Getting the Paw-Fect Fit! Top Tips for Properly Fitting Your Dog Walking Gear.

So you decided which gear options to choose for your dog. (If you still need help deciding, check out our Essential Dog Walking Gear Guide.) The next step is picking the right size and fit for your dog. Each dog and dog body type is different, which is why the fighting process is essential.

Collars

Flat Collars

When looking for a flat collar, we recommend using the 2-finger method (can you fit 2 fingers, and only 2 fingers, between the collar and the dog's skin? It's the perfect fit!) This ensures that it is not too tight on your dog's neck, while also not being loose enough for them to easily slip out of it.

Martingale (Limited Slip) Collars

When looking for a martingale collar, make sure that when you pull the collar tight, the edges of the cinch loop are just coming together. If there is any extra space between them, then the collar is too loose, and if they are touching, then it is too tight.

Harnesses

Y-Shaped

We recommend using the 2-finger method for the harness straps to ensure that they aren't too tight or too loose. You also want to make sure that the front neck straps aren't positioned over the front shoulders, and the chest strap is in the middle of the dog's shoulder blades. This will ensure proper range of motion for your dog. There should be space between the back strap and the dog's armpits to allow full range of motion and to prevent chafing.

Easy Walk

The easy walk harness may look confusing at first. Many options have 2 straps in a color, and another in a different color. The differently colored strap goes under the belly of the dog. The martingale strap should be across the dog's chest.

We also use the 2-finger method for the back and belly straps on the harness. The chest strap should be loose enough that when the martingale is pulled tight, the 2 sides of the loop just come together.

The chest strap should go directly across the dog's chest, and there should be room between the belly strap and the dog's armpit.

Gentle Leader (Head Collar)

The gentle leader may also look confusing at first. The buckle should be at the back of the dog's neck, just behind their ears, with the nose loop over the nose and the loop hanging in front of the dog's chest.

While holding the gentle leader like a "T", you can adjust the neck strap to fit around the dog's head. The 2-finger rule also works for this strap. You can then slide the nose loop over the dog's nose. There is an adjustable clamp on the nose loop. It should be tight enough that it stays in place when the dog moves their head, while still allowing for the

dog to open its mouth, pant, drink, and eat.

We hope this guide will help you find the perfect fit for your pup, whichever type of gear you choose.