Why I Love My Dog Harness: A Review

Sophie & Jasper relaxing on a bench by the river

Is being in love with a dog harness a bit extreme? I mean, I’m emotional about stuff, I admit it. I get excited. So when I bought two awesome-looking harnesses from Ruffwear, one of my favorite dog gear brands, and they arrived, I couldn’t wait to try them out. And, boy, did we give those babies a run for the money! We’ve been all over with them for the past couple of months, and I figured now was a good time to proclaim why I love my dog harness, so if you’re in the market for one, too, you’ll take a look at these.

They come in great colors!

The harnesses we ordered aren’t just any ol’ harnesses. They’re Ruffwear’s new model: the Front Range™ Harness. Why are they called that? Because you can attach your leash either in the traditional way – on the back via an aluminum V-ring – or in the front via reinforced webbing, which is better for training or with dogs that like to pull…a lot. Well, that’s our Jasper, the little hurricane in a 16 lb package. I got him one in a lovely shade of blue.

Sophie, she’s a put-on-the-brakes gal, and because she doesn’t walk in front, attaching a leash to the back of a harness always has it flopping over her head. That can’t be too comfortable. So, I got her one in a warm tangerine color, perfect for her complexion. 🙂  Don’t  they look great?!

Jasper & Sophie resting on our hike in Catskill, NY

The first thing I loved about the harnesses were how well they’re made. I wasn’t surprised; one reason I love Ruffwear is because their products are high quality and durable. The neck and girth are both adjustable so you can get a good fit, but I had to home tweak Jasper’s neck straps because he’s in between sizes. Once I did, it fit great.

The next thing I loved was how the front leash attachment was so functional in leading the dogs. I found it easier to control our wildman, and Sophie walked a whole lot better, stopping short much less, almost as if being led in this way gave her a more comforting sense of direction.

View of front range leash attachment

Another thing about the Front Range™ Harness is how cool it looks; like professional sports or mountain-climbing gear. We’ve had people stop us on the street to comment on how much they liked them. There’s even an ID pocket that runs across the front, which keeps our dog’s tags quiet, but still easily accessible. Smart.

Finally, it’s the price. At just $39.95, it’s an economical purchase. Why? Because of how well-made, durable and functional it is. The three go to’s when you’re shopping for an everyday harness.

I said we road-tested these harnesses pretty well. Here’s where: every morning to and from our 1.5 hour walk to the Hudson River, where enticing dogs elicit lots of pulling from Jasper and where stepping on actual grass makes Sophie so excited, she flips herself around in glee. Upstate on our recent vacation trip to Catskill, N.Y., where hikes in the woods and to the lakes were a great test of durability. Both dogs pounced into the lake with abandon, still in their harnesses and on leads, splashed around a bit and came out to dry. They rolled around in the country grass and dirt, ran int eh woods (on lead, if you can imagine us chasing after them like our pants were on fire). They withstood bouts of car sickness, wind rushing through hair adventures and quieter walks around our property. And, they came through it all with flying colors (and beautiful colors).

Jasper on a scent in the woods

So when I ask if it’s too extreme to love my dog harness, do you feel me? It’s one of those everyday loves that endure. And I say, amen to that!

Me & a distracted Jasper on our lake hike in Catskill, NY

Do you have a harness you love? What do you love about it? Tell me in the Comments below!

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