How to fit a dog collar and harness

A collar or a harness that fits well is comfortable for your dog and safe for both of you. One that is too loose can slip off near a busy road. One that is too tight rubs and hurts. Here is how to get the fit right for the Kwispelhof leather dog collar and the padded dog harness.

What you need

• a soft tape measure,
• a few treats,
• a calm moment.

Measure for a collar

Measure around your dog’s neck, where the collar will sit: halfway down the neck, not right behind the ears and not at the bottom near the shoulders. Keep the tape snug, but not tight.

• S: neck 25 to 35 centimeters
• M: neck 35 to 45 centimeters
• L: neck 45 to 55 centimeters

Fit the collar

Close the buckle in a hole where two fingers fit flat between the collar and the neck. Then try to pull the collar over your dog’s head, gently. If it slides off, go one hole tighter. Check the fit again after a few weeks: leather softens and stretches a little, and puppies grow.

Measure for a harness

Measure around the widest part of the chest, just behind the front legs.

• S: chest 40 to 55 centimeters
• M: chest 55 to 70 centimeters
• L: chest 70 to 90 centimeters

Fit the harness

1. Loosen all four straps.
2. Put the neck loop over your dog’s head. Give a treat.
3. Close the two buckles under the chest. Give a treat.
4. Tighten the two neck straps so the harness sits low on the chest, not against the throat.
5. Tighten the two chest straps so two fingers fit under each strap.
6. The ring for the leash should sit in the middle of the back.

Check the fit

• Your dog can move its front legs freely, without the straps rubbing in the armpits.
• The harness doesn’t slide to one side when your dog walks.
• Your dog can’t back out of it. Test this at home, not on the street.

Get used to it

Some dogs freeze the first time they wear a harness. Put it on for a few minutes at home, with treats and play. Then go for a short walk. Within a few days, most dogs get excited when they see it, because it means a walk.

Collar, harness or both?

Many owners use both: the collar for the name tag, and the harness for the leash. Clip the leather dog leash 1.5 meters to the ring on the back of the harness. Your dog’s neck is spared, also when it pulls.

Check collars and harnesses every month for wear, especially the stitching and the buckles.