if you don’t adjust the fit correctly your dog could slip out of it or it might not be effective.

Tips for Using a Harness on Your Dog

When shopping for a harness for your Labradoodle, be sure to choose one that is appropriate for his size. Second, you should be aware of the different types of harnesses. Some harnesses clip in the back and others clip in the front – some even offer both options. There are also harnesses that your dog can step into and others that you put over your dog’s head. For step-in harnesses, unbuckle it and lay it flat on the ground then have your dog stand over it with one leg in each of the two loops. Then, simply snap the buckles together and adjust the fit. For an overhead harness, slip your Labradoodle’s head through the neck loop then wrap the bottom straps around his belly so the top strap sits along his back. Connect the buckles and adjust the fit as needed.

No matter whether you choose to switch your dog to a harness or keep him on a regular collar, there are some basic rules you should follow for leash safety. When first training your Labradoodle to walk on a leash, it should be no more than 6 feet long – you can graduate to a longer leash later, but make sure it isn’t so long that you can’t pull your dog back if necessary. It is also your job to make sure that your Labradoodle responds to commands so you can control him on a walk with or without the help of a harness.

Photo credit:  Flyby Photography/Shutterstock

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