How to find the right size harness for my dog?

After you have chosen the right dog harness for your activities and needs, the next step is finding the right size for your dog and adjusting the harness for optimum fit.

How the dog harness should fit depends on what the harness is designed for. In general, a good and well-fitted harness is comfortable for your dog to wear, and allows them to move freely.

This guide will explain how the different dog harnesses should fit and how to adjust them.

A dog harness that is too big or too small can cause injuries, so choosing the right size and adjusting the harness correctly is important. Having the right size and adjustment will also utilize the harness's properties in the best possible way.

How to measure your dog for the right size harness

The most important measurement when looking for the right size harness for your dog is the neck circumference. For some dog harnesses, measuring the chest circumference and back length is also needed. The measurements you need will be specified on the dog harness size chart.

You can see how to measure your dog in this video:

The size finder on each product's page will help you find the correct size for your dog, based on the measurements. Simply fill in your dog’s numbers and a size will be suggested for you. With this tool, you will also see if your dog is close to going one size up or down.

If the harness does not fit, you can exchange the harness for the right size.

How to adjust the dog harness

After you have found the right size, it is time to adjust the dog harness for optimum fit.

How to adjust the Freemotion harness 5.0 or the Combined harness

The Freemotion harness 5.0 and the Combined harness are adjustable pulling harnesses available in a wide range of sizes to fit most dogs.

These harnesses should not slide easily over your dog's head. If you think it is hard to get the harness on or off, you can twist it horizontally before pulling it over your dog's head. This can also be done when taking the harness off. Loosening the side straps will also help.

Follow this guide to fit your Freemotion harness, Freemotion harness 5.0 or Combined harness:

Click here to download the fitting guide.

You can also watch this video for a visual demonstration of how to fit the Freemotion harness and Freemotion harness 5.0:

A pulling-harness should be snug around the neck to prevent it from sliding down towards your dog’s shoulders, as that will limit movement.

When checking if the harness fits, your dog must be standing in the same position as when pulling; the back should be straight with the head and neck low as an extension of the back.

You should be able to fit two fingers vertically between the harness and the base of your dog's neck.

The lowest point of the neck opening should be at your dog’s breastbone.

With the side straps, you adjust the depth to fit your dog’s chest. This will prevent the harness from sliding up and restricting respiration. If your dog is rasping, the side straps might need to be adjusted.

Adjust the back piece so that the attachment point for the line sits right above your dog's sacrum.

For the Combined harness, developed for skijoring, the ring for the pulk attachment should sit by the rearmost rib.

How to adjust hiking- and everyday dog harnesses

Dog harnesses that are not used for pulling activities do not have to fit as tight around the neck as the pulling- harnesses.

The Rock harness and Ramble harness are adjustable around both the neck and the chest, perfect for puppies or wide chested breeds.

For a medium sized harness, you should be able to fit two fingers vertically between your dog’s neck and the harness. For small sizes (XS and S), you should be able to fit a bit less than two fingers and for larger sizes (L and XL), a bit more than two fingers.

The Line harness and Line harness grip are static around the neck, but can be adjusted around the chest.

You should be able to fit two fingers vertically between your dog’s chest and the harness.

How to adjust multi-use dog harnesses

The Rock harness long is highly adjustable around both the neck and chest.

If you are using it for dog-powered sports, obstacle races, when trekking in challenging terrain, or you have a dog that tends to back out of the harness, the harness should have a quite snug fit. This will keep your dog secure and allows the shoulders to move freely.

For a medium-sized dog (size M), ensure that you can fit at least two fingers vertically between the top of your dog's neck and the harness. For smaller dogs, a bit less space, a bit more for the largest dogs.

For the chest area, ensure that you can fit at least two fingers vertically between your dog's chest and the harness for medium-sized dogs. Adjust the harness evenly on both sides.

How do I know the pulling-harness fits my dog?

Even though some pulling harnesses are adjustable, such as those described above, that is not the case for all. Dog harnesses developed for mushing are usually made with a static neck opening and length.

The Nansen nome harness and the Nansen stick harness should sit quite tight around the neck to prevent the harness from sliding down to your dog's shoulders and restricting movement.

You should be able to fit two fingers between the harness and the base of your dog's neck. The harness should not slide easily over your dog's head. If you think it is hard to get the harness on or off, you can twist it horizontally before pulling it over your dog's head.

For the Nansen stick harness, the stick should lie 5 - 10 centimeters/1,9 - 3,9 inches behind the dog.

To fit dogs of various shapes and sizes, these dog harnesses are available in half sizes with the same length, but a wider neck circumference.