Can Whippets Wear A Harness?

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Finding a good collar can be tricky for your whippet, so why not look at a harness as an alternative?

In this post we are going to find out if they are better or worse, as well as can whippets wear a harness?

Harnesses can be great alternatives to collars if you’re looking for something a bit different, they distribute force over your whippet’s full-body, rather than just the neck area.

Harnesses are usually best suited to large powerful dogs, as when these pull with a normal collar it can be very uncomfortable for the dog.

That being said, a harness is a great way to keep control of your whippet if he’s a little bit feisty and likes to pull when on walks.

Let’s take a closer look at why harnesses can be a great idea…

What Is A Harness?

A harness is very similar to a collar in the sense that it wraps around your dog and gives you control when out walking.

However, harnesses actually give you more control, this is because when your dog is wearing a collar and pulling, he is still moving forward so he thinks the pulling is successful.

Whereas when your dog is wearing a harness, he is unable to move forward as the harness essentially strips him of his movement power, stopping him from pulling whilst on a leash.

can whippets wear a harness?
Image: Image by Yama Zsuzsanna Márkus from Pixabay

These are excellent tools for dogs that pull when walking and are used by many professional dog trainers.

Not all harnesses are created equal, and because whippets have a unique body shape it can be tricky to find one that’s a great fit.

But once you do, not only will your whippet look super stylish but you’ll also have much more control over him when on walks. 

Can Whippets Wear A Harness?

So, can whippets wear a harness? Absolutely! Harnesses are a fantastic tool that can help teach your whippet how to walk on a leash without pulling.

Many dog trainers use harnesses exactly for this reason, as a harness gives you more control and prevents your dog from pulling.

Small dogs such as whippets can be prone to injuries from pulling or tugging whilst on a leash, but a harness drastically reduces this and will stop any injuries from occurring.

A harness can be worn by almost any dog, but finding one that fits small dogs properly can be a little tricky.

It’s best to look out for adjustable harnesses that you can simply tighten manually if it’s too big, these often work best for whippets as you can be sure it’ll fit when the harness arrives. 

Is A Harness Better Than A Collar?

When asking if a harness is better than a collar for a dog, it’s important to understand what you’re looking for out of each.

Dog collars are perfect for all dogs, and they are actually a legal requirement here in the UK.

Collars help you keep control of your dog whilst walking, running and act as an identification form should you lose your dog.

Whilst harnesses are typically used with bigger dogs to gain more control.

If you’ve got a larger dog that tends to pull whilst on a leash, then a harness could be a great way to gain more control and help teach him how to walk whilst on a leash.

Using a harness with a smaller dog also has these benefits, but it’s not needed as much to suppress power as small dogs typically don’t pull too much anyway.

A harness can certainly be better than a collar if your dog is big and strong, but for the most part, they are very similar and it comes down to personal preference whether you choose a harness of a collar for your dog. 

What Are The Benefits Of A Dog Harness?

We’ve already discussed some of the benefits of a dog harness, but here are a few that are working taking note of;

Appearance

There’s no question that a dog wearing a harness looks badass, they are unique, come in a range of colours and simply look amazing on all dogs.

It’s actually quite rare to come across a dog wearing a harness, so it gives your dog a sense of uniqueness whilst helping control him too.

Most harnesses will come with padding too so they are super comfortable for your dog to wear, some are waterproof and have a range of other perks that make them a great alternative to a collar. 

Control

As we’ve already mentioned, the main benefit of a dog harness is to give you more control.

Harnesses are designed to stop your dog pulling from the torso, instead of the neck.

This means it’s much harder for your dog to charge off in front whilst walking on a leash and makes it perfect for training.

Not only that, but a harness means if you’re elderly, or your kids are walking your dog it gives them more control and stops the dog from being the one in charge. 

Less injuries

If you’ve got a dog that pulls whilst on a leash, this can start to cause him serious harm around the neck area.

When your dog pulls, the collar can dig into his neck and rub against his skin, which over time can lead to rashes, cuts and painful injuries that can be avoided.

These types of injuries usually occur on low-quality dog collars, but a good harness will stop this altogether as it will be around his torso instead.

This stops choking, coughing and the overall discomfort for your dog when a collar is rubbing against his neck.

As a whole, harnesses are much less likely to cause injury to your dog than a dog collar. 

Increased visibility

One advantage of using a dog harness is the fact that they can give your dog more visibility.

Walking your dog in the winter months can bring a feeling of dread as you lose visibility of your pup.

can whippets wear a harness?
Image: Photo by Dominik Kempf on Unsplash

Harnesses come in a selection of bright colours and even reflective strips which ensure that even on the darkest winters night you’ll still be able to see your pup and ensure he’s safe. 

Are Dog Harnesses Expensive?

The average cost of a dog harness is somewhere between £10 and £20 here in the UK, making them incredibly affordable for the majority.

When you take into account the benefits of using a dog harness, they really do provide a ton of value for money.

Depending on the quality, brand and durability of the dog harness you decide will usually dictate the price. As with many products, the better quality the harness, the more expensive it will be.

That being said, it’s definitely worth investing in a high-quality harness as it ensures it’s made from strong materials that are also comfortable for your whippet.

If you cheap out on your harness it may end up costing you more in the long run, as your whippet could end up with an injury that needs to be treated by a veterinarian and then buying a better harness as a replacement.

Recommended Harnesses For Whippets

If you do decide that a harness is a good choice for you and your whippet, I’ve listed a couple that I recommend that I know will keep your whippet in control, comfortable and looking super stylish!

MOKCCI Truelove Soft Front Dog Harness

The MOKCCI Truelove Soft Front Harness is a fantastic option for your whippet, it’s comfortable, durable and comes in a range of colours and sizes to suit all whippets.

This harness has a soft sponge lining in the chest and belly, ensuring your whippet has maximum comfort whilst staying safe. 

Julius-K9, IDC Powerharness 

The Julius-K9 IDC Powerharness is a branded harness that is sure to look awesome on your whippet.

This brand is well known in the harness world and ensures your whippet is comfortable thanks to its premium quality materials.

There are reflective edges and a reflective chest strap that increases the visibility when on nighttime walks, and there are also interchangeable hooks and loop patches so your whippet can wear patches of your choice.

Vivi Bear Durable Dog Harness Vest With 3M Reflective Strips

The Vivi Bear Durable Dog Harness is another harness which features reflective strips for increased visibility.

This harness has two leash points, one on the back and one on the chest.

The harness also has adjustable straps to provide a comfy feel for your whippet, ensuring he stays comfortable whilst out on long walks. 

Final Thoughts

Harnesses are a great way to keep control over your dog, especially if your pup is not yet trained to walk on a leash correctly.

Harnesses are an affordable alternative to a dog collar, they give you more control and ensure that your dog stays safe whilst out on walks.

So can whippets wear a harness? Absolutely! Harnesses have many features, such as reflective strips, multiple leash hooks and an easy-grip handle to immediately gain full control of your dog.

One of the main reasons why people invest in a harness is because they look fantastic on whippets, they come in many colours, sizes and brands that ensure your whippet looks his best on every walk. 

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