Why I Love My Dog Harness: A Review
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.
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?!
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.
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).
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!
Do you have a harness you love? What do you love about it? Tell me in the Comments below!
(Disclosure: affiliate links)
Jody,
Great review, bought one for my JRT girl today and it works great. Going back tomorrow for her brothers harness.
Adam
Hey Adam! Thank you; so happy you found the review helpful! Would love to know how they work out for you. I’ve gotten really good feedback thus far; always interested in hearing. Thanks for purchasing from my site! 🙂
is sophie a podengo? i’ve just adopted a little girl podengo… in love with her! she measures 22″ around the girth, 12″ neck, weighs 22. should she wear the XS or S? if it’s extremely cold, she wears a fleece jacket.
thanks!!!
Yes! I LOVE meeting other people with Podengos. Aren’t they the most fun dogs?! So happy for you. Where did you adopt her from? I’m always amazed that Podengos are in shelters because most people have never even heard of them. She would def be either a small or medium. Our Jasper, the terrier mix, is about 18.5 around the girth and almost 12 around the neck and he’s in a Small. I’d try that first but if you click on the link in my story, the site where you can buy it will offer a great size chart. Please send a pic of your girl! What’s her name?
I’ve been searching for solid sturdy attractive harnesses for my 3 small pups; 2 of which are in between sizes. This my be the answer to my prayers! thank you.
So glad, Andrea! Pls let me know how it goes. Good luck!
I will definitely be getting this for mine. Especially my Merlin, my wild child. He pulls almost the entire time we are walking. And Pandora stops to roll in every patch of grass she can find along the way. This could be just what we are looking for. Keebler is the walker that holds back, as you described Sophie. So I am eager to see if this helps his confidence. Thank you for the article.
HI Jodi! That’s great; I hope it helps! You can order right from the links in my story and help support Bark and Swagger, as well. Pls let me know how it goes! And if you send a pic of your babies in their new harnesses, I’ll run it on the site. 🙂
Hey! Great post! I happened upon it while looking for some anecdotal evidence about sizing for these harnesses. Would you mind relaying what size you got for Jasper? You mentioned he was between sizes… I have a 17lb Jack Russell who looks to be about the same size, and I’m just curious to know what size you started with. We have a long hike coming up this weekend, and I’m thinking I’ll need to order today to get it in time, which unfortunately leaves no time to measure the pup!
Hey Julie! I ordered an XS for Jasper. The neck/undercarriage was a bit big for him, so I took up the neck straps about an inch on each side, but before I did that it was fine to use for a while. I found with a 17″ girth at the time I ordered, that the XXS was too small for him. I agree you should order today, also because they’re just getting a new shipment in tonight for these. They are doing so well for Ruffwear that they had to quadruple their production. If you want it in the blue, the most popular color, you should call customer service asap today and back order it in the XS. Once they come in and are in the system tonight, it will fill the order and ship tomorrow. YOu can arrange whatever kind of shipping you need to get to you in time. Customer service number is 888-783-3932. So glad you liked the review. Pls let me know what happens and if you need any more help. And pls take a pic of your pup in his or her new harness and I”ll put it up on the site! 🙂
Oh Jody! Thank you for writing in to customer service for me! I ended up ordering through REI, as they still had stock of the XS harnesses and slightly cheaper shipping to my location. The rep was very helpful on the phone, though. =) I’ll definitely write back with a photo!
Ok cool. Glad you got what you wanted. Yes, pls do send a pic!
Jody
I am interested in your small harnesses…I own 2 Miki’s one is 4 lbs the other is 6 lbs. Do u have any in these sizes? small or extra small? thank you…
Hi Marilyn – Bark and Swagger isn’t a store but the links in my review on these harnesses will take you to the brand – Ruffwear – that sells them. There’s a size chart on the order page of the Front Range Harness that will tell you if the XXS is small enough for your babies. They may be too tiny for these, but check the sizing. If these are too big for them, let me know and I’ll see if I can find you a front attaching good harness that would be good for them.
Great article/review. Wonder if it will my Jaz go/walk outside (it looks comfy).
Thanks, Karen! It might work for Jaz. She and Sophie are about the same size, right? Sophie’s in an XXS and it fits her well. Not sure what Jaz’s girth measurement is; Sophie’s a 16.5, but there’s room to make tighter on hers. It definitely encourages Sophie to walk.
Great article/review. Wonder if this will help Jaz go/walk outside (it looks comfy;)
I need and want this especially after reading your review!
LOL That’s great, Carol! Thank you! I do really love this brand and have been using them since Sophie was a pup, long before Bark and Swagger was born. Ruffwear are dope meets durable!