#aplusapets

Using a dog harness incorrectly can harm your pet and make walks stressful. Many pet owners make simple mistakes that compromise their dog's comfort and safety. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.

1. Choosing the Wrong Size

Most pet owners guess their dog's harness size instead of measuring properly. This creates serious comfort and safety issues.

The Problem: Loose harnesses allow dogs to slip out during walks. Tight harnesses restrict breathing and cause chafing. Both scenarios create discomfort and safety issues.

The Solution: Always measure your dog's chest and neck before buying. Different breeds need different harness styles. When possible, try the harness on your dog before purchasing.

Quality equipment from A+a Pets requires proper fitting to work effectively.

2. Skipping Safety Inspections

Regular inspections prevent harness failure and keep your dog secure. However, most pet owners never check their dog's harness properly.

What to Look For:

Frayed webbing or stitching

Damaged buckles or clips

Worn attachment points

Signs of chewing or scratching damage

Inspect your dog's harness before every walk. Additionally, examine it weekly for wear patterns. Replace damaged harnesses immediately to prevent escapes.

3. Incorrect Fitting and Adjustment

Rushing through harness setup causes discomfort for your dog. Each strap serves a specific purpose and needs proper adjustment.

Proper Steps:

Start with the chest strap

Adjust neck opening next

Check belly strap last

Ensure you can fit two fingers under all straps

Never make the harness too tight. Your dog should breathe comfortably and move naturally while wearing it.

4. Using Worn-Out Equipment

Dog harnesses don't last forever, especially with active dogs. Materials wear down from regular use and washing.

Key Facts:

Most harnesses need replacement after 1-2 years

Heavy use shortens lifespan significantly

Chewing damage requires immediate replacement

Washing machines can weaken stitching over time

Check your harness regularly for signs of wear. Active dogs may need harness replacements more frequently than calm dogs.

5. Choosing the Wrong Style

Different dogs need different harness styles. Using the wrong type can cause pulling, discomfort, or behavioral issues.

Remember:

Front-clip harnesses reduce pulling

Back-clip harnesses work for trained dogs

No-pull harnesses help with training

Step-in harnesses suit anxious dogs

Choose a harness style that matches your dog's size, behavior, and training level. Consider your dog's specific needs when selecting features.

Prevention is Key

Avoiding these mistakes starts with proper education and quality equipment. Invest in well-made dog harness from trusted manufacturers.

Best Practices:

Read fitting instructions completely

Introduce harnesses gradually to puppies

Practice putting on the harness regularly

Replace worn equipment promptly

Your dog's comfort and safety depend on using harnesses correctly. Don't let simple mistakes make walks unpleasant. Take time to learn proper fitting techniques and inspect your equipment regularly.

A plus a pets' Luxurious Rain and Wind protector Raincoat for dog

Points to avoid when choosing a dog raincoat are:

Choosing a raincoat solely for fashion rather than function. Raincoats can help keep a dog more comfortable in wet weather, especially for small dogs with long fur that can get soaked.

Not considering the dog's coat type and size when selecting a raincoat. Different coat types and body shapes may require different raincoat styles for optimal fit and protection.

Failing to properly measure the dog and select a raincoat with the right fit. An ill-fitting raincoat can restrict movement or allow water to seep through.

Assuming all raincoats provide the same level of protection. Look for raincoats made of waterproof, breathable materials that will keep the dog dry without overheating.

Neglecting to acclimate the dog to wearing the raincoat gradually. Introduce the raincoat slowly and positively reinforce wearing it to help the dog feel comfortable.

A lot of us pet parents feel overwhelmed and anxious when planning a trip with our pets. But there is absolutely no need to be stressed!

Things to do before your trip

Decide Your Holiday Spot

This may seem like Duh! Obviously! — but this one is especially important, for spontaneous travelers!

With Pets’ researching and planning a trip — with bookings in place is very important!

Doing your research beforehand will help you understand what awaits you and your pet.

You may also want to keep in mind the community dogs and cats of the place you plan to go — especially if your pet is an alpha.

For instance — Our Angel is an alpha female and almost never gels along with the community dogs and cats — so the trip is planned to keep that in mind.

Having said that, Angel has been to many places from Beaches to Mountains to Homestays, and we’ve made some amazing memories.

Read along.

Book A Pet-Friendly Accommodation

Whether you plan to homestay or live in a hotel, booking a pet-friendly accommodation will free you from any interference from the managing staff.

Mention your pets’ special needs if any — fresh food requirements for your pets should be conveyed to the hotel much before you reach there.

Mode Of Transport

Our most preferred mode of travel is by road in the comfort of our car, if the destination is closer, then road trips with your furry one are the most recommended. But if your Pet suffers from motion sickness (just like Angel) take breaks every 2 hours, and let them out of the car for a few minutes, this helps them feel refreshed and ready for the trip. Remember to always have them on a leash, to avoid any mishap on an unknown road.

If your destination is far and you need to travel by air or by train — Indian railways is also a very convenient way to travel — you just need to contact them in advance and book your reservations, with a certificate from the Vet stating all the Vaccines are in place and that my pet is keeping well for travels.

Pack Your Pets’ Essentials

When traveling with pets it’s their essentials that are essential and not yours! Jokes apart.

Basic essentials such as;

Walk Set — comfortable but sturdy collar, harness & leash (pack an extra of these)

Multifunction Travel Water bottle — a multifunction travel bottle, has space for food, water, poo bags, and a poo shovel making it perfect for everyday travels & long trips

Hygiene / Dry Shampoo — no chemical shampoo for when your pet becomes unbearably dirty while having fun, dry shampoo for a quick cleaning session and to clean paws, and a water-based deodorant (this is required for the car travels) for us and them to feel fresh, dry shampoo & deodorants also helps to keep the pesky ticks and fleas at bay.

Bowls — Duh!

Assistance accessories — if you are traveling with a senior pet, climbing in the car or out of it can be a task, A support harness will help you help them do basic actions with ease. (shop here)

Summary:-

Visit your vet before the travels, make sure vaccinations are in place, and acquire Vet’s certificate.

If your pet has a medical history, having it in your phone is recommended.

Be calm, don’t get anxious, have loads of fun, make great memories, feel a special bond, and share it all with us!