Start by unbuckling the harness and having your dog sit or stand still next to you. Slip the harness over their head and pull the straps underneath their tummy. Or, if you have a step-in harness, place it on the floor and help your dog place their feet correctly, before pulling it up over their back. Fasten it up securely, making sure it’s not too tight or too loose, and adjust accordingly.

The best dog harness really depends on the breed, size, and activity level of your dog. The comfortable Hurricane Harness features a useful handle and is super lightweight, while the Premium Harness is a great all-rounder for any dog. The traditional slip-on harnesses offer quick and easy fitting, while step-in harnesses might be better for dogs that dislike harnesses going over their head. And if your dog pulls, the TRI-Harness helps with training to prevent excessive pulling on the lead. You can read more in our Dog Harness Buying Guide. All of our harnesses are lined with Neoprene which is soft and helps avoid harsh burns unlike other brands.

To measure your dog for a harness, grab a measuring tape and wrap it around the widest part of their ribcage, then measure their neck at the base (where the collar sits and not in the middle of the neck). Make sure that the measurements aren’t too tight, but are secure enough that the harness won’t slip off if your dog pulls. 

If you have the harness already, try it on your dog and make sure you can fit two fingers between the harness and their body. Finally, monitor your dog’s behaviour - if they’re showing signs of discomfort or walking awkwardly, it may need adjusting more to suit your dog.

To ensure you’re using your dog harness correctly, you need to make sure it’s properly fitted. This means that it’s tight enough to prevent the harness moving, but loose enough to allow your pooch to move comfortably. Attach your lead to your chosen D-ring, whether that’s on their back or their chest, and get ready for your adventure!