How to Measure a Dog for a Harness: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Finding the right harness for your dog is essential to ensure comfort, safety, and control during walks. A harness that fits well will prevent your dog from slipping out, reduce strain on their neck, and distribute pressure evenly across their chest. 

In this article, we'll guide you through the process of measuring your dog to help you find the right dog gear using a soft measuring tape or string, ensuring a snug fit every time. 

Let’s walk through how to measure your dog for the perfect fit.

Why an Appropriate Dog Harness Counts

An appropriate harness is essential for assuring your dog's comfort and security. Unlike a collar, it avoids exerting pressure on the neck. Instead, it spreads weight uniformly across the chest and shoulders, thereby lessening strain. 

It also offers protection to the neck and spine. You obtain better control, particularly if your dog tends to pull, which can be a common problem during walks. A snug harness helps prevent escape, offering you peace of mind as you walk together. 

Beyond safety, a good harness considerably enhances the walking experience, allowing your dog to move freely and comfortably, making walks much more enjoyable for both of you. 

 

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following:

• Flexible Measuring Tape: Use a fabric measuring tape similar to the one a tailor utilizes, or you can get a length of twine.
• Pen and Paper or a Digital Device: To record the measurements.
• Treats or a Toy: To keep your dog calm and cooperative.

Why a Well-Fitted Harness Matters

The right harness is more than just a snug fit. It’s a key to your dog’s safety and comfort, offering several benefits:

• Ensures Comfort: A well-fitted harness avoids chafing, making walks enjoyable for your pup.
• Protects Neck and Spine: Unlike standard collars, harnesses distribute pressure evenly across the chest, reducing strain on sensitive areas.
• Boosts Control: Particularly helpful for active or strong pullers, a harness provides better control during walks.
• Prevents Escapes: A snug fit minimizes the risk of your dog slipping out unexpectedly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Measuring Your Dog

Whether you have small dogs or large breeds, these measurement steps apply universally:

1. Preparing Your Dog

Start in a quiet, distraction-free area to keep your dog calm and focused. It’s essential to have your dog standing during the process, as this ensures the most accurate measurements. 

If possible, enlist a friend or family member to gently hold your dog or offer treats for encouragement. Using a treat or favorite toy can help keep your dog’s attention while you measure.

2. Taking Key Measurements

• Girth (Chest Circumference):
• For dogs of all sizes—small, medium, or large—the same method applies. Locate the widest part of your dog’s chest, the area around the dog’s rib cage, just behind the front legs.
  
  
• With your dog standing, wrap a soft tape measure around this area, ensuring it’s snug but not tight. Avoid measuring right behind the armpits; instead, start from the bottom of the rib cage for the most accurate fit.
  
  
• Allow enough room to comfortably fit two fingers between the tape and your dog’s body. Keep in mind that different dog breeds' weight may also play a role in selecting the correct size. Always refer to the sizing guide to ensure their weight matches the recommended range.
  
  
• Neck Circumference:
• Measure the base of your dog’s neck, just below the narrower part where a collar usually sits, around the dog’s head.
  
  
• If you’re unsure where to measure, feel for your dog’s shoulders; the correct spot will be just above them.
  
  
• Adjust the placement of the tape measure to match your dog’s specific dimensions, ensuring accuracy.

Why These Measurements Are Essential

• Chest Girth Measurement: Ensures the harness fits securely and comfortably around your dog’s chest. A proper fit prevents chafing and reduces the risk of your dog slipping out.
• Neck Measurement: Helps ensure the harness sits correctly without causing discomfort or pressing on sensitive areas. 

 

Tips for Measuring a Dog

• Don’t Force Your Dog to Be Measured: It’s important to never force your dog into position to get the right measurements. Instead, try to keep the process calm and relaxed. Ask a friend or family member to help you distract your dog while you measure, or use a lick mat with some peanut butter attached to a wall to keep your dog occupied and still.
  
  
• Measure After Exercise: Try measuring your dog after they’ve had some exercise, such as a walk or a game of fetch. This ensures they are calm and less fidgety, which can make the measuring process smoother.
  
  
• Use String as a Substitute for Measuring Tape: If you don’t have a fabric measuring tape on hand, you can use a long piece of string or yarn to capture the measurement.
  
  
• If Your Dog is Between Sizes, Size Up: If your dog’s measurements fall between two sizes, it’s better to choose the larger size. A harness that is too tight can cause discomfort, while a slightly larger one will offer more flexibility and comfort.
  
  
• Measure Twice: Double-checking avoids any errors.

Selecting the Right Harness for Your Dog's Chest and Neck

Once you’ve got your measurements, compare them with the size chart of the harness you’re considering. For example, here’s our sizing chart for our No-Pull Dog Harnesses:

To make things even easier, we offer a “Size by Breed Chart”, helping you choose the perfect harness size based on your dog's specific breed. This chart is available on the product page's View Size Chart option. Shop Now and Find the Perfect Fit!

Harness Options to Consider

Finding the right harness style goes beyond just measurements—it’s also about choosing the right fit to suit your dog’s needs. Here are two fantastic options to consider:

• No-Pull Dog Harness: This harness is designed for dogs that tend to pull during walks. Its front-clip design discourages pulling by redirecting your dog’s movement, making walks smoother and more enjoyable. It’s a great choice for training and maintaining better control.
  
  
• Active Wear Harness: Perfect for adventurous pups, this harness combines comfort and durability. Whether you’re hiking, jogging, or exploring the outdoors, the Active Wear Harness is built to keep up with your dog's energy while providing a snug and secure fit. Shop Now.

Conclusion

Measuring your dog for a harness can be a fun and rewarding experience! With a bit of patience (and maybe a treat or two), you’ll not only ensure a perfect fit but also enjoy some quality bonding time with your pup. 

A well-fitted harness doesn’t just make walks more comfortable and secure—it sets the stage for countless adventures together.

So grab your measuring tape, follow the steps, and explore sizing charts to find the perfect match for your dog’s chest and neck. Whether you’re tackling trails or strolling around the block, the right harness makes every outing a joy.

Now, go ahead and make those measurements—your pup is ready to strut their stuff in style. Happy walking!