There's a delicate balance that needs to be found when using a harness on a dog. It's something that most dog owners come to realize at some point. After all, you wouldn't have your favorite animal to be in pain or discomfort when taking a stroll around the neighborhood or park, yet you also wouldn't want the harness to be so loose that the dog slips out and runs off on you. Hence the balance.
Sure, for many dogs, a simple collar and lead will solve these problems, but for specific breeds, a harness would be more suitable than a collar; fixing any old harness around the dog's neck doesn't solve the problem. In the long run, such a solution might even prove problematic to the dog. In such a case, there's a need to get a harness.
To fully experience the benefits of this, you'd need to know precisely how to measure a dog for a harness. That way, a custom harness can be made to suit your specific dog with no harmful consequences. And not to worry, learning how to measure for a dog's harness isn't a difficult thing to know, and the benefits for your dog will far outweigh any stress you might feel when trying out the techniques.
You never know; you might even have some fun.

How to measure a dog for a harness

If you've ever tried getting a harness for your dog, then you've probably experienced how stressful it can be. It can be challenging to know precisely how to measure your dog for a harness, taking into consideration differences in dog size, the thickness of the fur coat, and the breath of the dog's chest.
So how do you go about it? You can start by following these simple steps.

1. Use a measuring tape: Using a measuring tape is often an excellent way to get an exact measurement of the dog to better know the size of the harness.
2. Measure the broadest part of the chest: A harness is usually fit around the dog's chest and fore-limbs, so getting the measurements around this part right is essential. For hyperactive dogs, calling a friend or relative to hold the collar might be a good idea.

Now, the broadest part of the chest is usually right behind the dog's armpit, so you'll want to wrap the tape behind the dog's front legs (around the bottom of its rib cage) and then around the dog's chest over to the back. The tape measure mustn't be too tight around the dog, or so would the harness later on; the balance makes the tape snug but not uncomfortably tight.
And, that's it. Now, all that's done is picking out your order and fitting it to your dog. Not so difficult, was it?

How to measure for a dog harness

The size of a harness is generally determined by the circumference of the dog's neck and chest, so these are the most critical areas to consider when learning how to measure for a dog harness. Still, in learning how to measure dog chest for harness, there are specific things that might be helpful to consider:

1. Start by measuring the broadest part of the chest. The broadest part of your dog's chest is often where the harness will sit, so it's always best to get the measurements just right. As the broadest part of the chest is just behind the armpits, you can start by wrapping the tape behind the dog's front legs (though not too close) and then connecting the two edges at the back, making sure not to make the tape measure too tight.
2. Take the neck measurement: Taking a measurement of the neck isn't always necessary; however, there are times when the harness size is determined by the circumference of the dog's neck, so it's always a good idea to take the neck's measurement together with the chest.

How to measure your dog for a harness

When searching for a harness for your dog, the idea is to find something that doesn't cause the animal any undue stress or discomfort; hence, it is advisable to take specific measurements of your pets. However, though the steps are similar for different sizes of harnesses and dogs, some special considerations should be taken when measuring the animal.
In light of this, the question then is: how do I measure my dog for a harness?


Following these simple steps might help:

1. It would help if you left at least an inch of space behind the front legs when passing the measuring tape for smaller dogs. For medium and larger breeds of dogs, however, a distance of 2 inches should be sufficient.
2. If you're considering a harness ranging from 0-4, you should pace four fingers behind your dog's front legs when taking its measurement. For harness sizes ranging from Baby 1 and Baby 2, it would do to place pace two fingers behind the dog's front legs.
3. When measuring your dog's chest, depending on its size, it is the finger furthest front the front legs that you should use to measure the chest's circumference.

Modern dog harnesses generally come with a fixed size; however, these sizes might not be the best fit for your dog, and that's why learning how to measure a dog for a harness is always essential.
Still, if after reading this article, the question on your mind is still, "how do I measure my dog for a harness?" or you're wondering, "where can I learn how to measure my dog for a harness?" then Waudog has your back. We offer the best services to help dog owners worldwide keep their furry friends in the best condition they can be. Visit us online now to see your options.