Product Review: Kurgo Journey Harness

Kurgo's Journey harness is a heavy-duty adventuring harness modeled after mountaineering gear. It features a handle on top, a front leash attachment ring, and Kurgo's signature steel nesting buckles. This harness adjusts in both the neck and chest areas, and has a daisychain for attaching a light or other accessory. It is currently available in two colors and four sizes to fit dogs with chests 12-44" around.

Super Rugged, Super Tough

This is a harness that means business. Maybe a little too much business. It's really surprisingly heavy when you first pick it up. Ours is a small, and it's a little bit too small, meanwhile the medium feels like it belongs on a pony.

Sizing issues seem to be pretty common with this harness. For some it works great. However, there are a lot of complaints that the neck loop is too big while the chest loop is too small.

Metal Everywhere

I'm no stranger to Kurgo's steel nesting buckles, but these are a little more difficult to use than the ones on our Go-Tech Adventure harnesses. I think there is metal inside the back plate too, it's what helps keep it in place but also adds tremendously to the weight.

Photo by Erin Koski

Pros

• Can be used as a non-restrictive no-pull front-clip harness
• Handle on back for helping dog over obstacles
• No plastic buckles
• Stays in place, does not rotate around dog's body

Cons

• Sizing issues, large difference between small and medium, many dogs fall between sizes
• Front chest plate wide enough to irritate inside of front legs on some dogs
• Very heavy

Bottom Line

I like the design of this harness, but I don't think it scales well between sizes. I'd prefer something a bit lighter so my dog isn't carrying unnecessary weight for hours.

Product Review: Rogz for Dogz Alpinist Adjustable H-Harness

This is a tiny Rogz for Dogz Adjustable H-Harness in their Alpinist Soft Webbing. It features four different adjustment points, including the strap between the front legs. This harness is available in ten different colors and four sizes to fit dogs with chests 9-39" around. The Company also offers the harness in a variety of other webbing materials, colors, and patterns.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is a basic Roman-style harness, which is my favorite design. It stays in place while sitting well clear of the shoulders, upper arms, and armpits.

I'm fond of the Rogz for Dogz company because so much of their equipment seems overbuilt. You want a collar? Here's one with a reinforced buckle that can actually lock shut. They offer bright colors and designs that hold up reasonably well, though the prettiness will be gone eons before the gear itself begins to wear out.

Pros: Basic harness with light hardware. Ring on the front means it can be used as a front attachment harness.

Cons: Single buckle means dog must step right leg over the girth strap before it can be buckled. May have issues loosening up over time.

Bottom Line: This is a durable everyday harness that is widely available around the world.

Ten Reasons to Use a Harness

The most basic method of attaching a leash to a dog is via a regular buckle collar, so why use a more complicated body harness instead? Most of the time, the answer is that a harness protects the dog's neck and back. There are a wide variety of harnesses that serve many different purposes, but they all perform this essential function. Here are some of the reasons I use a harness:

Ru models his custom Fraggle Rock biothane harness.
Photo by Erin Koski

1. My dog is very small.

Josie in the Kurgo Go-Tech Adventure Harness
Photo by Erin Koski

 Small-breed dogs have very sensitive throats, and the pressure from a collar can collapse the cartilage of their trachea. A collapsed trachea doesn't happen all at once, it's a degenerative condition that develops over time. Many tiny dogs can walk on a regular collar for years without a problem, but it's difficult to assess how well their cartilage is holding up. Early symptoms include coughing and gagging as their throats literally close up. I have never walked Ru on a collar because I just don't feel the need to risk it.




2. My dog is very old.

A harness can give a senior dog a helping hand. Whether they need a little help getting down the stairs or a lot of help just standing up, the right kind of body harness can provide the needed support.


3. My dog is disabled.

Harnesses are also awesome for differently able pups of all sorts, from tripods to blind dogs. Many manage to compensate in amazing ways, but a harness can allow them to do it all, keep them safe, and provide support to give their working parts a rest.

Brisbane rocks the Help 'Em Up Harness
Photo by Erin Koski

3. My dog is injured.

Years ago, when we first x-rayed Brisbane's sore back, a veterinarian recommended I use a harness for him on a regular basis. Whether the problem is in the tails, the middle of the back, or the neck, he told me that it was best to distribute pressure and not pull Brisbane around by one end of his spine. Some harnesses also help provide support for dogs with reduced mobility.

Ru in the Midnight Pet paracord harness attached to the
Flexi Mini.
Photo by Erin Koski

4. I want to give my dog more freedom.

Though I'm not a fan of retractable leashes in most situations, I do use Flexis for certain outdoor adventures with my crew. When I use any kind of extra-long leash, I always attach it to a harness. This protects my dog's neck in the unlikely event that something causes them to bolt to the end of their leash. I can't predict earthquakes, poorly-timed fireworks, or stealthy joggers with no personal space, but I can make sure that the pressure is distributed across my dog's chest when they suddenly stop after accelerating for 15'.

Hellin wears the Mhu Ghu LED mesh harness
Photo by Erin Koski

5. My dog doesn't know how to walk on a leash yet.

While I've found collars to be more useful for communicating with a dog via a leash, harnesses are preferable for casual outings with dogs who are still figuring out this whole "leash" thing. Whether I'm working with a new puppy or a rescue fresh from the shelter, I want to protect their neck while they learn to move with me.

I like the SENSE-ation harness a lot better than the Easy Walk.
Photo by Erin Koski

6. I don't want my dog to pull me. 

Loose leash walking is a skill that must be learned, and many dogs need a lot of exercise while they are mastering the concept. There are a wide variety of harnesses that can help discourage pulling while preventing a strong dog from overpowering a smaller handler. Some regular Roman harnesses can be used as a front-clip no-pull harness.

The Urban Trails mushing harness by Alpine Outfitters.
Photo by Erin Koski

7. I do want my dog to pull me.

Mushing isn't just for winter anymore! There are a wide variety of dog-powered sports and activities out there. If I'm asking my dog to pull me on a skateboard, scooter, bicycle, or skis, I need to make sure he is comfortable. Harnesses designed for pulling tend to be thickly padded around the chest to help distribute pressure. Some dogs will cheerfully pull on a collar, but this can cause damage over time.

The Ruffwear Webmaster harness allows me to carry
Brisbane like a suitcase.
Photo by Erin Koski

8. I need to pick my dog up. 

Whether I am helicoptering my chihuahua out of harm's way or helping Brisbane up a particularly steep section of trail, a harness is essential for comfortable lifting. Not every harness is designed for this, though many can be used for emergency lifts. Those used for rappelling and parachuting have straps that go around the rear legs for extra security.

Brisbane holds a perfect stay while I take off the
SENSE-ation harness and put on the
DT Works harness.
Photo by Erin Koski

9. I need my dog to pick me up.

The job description of a service dog can include guiding and steadying their handler as they navigate obstacles that most of us barely notice. A vest may be enough to identify a hearing assistance or seizure alert dog, but a harness is necessary for those that provide mobility support. Some service dogs are even taught to brace their bodies to allow their handler to pull themselves up if they fall. Mobility assistance dogs need handles.

Annie, on the right, is the most talented escape artist I know.

10. My dog can escape from any collar.

I know a dog that can escape from martingale, slip lead, any type of head halter, and most harnesses. So far the only thing that can securely contain her is the Ruffwear Webmaster harness, and a prong collar. The Freedom No-Pull harness is also more difficult to escape than the average harness, though foster puppy Hellin managed it a couple of times.


Do you use a harness for your dog? Why?

Product Review: Hurtta Padded Y-Harness

The Hurtta Padded Y-Harness is a Roman-style harness lined with neoprene. It features an adjustable girth strap that closes with a quick-release buckle. This harness is available in eight colors and seven sizes to fit dogs with chests 14-39".

Photo by Erin Koski

I really love the way these harnesses look, but I don't love the way they fit. While the chest strap is super adjustable, the neck does not adjust at all.

The harness pictured here is a 35", but this is just the size listed on the packaging. Unlike most nylon harnesses, the end of the adjustable strap is not fixed at the end. This allows the Hurtta Padded Y-Harness to adjust down to almost nothing. The neck may not fit him, but I can adjust the chest strap of this harness all the way down to fit Ru. It looks pretty silly.

Photo by Erin Koski

The 35" measurement refers to the maximum size of the chest strap. Brisbane's chest is 26" around, and the neck is big enough that the straps interfere with his shoulders. I also have a 28" harness which fits his neck fine but rubs his armpits.  There is a size 32" that might be just right for Briz, but I haven't yet had the opportunity to try it on him.

Pros: Padded, reflective, tough, comfortable. Looks fabulous. Won't interfere with movement when fitted properly. Comes in way more sizes than most harnesses.

Cons: With no adjustment in the neck, it either fits or it doesn't. Smallest size is too big for Ru. Neoprene may cause some dogs' fur to mat.

Bottom Line: I really wish this harness fit Brisbane. It's so pretty. All the cool dogs are wearing them.

What's your favorite type of dog harness?

Product Review: The Balance Harness

The Balance Harness is a Roman-style harness designed for maximum adjustability on any dog. It is unique because every strap is adjustable, including the one on the back that goes between the dog's shoulder blades. The Balance Harness features a normal back attachment ring, and also a front attachment ring for use as a no-pull harness. There are two buckles at the girth section so the dog does not have to step through any part of the harness, and an optional neck buckle can be added for dogs that don't like having things pulled over their heads. The Balance Harness comes in black with 19 different color choices for the back strap. There are seven different sizes to fit dogs with chests 12.5-43.5" around. The Balance Harness is available from CleanRun.com and ClickerTraining.com during the current change in manufacturers.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is basically the harness to end all harnesses. It has been carefully designed to solve every problem anyone has ever had. Hard to fit dog? No problem. Sensitive skin prone to friction sores? No problem. Dog hates to be handled? No problem.

The thing that makes the Balance Harness absolutely unique is the adjustable back strap. I have never seen or heard of another harness with this feature. Most of the time I am just stuck with whatever length the manufacturer decided to make that strap, and if I'm lucky everything else will adjust to the right size. This makes sizing difficult, my dog Brisbane usually needs a longer back strap.

Photo by Erin Koski

I do think the front ring is somewhat superfluous, as a simple O-ring would be sufficient for leash attachment. Some people need a specific "leash goes here" invitation though. The Balance Harness makes a very nice non-restrictive no-pull harness with the leash attached in the front. When properly adjusted it gives the shoulders total freedom of movement. This makes it ideal for canine athletes.

The Balance Harness has two buckles at the girth strap, allowing it to be buckled around the dog without having to lift a leg through an opening. The Premier Sure-Fit and Red Dingo harnesses both have this feature as well. These options are all awesome for dogs that don't like having their feet handled, or have limited balance and flexibility.

What about dogs that don't like having things pulled over their heads?

Photo by Erin Koski

A properly-fitted harness should sit pretty close to the dog's neck. You want it far enough down to hit the breastbone and not the windpipe, but not far enough down to interfere with the shoulders. On Briz I often have to make the choice between high enough but too tight to slip on and off, and too low but easy to get on and off. He hates having harnesses pulled over his head, and I hate having to adjust them once they're on.

The Balance Harness neatly solves this issue by offering an optional buckle in the neck strap. The only other harness with a neck buckle that I am aware of is the Alcott Adventure harness, which does not have adjustable back or center straps.

Pros: Unparelleled adjustability for weird-shaped dogs. No-pull front ring. Lightweight and comfortable. Three different buckles mean I can put it on a terrified, frozen, or comatose dog without any cooperation required. Tons and tons of color options including three different shades of pink. Contrasting back strap makes it easy to figure out which part goes where. Endorsed by Dr. Christine Zink.

Cons: Color options only apply to the back strap, the rest of the harness only comes in black unless you custom order it in a different color. The buckle neck harness only comes in six colors. The buckles are surprisingly flimsy compared to the rest of the construction. Like, dollar store collar quality.

Bottom Line: Best. Harness. Ever.

Product Review: Premier Sure-Fit Harness

The Premier Sure-Fit Harness is a Roman-style harness that does not restrict shoulder movement. It features two buckles on the girth strap, so I don't have to lift up Brisbane's feet to put it on. This is a highly adjustable harness, in addition to the adjustable neck and girth straps, the central chest strap that runs between the front legs is also adjustable. The Sure-Fit Harness is available in an impressive twelve colors and five sizes to fit dogs with chests 12-42" around.

Pardon my fat dog.
Photo by Erin Koski

This is one of the first harnesses I bought for Brisbane, way back when he was a baby. I had thought it was long gone, donated to rescue with assorted other silly things, until I found it in my car. Nothing makes me feel sillier than discovering something that has been hiding in my car for years, though in my defense it was stuffed in the spare tire compartment with assorted other things I used to use when I picked up dogs to send to New York.

Photo by Erin Koski

This is a great harness that does not restrict shoulder movement in any way. It was mentioned by name when I emailed Dr. Christine Zink for harness recommendations, and she's basically the expert on such things so I take her word for it.

I have a green medium Premier Sure-Fit harness, and recently picked up a purple large harness at a thrift store. I'm beginning to think I'm a bit weird about harness fitting, because I pretty much adjust the center strap on any harness to be as long as possible. I just want the straps to sit as far away from sensitive armpits as possible. On Brisbane, the medium Sure-Fit is adjusted with the necks straps at about half their maximum length, the chest straps each about an inch short of their maximum length, and the center strap adjusted as long as possible. On foster puppy Darla, the neck and chest straps are all adjusted nearly as small as they go, but the chest strap is still set to its maximum length. I did the same thing with the Red Dingo harness, so it's not something about this particular brand. On Brisbane the large harness fits loosely with every strap adjusted as short as possible...except that center strap.

Photo by Erin Koski

When properly fitted, the neck straps of the Sure Fit harness should sit way up high on the neck, well away from the shoulders. I try to get it just below where a collar would sit.

Pros: Highly adjustable for a good fit. Comes in tons of colors. Two buckles make it easier to put on, I don't have to put any feet through any straps. Front ring allows it to be used as a no-pull harness.

Cons: There's not a lot of overlap between the larger sizes. I almost feel like the front center strap isn't quite long enough on the medium, but the large doesn't adjust small enough.

Bottom Line: It may be plain, but the Sure-Fit harness is a great non-restrictive option for canine athletes, dogs who run with their owners, and really almost any dog. I like harnesses. This is a good one. Since I rediscovered it we have been using it a lot.

What's your favorite harness?

Product Review: Red Dingo Harness

The Red Dingo Harness is a Roman-style harness with unique bone-shaped buckles. It is available in a vast array of colors and designs, including basic solid colors and reflective ribbon. Ours is a Circadelic pattern. Red Dingo harnesses are available in four sizes to fit dogs with chests 12-44" around, this one is a size Large and has to be adjusted fairly small to fit Brisbane.

Photo by Erin Koski

I admit, the buckle bone is the primary reason I love Red Dingo's products. Unique products really catch my eye, I'm sure I would be less enthusiastic if every quick-release buckle were shaped like a dog bone.

Outside of that, this is a solid harness. It is easy to adjust and doesn't slip. It has buckles on either side of the chest strap so I don't have to pick up Brisbane's foot to put it on him. It can be adjusted in the chest, the neck, and bottom strap for a really good fit.

Pros: Endless selection of colors and patterns. Available with reflective trim for visibility. Front ring allows for use as a non-restrictive front-clip harness. As adjustable as the Premier Sure Fit harness, but a lot more fun.

Cons: The smallest size won't adjust quite far enough for little Ru. Most of the designs have a lot of white, which starts looking dirty very quickly. This is pretty heavy for a nylon harness, the webbing is very thick and bulky.

Bottom Line: What's not to love? This is everything I need in a harness, plus the green looks great on Brisbane.