Canine Couture: Unleashing Fashion With Trendy Dog Harnesses

Whether it's for a special occasion or just everyday couture, fashion-forward dogs are stepping out in style. From dapper tuxedos to chic dresses and whimsical costumes, couture hounds are taking the pet world by storm.

Self-styled master pet couturier Anthony Rubio started designing pet apparel after rescuing a dog from a shelter. He studied women's wear design before launching his brand of luxury pet clothing, which includes jackets and shirts that range from a $125 monogrammed canvas carrier to bespoke ballgowns for $10,000.

Dog Collars

A dog collar is more than just a safety restraint for your pet. A stylish collar can add a pop of color to walks around the park and complement your dog's unique personality.

This nylon collar worked well for our testers and their dogs, proving durable and easily washable (hand or machine). One tester found the ID tag loop difficult to open. Another thought the engraved buckle could be larger. Overall, this is a solid budget-friendly choice.

Dog Leashes

For the glamorous pooch who likes to turn heads and wag their tails on every walk, fashionable dog harness offer eye-catching designs, colors, and patterns. Some feature rhinestones, glitter, bows and charms for one-of-a-kind style.

A rear-attaching harness is best for breeds prone to breathing difficulties, such as pugs and bulldogs, who don't want anything around their necks restricting airflow.

A tab leash attaches to the collar for added control on walks in tight spaces or with pullers. These are often shorter than other options. Hands-free options can be useful for owners who want to fish in their pockets or jog while letting the dogs do their thing, Burgess says.

Dog Harnesses

A harness can reduce walk time woes by preventing pulling and redirecting dog energy toward your shoulder. Plus, they are generally easier to put on than collars and may prevent choking if worn incorrectly.

For a stylish option, try this fiery red lace harness (pictured left) to turn heads on your next outdoor adventure. This harness is easy to adjust for a secure fit and features velvet lining to keep your pet comfortable. For a versatile walking experience, choose a dual clip harness that allows you to attach the leash to both the front and back of your dog.

Dog Collars & Leashes

A durable collar and leash are essential for your dog's safety. Flimsy materials can easily break and expose your pup to danger.

Look for a durable, sustainable material such as hemp or bamboo. This reduces waste and supports eco-friendly production processes.

A dog harness takes the pressure off your pet's neck and chest during walks. They are especially helpful for dogs that pull hard or those with mobility constraints.

These harnesses fasten around a dog's chest and feature two leash attachment points for greater control, locking options to prevent back-outs, top handles for easier assistance, and multiple adjustments for a custom fit. They're also ideal for dogs with neck issues like tracheal collapse or restricted airways. No-pull harnesses are available to further reduce pulling.

A popular harness that we see lots of people wearing around Seattle, this padded back-clip option helps to discourage pulling. Just make sure you measure the ribcage and chest before buying to ensure a good fit.

These step-in harnesses are great for dogs that can't wear collars or front-attaching harnesses. They put pressure on the chest instead of the neck, and they're also very lightweight. These are our favorites for walking, hiking, and biking. They also have a front-attaching leash loop, which gives you more control.

A front-clip harness (often referred to as a no-pull harness) distributes any pressure placed on the leash across your dog’s chest instead of their neck. This is useful for controlling dogs that pull or those with mobility constraints.

To put this type of harness on, crouch behind or to the side of your pup and slide the smaller loop over their head. Some harnesses feature reflective strips or materials that will help your dog be seen in low-light conditions. These are particularly helpful on walks at night or during inclement weather.

Unlike collars, harnesses fasten around the dog's chest. This distributes the pressure and helps prevent trachea damage, particularly for dogs who pull hard or are known to have neck problems.

Try this no-pull harness with a back-clip that discourages pulling by shifting the force of the leash to your dog's front "armpits" instead of their necks. Just be sure to measure carefully to get the correct size. A harness that's too tight can cause discomfort and may pinch their ribcage. This one is comfortable and fits a variety of sizes.

Unlike collars, harnesses distribute pressure from the leash across the chest and shoulders. This discourages pulling and gives you more control of your pet on crowded or busy streets.

Whether you're going hiking, running or walking, the right leash and harness will help your dog stay comfortable and safe while exploring the outdoors. Consider a back-attaching harness that discourages pullers and offers more control while on walks, or a step-in harness with front leash attachments for a secure fit. This style also provides a handle to assist with lifting your dog.

For dogs that are prone to pulling on their leash, harnesses are a great option. They distribute the pull over a larger area of the dog's body, alleviating back pain and stress.

These kinds of harnesses feature a plastic handle where a mechanism stores and loops a long leash that attaches to the dog's front "armpits" when not in use. These are a great choice for active, athletic dogs who love to run and play. They tighten when your dog pulls, but not as much as a collar would.

-- Abdul Alim - 2023-12-25

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