Many dog owners are switching from collar to harness. A harness gives you more control over your dog on outdoor adventures while preventing neck stress collars can cause. But do you know how to measure your dog for a harness accurately? 

Your dog’s girth is the measurement of his chest, which is the area of his body immediately behind his front legs. To measure girth, stand your dog up and wrap a tape measure around the widest part of his chest. That number will be used to determine the range of harness sizes suitable for your pup.

Steps for Measuring For Harness

We always recommend that you measure your dog before purchasing your preferred harness. This allows you to select the best sizing based on their body measurements and reduce the risk of harness complications caused by incorrect sizing.

Get out your measuring tape and ruler before proceeding with the steps below:

Step 1: Check the Size Chart

Every reputable harness and dog collar shop should have a sizing chart for each product they sell. This should be in the section where you select the color and sizing of your preferred harness, so have it pulled up and ready when making your sizing selection.

Once you’ve gathered the necessary measurements, you can consult the sizing chart to determine the best size for your pup.

Step 2: Measure the Circumference of Your Dog’s Neck

To begin, measure the circumference of your dog’s neck. You can use your measuring tape to measure around where a collar normally sits, remembering to use the two-finger rule. Once you’ve completed this, make a note of the results.

Step 3: Measure Your Chest Circumference

The chest girth of your dog will be measured next. You can repeat this process with your measuring tape, measuring the widest part of their rib cage. Make sure you measure all the way around, with the end of the tape meeting the top of the dog’s back. Once you’ve finished, make a note of the outcome.

Step 4: Determine Body Length

The final area to measure is your dog’s entire body length. This can be done with a measuring tape or a ruler, but it will depend on the size of your pet. Take measurements from the base of their neck to the base of their tail. Once completed, make a note of the outcome.

This measurement is not required for all harnesses, but having it just in case is helpful.

What Factors Should Be Considered for Harnessing Your Dog?

The most important aspect of finding the best harness for your dog is the proper measurement, but there are other important factors to consider. Everything from harness style to harness purpose is important when making the best purchase, so we recommend you look into these optics. Some harnesses are better suited to certain breeds based on size and activity preferences, so you should be aware of these considerations before shopping.