Pugs are loyal, sociable, and love to cuddle. They’re truly one of the best companion dogs there is and they deserve the absolute best. Today, it’s all about the Pug harness: why you should use one, different kinds, how to choose the right one, and our top 5 preferred harnesses.
Pugs love walks! Although long walks are not recommended due to obstructive breathing that many Pugs encounter, short walks for your pup to release some energy and sniff around are perfectly fine and a great way to bond with your precious fur child.
Since Pugs have flat faces, their nostrils are narrow. They have a soft palate that hangs down and partially or fully blocks the airway. Because of this, they can face breathing difficulties, especially during walks. Leash pulling affects breathing in all dogs and a harness can relieve some of this.
Another benefit of using a harness is that a special rehabilitation harness can help you when assisting your disabled Pug as it gives you more control.
It’s a great idea to use a collar and a harness simultaneously. A collar is needed for a dog to wear identification tags with its name and your contact information and this should definitely not be forgotten. Better safe than sorry if anything happens to your pup.
In addition to the collar, a Pug harness is used for training purposes. A harness is the safest place to attach a leash because it secures your pup and it prevents strain on its neck. Dogs are less likely to slip out of a harness than they are a collar and a walker has more control when using a harness.
Keep in mind that a collar and a harness should be removed when your Pug is playing or when it’s in a crate because they can get caught on things and possibly injure your dog.
Before we get into the best Pug harness for your pup, let’s look at the various options, what they are, and pros and cons.
The back-clip harness is one that many people use. As you’d imagine, they clip on your dog’s back.
A front-clip harness is just that. Its clip ring is in front of the dog’s chest. It’s common for pet owners to avoid these because they aren’t seen as often, but they’re a great option.
The dual-clip harness has a hook in the front and the back. This allows you to attach the leash behind your Pug’s back or at its chest. You can also use two leashes and attach a leash in both places.
The head halter looks like a muzzle but it’s actually used for walking a Pug that may be impulsive or a strong puller. The head halter provides one strap around the neck and a strap across the snout while the leash attaches below the chin. This would force your dog’s nose to move down and back towards you so that it can’t pull you forward.
A head halter is probably the last harness you will need for your little Pug. As we know, Pugs are laid-back pups who are rarely out of control. If there is ever a major issue with them, they are small enough for us to scoop up and they aren’t big enough to pull most grown adults down.
If you’re on the hunt for a Pug harness that helps with limited mobility due to age or an injury, a rehabilitation harness might just be the answer. Typically, rehabilitation harnesses act as a sling that will wrap around your dog’s body and it has a handle for you to hold to take some weight from your dog.
It can be overwhelming to select the right harness when there are so many options. Now that you know more about the different types of harnesses and their pros and cons, you can start thinking about which one seems best for your Pug.
*It’s usually helpful to go ahead and purchase an adjustable harness.
Now that you know all about a Pug harness, it’s time to share the top ones!
A vet behaviorist, who may know a thing or two, created this top-notch, useful harness many years ago and it’s still around helping dog owners teach leash manners. The easy walk deluxe is straightforward to use as it simply snaps on the shoulder and belly. It’s simple, but durable straps mean less bulky coverage and more room to breathe for your pup.
Year-round walks are so doable with this lightweight, mesh harness and the reflective bands will allow you to feel more secure when walking during dark hours. The rear clip means your Pug is safer from the possibility of getting its legs tangled in the leash.
This easy-to-use, durably made of heavy-duty nylon harness that clips in the front or the back will make walks safe and fun. There’s also padding for added comfort and a badge holder made into the harness if needed.
It’s no fun to have a pup who’s facing a challenge, but this padded for comfort and easy to use harness makes rehabilitation easier. The integrated leash provides you with control and will attach to your dog’s chest harness or leash. The best part of this harness that owners rave about is that it was carefully designed and created by a small family when their very own furry family member needed rehabilitation.
This Pug harness is low in price but high in quality! It’s no pull, adjustable, and reflective so that evening walks are safer. It hooks in the front for extra control or the back if your Pug is calm and collected on walks. The premium oxford fabric isn’t easily chewed or torn and is made with a breathable mesh lining.
Related: Best Dog Carriers For Pugs
Now that you know what Pug harness you want to try out, it’s time to train your Pug to use it. You want to introduce the harness in phases to ensure your dog takes well to it without becoming overwhelmed or unhappy.
Following these steps will help your pup get used to its new harness in no time.
A Pug harness can make all the difference when it comes to walks and rehabilitation. Choosing the right harness (front-clip, back-clip, dual-clip, head halter, and rehabilitation) that’s the best fit and comfort level will bring you and your loved pooch a peace of mind when it comes to safety and spending time outdoors.