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Dogs everywhere are sporting harnesses these days, from the colorful pack leading the pet walker through the neighborhood to the adventure dogs you run into on the trail. And while pet harnesses come in lots of varieties for many different needs, not all harnesses fit every type of dog or lifestyle. Perhaps a Velcro dog harness is just what you need.
What are the Benefits of a Velcro Harness for Dogs?
Velcro harnesses are popular for people who own dogs with unique sizes (think the elongated body of a Dachshund or the barrel-chested Bulldog). They offer a little more flexibility than traditional harnesses, which may not be sized appropriately for these dogs. Velcro is also an option that provides flexibility for growing dogs. Is your puppy growing fast? Just readjust! If conventional harnesses don’t work for your dog, a Velcro option can offer a better fit since they allow you to adjust the harness to your dog’s measurements more precisely.
Velcro harnesses can also be a good idea if you want a step-in model that doesn’t involve pulling a harness over your dog’s head. The ease of getting these harnesses off and on can be a selling point, especially if your dog is a nervous Nelly.
Velcro models also have many of the features you’ve come to love in other harnesses: comfy materials and padding, reflective stitching, multiple D-rings for attaching leashes, and even handles for better control.
How to Pick the Best Velcro Dog Harness
There are a few important things to keep in mind as you look for the right Velcro dog harness. Is your dog a perennial puller? If so, you may consider a model that spreads the pressure out across the dog’s body to avoid any undue stress on your dog’s neck. Are you a night owl or an early riser? Consider harnesses with reflective materials for low-light conditions. Are you outside with your dog in all types of weather? Different fabrics provide breathability for warm days and waterproofing for afternoon swims. And if you are looking for aesthetics, you’re in luck! Velco harnesses come in lots of colors to bring out your dog’s shine.
As is true with any dog harness, it’s important to measure your pet first before ordering, since harness sizing can vary greatly between brands. Most manufacturers will provide a guide to ensure you buy the right size for your dog.
Keep in mind that a Velcro dog harness might not be right for every dog. If yours is a particularly strong puller, you may need a harness with heavy-duty clips, since they may be able to pull apart the Velcro strap. Some noise-phobic pets also hate the sound of Velcro, so it’s worth checking if your pup has an aversion before you purchase.
This Voyager step-in vest is a durable and stylish choice for a Velcro dog harness. It is made of lightweight mesh that’s comfortable year-round, even in the heat of the summer. The harness has two metal D-rings to attach to a leash, and a strong fastener to hold it snugly in place. High-quality stitching is designed to hold up, and it has reflective strips for nighttime/low-visibility walks. It is available in sizes extra-small to extra-large, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s sizing chart before ordering.
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This design of this harness provides great flexibility for a growing pup or for a larger dog. Not all Velcro-style dog harnesses are designed to fit larger breeds, so if you happen to have a 120-pound best friend, this might be a good choice. The harness has a D-ring to attach a leash, an adjustable chest strap, a sturdy handle for added control, and is designed to spread the pressure across the entire harness to prevent choking or pulling. This harness might be a great option if you and your dog are outdoor adventurers, as it has a waterproof fabric, and is great for wading. This one also has reflective stitching.
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This lightweight mesh vest is made of polyester and vented for maximum comfort. Sold in a wide variety of bright colors and sizes, including 2X-large, this Puppia vest is a great choice for a Velcro harness that can work for both tiny as well as larger breeds. The design evenly distributes weight across the dog’s body, and it uses a step-in style for on-off ease. The manufacturer offers a sizing guide to ensure the right fit. If you want a vest with lots of color choices, this one comes in 13 colors and patterns.
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The EcoBark padded Velcro harness is made for smaller dogs. The extra small fits a 5 to 6-pound toy-sized pup, while the extra-large will fit a 30-pound dog. This vest has a lot of padding for extra comfort and features a double-layer of mesh fabric and reflective materials. It has a no-pull and no-choke design, and the hook-and-loop strap gets extra security on top with a buckle.
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This step-in harness for dogs by Frisco uses super-soft mesh material that won’t irritate or chafe your dog’s skin. It won’t hold up well to teeth, though, so if your buddy likes to chew on their duds, cloud-like comfort may not be your only priority. The Velcro strap allows you to customize the fit, while the fast-release buckle on the top adds extra safety protection. It has two D-rings for leash attachment, reflective bands for visibility, and comes in four colors. This harness, like many of the Velcro variety, fits smaller dogs, with no larger than a 23-inch chest.