Are you looking for a harness for your Havanese puppy or dog?
What is the best harness for a Havanese?
The Best Harness for a Havanese is a PawSafe No Pull Dog Harness. This harness transforms you walk with simply design and the ability to stay in control of your dog. It also is super comfortable and durable.
PawSafe No Pull Harness
We know how challenging it can be when your dog pulls incessantly, making your walks more like a battle than a bonding experience.
Thats why we developed the revolutionary no-pull dog harness, designed to transform your walks into moments of pure joy and harmony.
The runner up for best harness for a Havanese is the Bark Appeal Step in Mesh Harness. The reason is that it is no choke and also has the softest material against the body of the dog. It is a soft breathable mesh that forms to your dog’s body for ultimate comfort.
The runner up is the JIEPAI Military Service Dog Vest because it has a great fit and will last a long time. It also has a handle on the top for quick pick up if needed
Here is the chart for the best harness for a Havanese Dog.
- PawSafe No Pull Harness
- Harness Adjustability
- What Material is the Harness made out of?
- Quick Drying
- Strength
- Whats the Benefit of a Harness for Walks?
- Do Havanese Bond to One Person?
- What is the best kind of Harness for a Havanese?
- Do Havanese Dogs Like Long Walks
- What is a Step In Harness?
- Do Havanese Benefit From a Harness?
So, before we get into the review section it’s a good idea for us to take a look at the different types of dog harnesses on the market and see what makes them different from one another.
Back Clip Harnesses
Dog Harnesses can have the clip on the front or on the back. Harnesses with the clip on the back are definitely the most popular kinds of harnesses, especially for smaller dogs. They generally come in one large piece or many smaller strap-like pieces. The important thing to note is that the lease attaches to the dogs back.
Most dogs, mine included, find the back clip to be more comfortable because of where the attachment is. The back clip harnesses apply pressure in a more ‘agreeable’ way for the dog. Smaller dogs, like Havanese, have smaller more delicate necks and these types of harnesses don’t apply pressure to their throats like collars.
The other main thing that makes these great harnesses is that they are really really easy to put on. Because the lease is attached to the back you don’t get it tangled or mixed up with the harness.
The only real issue is that some dogs that need a little more control don’t get it from these harnesses. Usually, this just means that you need to train your dog on-lease a little more, but also just take some time to teach them what is allowed and what isn’t. Usually, a Havanese is not powerful enough to really pull you but they can still need some control.
If your dog is pulling all of the time on the leash, you should spend some time re-training it now that it doesn’t have a collar. You can also get a front clip harness and see how that goes too.
Front Clip Harnesses
Front clip harnesses have their clip on the front part of the do, usually around the chest or the base of the neck. It provides the owner with more control over the dog and the direction of the walk.
This type of harness is usually used when a dog is in training, and beginning to learn about being on a leash. It is more uncomfortable for the dog to pull on the lease with this type of harness.
These front clip harnesses can cause a few issues. The first is that it can become tangled with the lease because of the placement of the clip. The leash can also become tangled with the legs of the dog because it is in front. For this not to happen you will need to keep tension on the lead at all times. This will, however, give you more control over the dog.
If your dog is in training or is prone to bad behaviour during walks the front clip may be the answer to give you more control. You can also tighten the harness to give even more control while you are walking.
What Should You Look for In A Good Harness?
When you are shopping for a good harness there are a couple of things you need to pay attention too.
Harness Adjustability
Make sure you look at how adjustable the harness is. Obviously you need to buy the right size, to begin with, but each dog is different and you need to be able to tighten and loosen the harness in key places. Our little Nessie goes from a pretty short hair girl to a scruffy girl before she gets cut again. It is important that the harness is adjustable as she gets more scruffy…and cute btw.
However, if you keep your dog regularly groomed and cut the same each time you may not need to adjust it after it’s initial fitting. just make sure that if you need to you can.
What Material is the Harness made out of?
Obviously harnesses are made out of a variety of material. Some are mesh, some are canvas and some are straps. It’s is important to know what stage of development your dog is in and if you need something that will provide more comfort or more control. Either way, the material needs to be breathable and comfortable enough that it doesn’t cut your dog, or cause it to have sores.
However, if you need a level of control then you need to make sure that the harness is going to give you that while you are on your walk.
Quick Drying
Some Havanese love to swim and some are not so keen. To be safe some harnesses are made to add in floatation. If your dog loves to get wet then you need to make sure that the material will not weigh them down when wet and that it will dry quickly.
It’s also important where we live up in Canada that the harness doesn’t get too wet during walks in the snow. If it’s snowing or even raining a little, the harness needs to be able to repel some of that and not get wet and heavy.
Strength
You definitely don’t want your harness to break. Especially if your harness is designed for the car or for aquatics. Check all of the attachment points to make sure they are durable and going to last. For little dogs, it is also important to make sure that if the harness has a handle that it is sturdy and not going to break when you pick the dog up from the ground or out of the water.
Harness for Havanese FAQ
Whats the Benefit of a Harness for Walks?
Using a harness instead of a collar for dog walks offers several advantages for both the dog and the handler:
- Reduced Neck Strain: A collar places pressure on the dog’s neck, which can lead to potential injuries, especially if the dog pulls frequently. A harness disperses the pressure across a larger area of the dog’s body, reducing the risk of neck strains, injuries, or conditions like tracheal collapse, which can be exacerbated by pulling on a collar.
- Better Control: Harnesses offer better control over your dog, especially if they are prone to pulling or lunging. With a harness, the handler can guide the dog’s entire body rather than just its head, making it easier to redirect or control them during walks.
- Prevents Escaping: Some dogs, especially those with narrower heads, can easily slip out of collars. A well-fitted harness is harder for a dog to escape from, making walks safer.
- Safety for Puppies: Puppies are more susceptible to injuries because their bodies are still growing. Harnesses help prevent any unnecessary strain on their developing neck and spine.
- Discourages Pulling: Certain types of harnesses, like front-clip designs, can make it uncomfortable or awkward for dogs to pull, helping train them to walk beside their handler more naturally.
- Health Considerations: For dogs with medical conditions like respiratory issues or diseases like a collapsed trachea, a harness is particularly beneficial as it doesn’t put any additional pressure on the throat.
- Visibility and Identification: Many harnesses come with reflective strips or patches, making dogs more visible during nighttime walks. Some also have pockets or areas where identification or medical information can be attached.
In summary, while collars have their place for holding identification and tags, when it comes to walking, especially with dogs that tend to pull or have certain health issues, a harness is often a safer and more comfortable choice.
Do Havanese Bond to One Person?
Havanese dogs are known for their sociable, affectionate, and loyal nature. While they tend to be friendly and loving towards all members of their household, it’s not uncommon for Havanese to form a particularly close bond or attachment to one specific person. This individual may be the one who provides the majority of care, training, or playtime, or there might be some other intangible reason for the preference. It’s essential to ensure that Havanese dogs are socialized with various people and environments early on to help them develop well-rounded, confident personalities. However, even with thorough socialization, they might still display a slightly more significant attachment to one family member.
What is the best kind of Harness for a Havanese?
As we mentioned above we recommend the PetSafe No Pull Harness, but there are a number of options out there.
Do Havanese Dogs Like Long Walks
We have a Havanese dog, and she definitely likes going for walks, but I wouldn’t say she is a long walk-taker like a lab or a bigger dog. She has short legs and although benefits from walks we try to keep them to 20-40 minutes.
Havanese are energetic and playful, and while they enjoy physical activity, they don’t require extensive exercise like some larger breeds. A moderate walk combined with some playtime usually suffices for their daily activity needs.
They do enjoy walks, and it’s a good opportunity for them to explore and socialize. However, long walks might be too much for them, especially if the weather is too hot or cold, given their small size and sensitivity to extreme temperatures.
As always, it’s essential to monitor your Havanese during walks and gauge their comfort and energy levels. Adjust the walk duration according to the individual dog’s stamina and interest.
What is a Step In Harness?
A step-in harness is one of the best dog harness designs favored by many dog owners due to its simplicity and ease of use. Essentially, the harness lies flat on the ground, allowing the dog to simply step into it. Once their legs are positioned through the designated openings, the harness is pulled up and securely fastened around the dog’s chest girth.
This design is particularly beneficial for small dogs, as it evenly distributes leash tension across their chest rather than their neck. Many dog owners prefer using the step-in harness when taking their pets to the dog park or for walks, as it provides control while ensuring the dog’s comfort and safety.
Do Havanese Benefit From a Harness?
Havanese dogs can greatly benefit from using a harness regularly. Due to their smaller size, compared to other dogs, they are more susceptible to injuries from pulling or jerking when on a leash attached to a collar. Harnesses for Havanese are specially designed to distribute the force across their chest and back, rather than just their neck.
This reduces the risk of injury and provides better control for the owner. Moreover, the adjustable straps on harnesses for Havanese ensure a snug fit, tailored to their petite stature. Another advantage of a good harness is a padded chest area, which offers added comfort for the Havanese, especially during extended walks or play sessions.
By opting for a harness, owners can ensure that their Havanese enjoys a safe and comfortable walk, free from the potential hazards posed by collars.