A really useful thread - thank you!

the qualitys i look for in a harness are:
comfort
escape proof
quality
i like step in vest style harnesses.

A perfect fit so there is no chance of your little one getting out of it. I like the ones that are adjustable.

I second this! Also, it must be choke-proof, so it has to ride low on the chest, and be the step in type!

I know this thread was made several months ago but I thought I would put in my thoughts as well.

I like a soft material, step in harness with two d-rings. This is the safest I've found, and have had no one be able to escape from them.
Since they are a step in, they don't go near the neck.

I don't like velcro, it does seem too risky.

I don't like nylon or leather because it seems anytime I would use these, it would matt or thin the hair.

This one lady made really nice step in harnesses. I purchased some from her years ago and I loved them. I still have them and they still are in excellent shape after years of use. She is no longer in business now and I have been desperately trying to find someone that could make a similar harness.

They were fabric ones. For example, I have a snoopy one, a butterfly one, and a flower one. The buckles could be either plastic or metal. They were handmade but the quality was excellent. Excellent stitching, they held up so well. I could wear them on my yorkies without their hair matting up. They were light but not too light like a silk one might be.
If anyone knows someone that has something like this with the different prints available, please let me know!!

Is the buddy belt harness good for power walks? Bella pulls and gags when we walk and power walk. Of coarse that does get me motivated to do some jogging. Any advise would be great.

Pretty much everything she said. I'm also very picky about the material. Kaji pulls like a mad man when he's scared. Most every single harness we tried chaffed his skin or caused rope burns. BB's seemed to do the trick. :) I also pay close attention to the shape. Most hand made step in harnesses have a tight v shape where the legs go. (where it wraps around heir little arm pits) The shape alone has caused irritation in the past. Their bodies are not triangles or squared, they're round. That's the shape I look for.

I love the choke free leather harness...they call them shoulder harness. It is the only one I will use.


Check out Ultra Easy ChokeFree & PawRider Pet Seatbelt Adapter (USA)

I am biased because I am BB retailer... but, I used the BB for 3 years before I started selling them. My 2 doggies and I power walk daily. We go fast! The boys lead the way like a team of horses. :p

The Buddy Belt does not come anywhere near the throat. No pressure is placed on the trachea, so no coughing or gagging. I think it is important that no matter which harness is used, training is still essential. If my guys go nuts pulling to chase the UPS man or squirrel, I do bring them to a halt and wait for them to calm down before we proceed.

We haven't mastered running because I can't keep up with the guys. It would probably work better with longer leashes.

Here is a video of my guys walking slowly in their BBs and pulling a bit: http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/my-...y-walkies.html

I look for a harness that does not hurt the dogs neck, and that looks good :) And it has to be soft.

In addition to all the other features I look for...

Now I need a harness that's good in water! ZoE LOVES her lil paddling pool, but my back yard is not fenced in, so I have her tied up to a super long tie out that I have wrapped around a tree, and she has her harness on as she's hopping in & out of her pool.

I hear you! I just had a dog with a neck/ spin injury. The vet said using collards or harness that put stress on the neck are the leading cause..along with jumping off beds ect.

I feel bad because I always had harnesses on my yorkie but not my shih tuz... Now all are wearing the no choke shoulder harness...

I prefer this brand...Li’l Bling Step In Harness | Lupine

It is adjustable, easy on the throat and not too tight anywhere! It is also guaranteed EVEN IF CHEWED!

I am on the look out for a really good water/active harness for Jackson...

Some of the Ezydog ones look nice, but I am still searching!

For now, for water use, we just use his plain nylon harness from petsmart.