Dog harness

A dog cart drawn by dogs in harness
A Vizsla wearing a dog harness of the "shoulder" or "half-harness" style, typically used for hiking, trail walks, and canicross.
Sled dogs wearing traditional leather H-back style sledding harnesses (1957).
Sledding huskies wearing X-back style sled dog harnesses
A dog participating in a weight-pull competition, wearing a weight-pull style sled harness.
A military dog wearing tactical vest (tacvest)
An assistance dog wearing a harness with a rigid handle

A dog harness is a piece of equipment consisting in part of straps that surround the dog’s torso. It is used to guide, hold, and lift the dog or to utilise its pulling power. It reduces tension on the neck when they pull,[1][2][3] and provides free breathing during daily walks.[4][5] In sports such as mushing and skijoring, where the dog's pulling power is utilized, the harness provides effective use of force while maintaining freedom of movement.[6] These aforementioned kinds of harnesses differ from pet harnesses in that they are specifically designed in order to allow or support a dog in the completion of a working task.

  1. ^ Vercelletto, Christina (February 26, 2021). "All the essentials your dog actually needs, according to vets". CNN Underscored.
  2. ^ Suarez, Ana (May 4, 2020). "Keep your dog's neck safe by switching to a harness". SF Gate.
  3. ^ "How to become the best dog walker you can be". KRCR-TV. October 1, 2020.
  4. ^ Smith, Fiona MacDonald (February 20, 2021). "The good dog guide: how to train your pooch". The Times.
  5. ^ Wells, Kaitlyn; Callaghan, Meaghan Lee (March 4, 2021). "The Best Dog Harness". Times Wirecutter.
  6. ^ Betuel, Emma (January 6, 2021). "Skijoring: Where human and dog athletes work as one". Inverse.