Choosing the Best Harness for Your Dog
Are you looking to buy a dog harness for your new puppy, adult dog, or perhaps even for your senior dog? If you live in the Lake Worth-Wellington area of Palm Beach County, bring your dog into Jake’s and let our trained staff help you choose the correct style in the right size. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua, a Golden Retriever, or a large breed dog like a Great Dane, we can help you find a harness with the correct features so that walking your dog is truly enjoyable.
Jake’s stocks over a dozen different types of dog harnesses because each dog is unique, and each pet parent has different priorities. The biggest difference between using a collar and a harness is that using any type of harness ensures you are not applying pressure to your dog's throat, trachea, or larynx.
It’s important to remember that harnesses are meant for walking, not sitting around the house. Since it will go on and off several times a day, it’s best to choose a harness that is easy to put on your (sometimes fidgety) dog. Not all dogs are cooperative when it’s time to suit up, but we can help determine which will go on quickest and easiest for you. The picture below on the left shows a harness that goes easily over-the-head. The picture below on the right shows a step-in harness, which takes a bit of cooperation from your pooch.
Certain types of harnesses might be considered best for some breeds. For instance, if you have a long-haired breed such as a Maltese, Havanese, or Shih-Tzu, you might want to avoid harness styles with Velcro closures as these might catch or matt the hair. Short-haired dogs like Pugs, French Bulldogs (“Frenchies”), or Beagles wouldn't be affected by these types of harnesses.
When we help fit your dog for a harness, we will also take size and 
age into consideration. For puppies, we believe it is best to choose an adjustable harness, so your new companion won’t quickly outgrow your purchase. For adults, it's best to consider the dog’s size and shape. With so many mixed-breed varieties in our community like Goldendoodles, Cockapoos, and Labradoodles, we know the importance of choosing a harness that can be adjusted to properly fit your dog. And with an equal number of tiny dogs in our area such as Chihuahuas, Yorkies, and Pomeranians, we are experienced at properly fitting small harnesses for them, as well!
If you prefer to shop without your dog, we suggest you bring in measurements for the girth (the length circling around the dog’s body, just behind the front legs) and the chest (between the left and right shoulders, all around the neck).
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