What is the Best Dog Harness for Akita?

Akitas by nature need to walk a lot, they are always ready for adventure with their family. Walking with Akita on a leash is very often a necessity, especially among other dogs, due to Akita temperament. We strongly advise to change a collar for a harness for long-time walks. Best dog harnesses for Akita in such a case are much better. They are more convenient and better for the health, distributing weight all over Akita heavy body.

There are different models of harnesses. How to choose the best one? What can we recommend? Very often people buy a harness, even rather expensive, but it turns out so uncomfortable that a pup can’t walk around wearing it. And the owners go back to the collar.

We have tested and tried different types of harnesses on Akitas and in this article we will explain in details which one is best and which is not and why. Let’s start with our top rated harnesses and continue with Buyer’s guide and criteria what to look for in a prefect harness.

9 Best Harness for Akita – Overview and Rating

Best Harness for Akita – Buyer’s Guide

Types of Dog Harnesses

• Standard Harness

A standard harness means: one loop around dog’s ribs, one loop around dog’s neck, and a D-ring on the dog’s back to clip the leash to. The harness forms rectangles around your dog’s legs.

• Step-in Dog Harness

The Step-in harness also has a D-ring on the back, forms triangles around your dog’s legs.

• Front Clip Dog Harness

This type has leash attachment clip in the front of the harness, over the dog’s chest. This design helps to stop pulling.

Putting on a harness depends much on a type your dog’s wear.

In the video below you will find simple steps and discover professional tricks how to put on each type pf the harness:

What Features of Consider When Choosing the Best Harness for Akita

There are only a few simple rules to follow:

• Neck Position

The most important is that the harness strap should not be attached around dog’s neck. If the dog begins to wheeze and cough when the leash is pulled, it means that the harness presses on the trachea. There is no point in such a harness at all. As its main difference from the collar is that the neck of the dog remains free and will not be injured when a dog pulls a harness. It is best to choose a harness with front straps lying on the sides of the dog’s neck – on the chest in Y-shape. Adjust the harness so that it joins up where the blades converge and the chest bone starts. This place is easy to determine by simply touching the dog. The main thing is that the harness joint should not lie higher, on the unprotected neck of the animal.

• Shoulder Position

In addition, the harness straps should not restrict the dog’s movements while walking or running – the shoulder blades and shoulders should be free.

• Chest Girth

The harness straps behind the dog’s front legs must be at a palm width distance from his armpits. Otherwise the harness will rub the skin while dog is running. Adjust the harness so that the palm runs between the straps and dog’s body.

• Back Strap

To prevent the harness from sliding down on the dog’s neck when the leash is pulled, the harness must have a longitudinal back strap. The back leash attachment point should be at the end of the harness, on the back of the dog and not on the withers.

• Material and Size

The harness must be made of soft, but durable materials. Outside it is often dirty, especially in spring and autumn. It should be washed frequently, otherwise it will cause discomfort to the dog. In addition, if the harness is made from cheap materials the dog can tear it up while walking or playing with other dogs. This is a point that is not worth saving on. Quality products are not cheap but this will reward with time. You should never buy a roughly sewn harness with protruding stitches and rivets. Tarpaulin and leather straps are not recommended – they are very hard and non-elastic and will rub your dog’s skin, damage his coat. In addition, leather straps weigh a lot, which can also be uncomfortable for a dog.

The harness should be light and fit your dog’s body softly and tightly, following his contours and not constraining his movements. The straps should neither be too wide (will constrain dog’s movements) nor too narrow (will crash into the body when the leash is pulled).

• Soft Padding in Chest

It’s good to have a soft padding in the chest area. In such a harness your dog won’t feel any discomfort even if he is severely puller. This is especially true for bitches and will prevent accidental injury of mammary glands which are on the sides of the body almost on the top of the chest. However, take care to adjust the harness so that the soft padding is never placed on the trachea.

• Car Harness

If you are going to use a walking harness also for car safety, we recommend to choose a multi-functional harness or special car dog harness also suitable for walking, and not vs. Check if a car harness was crush tested and can be restrained. For more details check our Best Car Harnesses and Seat Best Restraints Review. And other Car Safety Accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary 

We hope our article gave you an idea what harness will be the best for your Akita pup and your long walks on a leash will become a pleasure for both of you with a new purchase.

Sources:

1. Featured Image – Instagram
2. Main photo – Instagram

And remember – we are here to help you with your choice. So do not hesitate to ask any questions. We will answer them.