While harnesses are generally safe and comfortable, they can pose a risk. These are the pros and cons of leaving a dog in a harness:
If you do need to assist your dog, stop them from doing something or pull them out of danger, a harness makes it easier to grab on to them.
If your dog has a short neck and doesn’t like wearing a collar, ID tags can be attached to a harness.
Leaving your dog in their harness may help them get used to wearing it.
Harnesses often help dogs stay calm and behave better.
Harnesses will help keep your dog safe – you can keep them close and if they escape reflective straps can help you find them.
The pros of leaving on a dog’s harness
Here are the pros of letting your dog wear a harness all the time, or at least most of the day:
Harnesses give you something to grab on to pull your dog or puppy out of danger quickly or to stop your dog from running away
Dogs with very short necks, like Pugs, can’t wear a regular collar with ID tags around their necks, so a harness is a good substitute during the day in case the dog ever goes missing (though it’s always a good idea to get your dog microchipped and not just rely on tags for identification)
It’s quicker to get your puppy or dog outside for a potty break – just clip the leash onto the harness and you’re ready to go outside. This is especially handy if you live in an apartment or need to take your dog out every time for a potty break
If you have a puppy or dog that needs supervision for whatever reason, the harness gives you something to tie the dog to you and keep it nearby. This is much safer than using a neck collar, which can choke a dog or cause neck injuries if the dog pulls on it
Leaving a harness on a dog for a while can get your dog used to wearing a harness, which can make walks easier
Dogs tend to listen more and behave better with a harness on
Some dog owners claim that wearing a harness makes their anxious dog calmer, such as when there is a storm
If your dog ever runs away or into the road at night, a harness with reflective stripes will reflect cars’ lights, so drivers can see your dog and avoid hitting it
Older dogs or sick dogs that need help moving around or getting up and down can benefit from wearing a harness with handles on it – simply grip the handles and you can help your dog with what it needs
Service dogs and many working dogs are required to wear a harness all day while working, to help them get the job done
Don’t let your dog or puppy chew on the harness
Watch your dog to see if your dog bites or nibbles on the harness, or if your dog tries to chew through it. Don’t let your dog or puppy chew the harness as it is a choking hazard.
Do dog harnesses keep your pet safe in a car crash? (CBC Marketplace)
Many dog owners commonly prefer harnesses as a safer alternative to collars which can cause neck injuries, but a question we’re commonly asked is; Can I leave my dog’s harness on all day?
Harnesses are also not designed to have pressure on them all day, so they may cause sores under the armpits if worn all day. Even if it is fully padded, it can still rub and cause sore spots!
A well-fitting harness designed for purpose can be worn for more extended periods. For example, service dogs or assistance dogs tend to wear their harnesses for hours at a time, but it’s still advisable to remove them when your dog is sleeping, so they do not develop sores.
Your dog’s comfort and safety are largely dependent on your choices, so below, let’s examine some of the reasons it’s not advisable to leave a dog in a harness all the time.
