French Bulldogs need to be walked on a harness due to spine and neck problems they’re prone to getting, including collapsing tracheas and ivdd. Using a harness alleviates pressure a flat collar would put on them. Harnesses are especially important for your new puppy during the growth period.
Different Types of French Bulldog Harnesses
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Types of French Bulldog Harnesses
The market is full of different types of dog harnesses, each with its unique features, benefits, and limitations.
Finding french bulldog harnesses can be tricky. Frenchie owners may find it tricky to pick the right harness. Here are some options!
Front Clip Harnesses aka No Pull Harness
Front clip harnesses, as the name suggests, have the ring leash attachment point at the dog’s chest. These harnesses provide excellent control over the dog’s direction, making them an excellent choice for pullers. However, they might not be the best option for dogs with short snouts or those prone to tracheal issues.
Back Clip Harnesses
Back clip harnesses have the ring leash attachment on the back and offer comfortable movement for the dog, reducing the chances of getting tangled. They’re generally better for well-behaved dogs that do not pull much. Companies don’t really make back clip only harnesses anymore but this is the closest i could find, which also happens to be a step in harness.
Dual Clip Harnesses
These offer the flexibility of both front and back ring leash attachment points, suitable for dogs at different stages of their training. Again, the Ruffwear front range harness is a dual clip harness. Most french bulldog harnesses made these days are dual clip harnesses.
Step-In French bulldog Harnesses
Step-in harnesses are straightforward to put on – your dog just needs to step into it. They are ideal for dogs that are nervous about things going over their head.
Also Ideal for breeds prone to ivdd, focusing pressure more on the chest than the neck.
Padded Harnesses
Padded harnesses provide additional comfort, especially for dogs with short hair or sensitive skin. They help distribute the pressure evenly across the dog’s body. Again with the Ruffwear! They really do tick all the boxes in terms of quality and features.
Introduction to French Bulldog Harnesses
Dog harnesses are an essential item for dog owners worldwide, improving control and safety during walks while reducing the risk of injury to your furry friend. But with a plethora of options available, choosing the right harness can be a challenging task.
Importance of a Good Dog Harness
A good harness not only enhances the bond between you and your pup during walks but also ensures your dog’s safety and comfort. It reduces pressure on the dog’s neck, prevents choking, and can even help control pulling behavior. A great french bulldog harness is necessary for Adult Frenchie to avoid damaging the spine, causing ivdd.
Factors to Consider when Choosing a French Bulldog Harness
Several factors play a crucial role in choosing the perfect french bulldog harness for your canine companion.
Harness Material
Look for durable materials like nylon or leather that can withstand your dog’s strength, the elements of weather, and show your adult frenchie style.
Size and Adjustability
Choose a french bulldog harness that fits your dog’s size and has adjustable straps for a secure and comfortable fit.
Comfort and Safety
Ensure that the french bulldog harness does not restrict your dog’s movement and doesn’t rub or pinch anywhere. Reflective strips for visibility can also be a valuable addition.
Ease of Cleaning
Considering dogs’ active lifestyles, having a harness that’s easy to clean will save you a lot of time and hassle.
Pros and Cons of Harnesses
Front Clip Harnesses
These days all french bulldog harnesses have both front and back clips.
Pros:
- Excellent control: The leash attachment point at the front of the french bulldog harness allows you to guide and control your dog’s direction. This feature is particularly beneficial for dogs that tend to pull on the leash.
- Reduces pulling: When a dog pulls, the front clip will cause them to turn around towards you, discouraging the pulling behavior.
Cons:
- Potential for tangling: The leash can sometimes get under your dog’s front legs, which may cause discomfort or tripping.
- Not suitable for short-snouted dog breeds: Dog Breeds such as pugs and french bulldogs can have issues with front clip harnesses as the pressure may be too close to their throat, causing breathing difficulties.
Back Clip Harnesses
Again, now most french bulldog harnesses have both front and back clips.
Pros:
- Comfortable: The leash attachment at the back ensures that there’s no pressure on your french bulldogs throat, making it a more comfortable option, especially for small and short-snouted breeds.
- Less tangling: With the leash attached to the top, it is less likely to get caught in your dog’s legs.
- Easy to clip your French bulldogs into car seats, upping the safety factor
Cons:
- Less control: If your french bulldogs are pullers, a back-clip harness might not be the best option as it provides less control than a front-clip one.
- Can encourage pulling: Some dogs might feel like pulling more when the leash is attached to their back, triggering their instinct to oppose the pulling pressure.
Dual Clip Harnesses
Pros:
- Versatility: Dual clip harnesses offer the best of both worlds. You can attach the leash at the front for training or behavior correction, and at the back when just casually walking.
- again, ability to clip your frenchie into car seats, keeping them safer than before!
Cons:
- Complexity: These harnesses can be a bit more complex to fit and adjust correctly.
Step-In Harnesses
Pros:
- Easy to wear: Your dog only needs to step into the harness, making it a good choice for dogs that are uncomfortable with harnesses sliding over their head.
Cons:
- Less secure: Some step-in harnesses may not provide the same level of security and may come off more easily than other types.
Padded Harnesses
Pros:
- Extra comfort: The additional padding can provide more comfort for dogs, especially those with short hair or sensitive skin.
Cons:
- Heat retention: The extra material might make your french bulldogs warmer, which may not be ideal in hot climates or for breeds prone to overheating.
- Try a cooling vest in summer when using this style!
Remember, every french bulldog is unique, and their comfort is paramount. The best harness is one that suits your dog’s size, breed, behavior, and lifestyle.
French Bulldog Harness Material
Dog harnesses come in a variety of materials – nylon, polyester, and leather, to name a few. Each material has its own pros and cons.
Nylon French Bulldog Harnesses:
Pros:
- Durability: Nylon is known for its strength and can withstand rough use.
- Variety: They come in various colors and designs.
- Easy to Clean: Most nylon harnesses are machine washable.
Cons:
- Can cause rubbing: In some dogs, particularly those with short hair or sensitive skin, nylon harnesses can cause chafing.
Leather Harnesses:
Pros:
- Durability: Leather harnesses are robust and long-lasting.
- Aesthetic appeal: They have a luxurious and classic look.
Cons:
- Cost: Leather harnesses tend to be more expensive.
- Maintenance: They require regular cleaning and conditioning to keep the leather from drying out and cracking.
Size and Adjustability
Getting the correct size and fit for your French bulldogs or your new French bulldog puppy’s harness is critical. A harness that is too tight can cause discomfort and restricted movement, while one that is too loose may not provide adequate control and can even be a safety hazard if your dog manages to slip out of it.
Pros of a Well-Fitted French Bulldog Harness:
- Comfort: A well-fitted french bulldog harness ensures that your french bulldogs are comfortable during walks.
- Control: It provides better control over your dog’s movements.
Cons of an Ill-Fitted French Bulldog Harness:
- Discomfort: A French bulldog harness that is too tight can cause discomfort and restricted movement.
- May irritate skin.
- Risk of Escaping: A loose french bulldog harness might not provide adequate control, and your french bulldogs could potentially slip out.
When buying a harness, look for one with adjustable straps that can be altered to get a perfect fit.
Harness Training Tips for Your French Bulldogs
Training your new French Bulldog Puppy to use a harness might require some time and patience, but the benefits are worth the effort.
Getting your new French bulldog puppy accustomed to a new harness might take some time and patience. Start slow, let your bulldog puppy wear the harness for short periods initially. Reward them for their cooperation with treats and positive reinforcement.
Collars are not recommended for regular use until at least 7 months of age. The trachea of the french bulldog puppy is still forming. Improper use of collars and putting pressure on the french bulldogs neck and throat can cause serious damage.
However a breakaway collar with a bell is smart, allowing you to hear the puppy, for the puppy to get used to the feeling of a collar, and it still allows you the ability to show a sense of style.
It’s still ok to put one on for style but please remove when the puppy is in their crate to avoid any accidents and use a harness for walking during this stage of growth. Never leave french bulldog puppies unattended with collars and harnesses on.
Starting with the French Bulldog Harness:
- Introduction: Let your french bulldog dog sniff and explore the new harness. Reward their curiosity with treats.
- Adjustment: Place the harness on your french bulldog without fastening it. Give treats and praise during this process to create positive associations.
- Short Sessions: Begin with short sessions of having the harness on. Gradually increase the duration as your french bulldog dog gets comfortable.
- Walks: Start going for short walks. Use treats and praises as reinforcement.
Remember, every french bulldog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement are the keys to successful harness training.
Most companies don’t make harnesses that are small enough for tiny french bulldog puppies.
I know of a few companies that do! Red Dingo and Ruffwear.
We prefer the over the head harness versus the step in harness.
When looking at over the head harnesses, make sure to look for one with adjustable straps. French Bulldog heads can be huge and hard to get over, but once over the head, the harness can be extremely loose.
Adjustable straps will make it easy to put on but securable for proper fitting. These can also be adjusted as the new french bulldog puppy grows!
You will want to measure your frenchie puppy before going shopping for a puppy harness.
For this you’ll need a soft measuring tape. You can find these at your local drug store or Walmart.
Whether your french bulldog is small, medium, or large, you should use the same methods to measure them. Just be sure to adjust the tape measure’s placement based on your French bulldog’s specific dimensions.
To fit your french bulldog dog for a harness, you need two measurements: the neck and the chest. When measuring the neck, wrap the tape measure just below the narrow part where she normally wears a collar. If you’re having trouble deciding where to measure, feel for her shoulders. The correct spot to measure will be right above them.
When measuring the chest, take care to fit the tape measure around the widest part.
Do not measure right behind your french bulldog’s armpits; start measuring from the bottom of your french bulldog’s rib cage. Weight can also be a factor in finding the correct size.
In addition to measurements, there are other factors that should also influence your purchase. Some harnesses are styled to fit certain body types better than others.
The Ruffwear Front Range Harness is a great option for french bulldogs of all ages. Our 16-19lb french bulldogs fit in XS, 25-30lb french bulldogs fit in Small, and french bulldog pups easily fit in xxs.
Both the Front Range harness and the Red Dingo Padded Harnesses offer front leash attachment points.
These french bulldog harnesses are all machine washable. The Red Dingo and Ruffwear have adjustment points, front clip, and padding. These two are my favorite.
The Gooby harness is a mesh harness with an adjustable belly strap. This one is great for tiny french bulldog puppies.
Collars
When purchasing collars for young bulldog puppies we recommend breakaway kitten/cat collars.
Kitten Collars
Bells are helpful so you can hear your new french bulldog puppy beneath your feet.
They come with bells and break away if the puppy should become stuck or strangled. This is imperative for the safety of your young puppy, especially if you wish to leave it on them when they’re in their crate.
Measuring for collars can be tricky
DOG COLLAR MEASUREMENT #1 – Ruler
The easiest starting point to measure your dog’s neck is to measure their current collar.
This works if you’re looking to replace a damaged or tired-looking collar and you know the replacement will be needed in the same size.
Remove your dog’s existing collar, while taking note of what hole the collar utilizes for wear, then lay the collar on a flat surface. For the most accurate results, measure from the centre of the buckle to the current sizing hole you’re using.
If you are purchasing a new collar because your dog has out-grown its current collar, simply select the next size up from your measurement findings.
Measure twice, buy once. Be sure to measure your dog’s neck twice to make sure your numbers match up. If you get the same result twice, you can confidently purchase your collar knowing you’ve picked the best size.
Don’t have a dog collar to measure?
DOG COLLAR MEASUREMENT #2
To measure your dog’s neck you’ll often hear that you need to use a soft tape measure. But not every home has a soft tape measure.
If you don’t have a loose tape measure, you can use any string, yarn, ribbon, or even a phone charger cable.
Start by holding the end of the string between your finger and thumb and gently wrap the other side around your dog’s neck (make sure you’re measuring the thickest area). Pull the string snug enough that you can fit two fingers between it and your dog’s neck for a little wriggle-room.
Now, let go and mark the spot on the string with your finger that met the string’s end.
From there, use a tape measure/ruler to get the measurement from your string measurement.
Or just take your string with you to the store!
Add 1 – 2 inches to the initial measurement to give extra breathing room and comfort if the dog grows or gains weight.
If my dogs neck is 13 inches I would prefer to purchase a collar that measures 12-14/15 inches.
There are a bunch of companies that make fashionable Bulldog specific products. Check out Etsy and Facebook!
Conclusion
Selecting the right type of harness for your dog is crucial for their comfort, safety, and your peace of mind. Understand your dog’s needs, consider the pros and cons of different harness types, and make an informed decision. Remember, the right harness can enhance your walks and adventures, ensuring they’re enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. As Frenchie owners, you can now feel confident during your shopping experience!
FAQs
How do I know the right size of the harness for my dog?
Measure your dog’s girth around the widest part of their chest and refer to the size chart provided by the manufacturer.
Can a harness stop my dog from pulling?
Harnesses can help manage pulling behavior, but they don’t stop it. Training is the most effective way to stop pulling.
Can my new french bulldog puppy wear a harness?
Yes, but ensure it is the correct size and is adjusted properly to not impede their growth.
Is a harness better than a collar?
A harness provides better control and evenly distributes pressure, reducing the risk of injury. However, some well-behaved dogs may be comfortable with a collar.
How often should I replace my dog’s harness?
You should replace your dog’s harness when it shows signs of wear and tear or if your dog has outgrown it. Pet parents often have a hard time picking out a new french bulldog puppy harness and collar for their puppy.
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