How to Fit a Dog Harness So It Never Rubs

Most harness problems are fit problems. Too loose and your dog wriggles free or the chafing starts; too tight and you restrict the shoulders they need to move freely. The good news is that getting it right takes about five minutes and one tape measure.

Step one: measure the chest girth

Find the widest part of your dog's chest, just behind the front legs, and wrap a soft tape measure all the way around. This number, not their weight, is what decides the size. If you are between two sizes, choose the larger one and bring it in with the adjusters.

Step two: the two-finger rule

Once it is on, you should be able to slide two fingers flat between the strap and your dog at any point. Less than that and it is too tight; if your whole hand fits, it is too loose and needs tightening before you head out.

Step three: check the movement

• The chest strap should sit clear of the front legs, not in the armpit
• The shoulders should move freely with no strap digging in
• Nothing should ride up toward the throat when the lead goes tight

Step four: walk and re-check

Take a short walk and watch how it settles. Straps loosen slightly as a dog moves, so a quick re-check after five minutes locks in the perfect fit. After that, the harness should disappear and your dog should simply get on with the walk.