Frequently asked Questions

Welcome to the Top Dog Harness knowledge base. Below you will find detailed answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding sizing, shipping, care instructions, returns, and wholesale inquiries.

Sizing & Fit Guidance

1. How do I pick the right size harness for my dog?
   Measure your dog’s chest girth at the widest point and compare the measurement against our sizing chart guide. Because our harnesses feature 5 points of adjustment, girth ranges overlap between sizes on the chart. We recommend selecting the size that provides the most adjustment room in either direction, allowing flexibility for coat growth or weight changes.
2. Why does the harness seem too tight under the armpits, and how do I adjust it?
   In the vast majority of cases, a harness feeling tight around the armpits is due to incorrect adjustment rather than incorrect sizing. Lengthening the longitudinal chest strap under the sternum shifts the rear loop further back along the ribcage. This creates proper clearance behind the front legs and prevents uncomfortable rubbing against your dog’s armpits.
3. What is the difference between Standard, Long, and Double H harness styles?
   The Standard Y-harness is our classic everyday fit that keeps the neck and shoulders completely unrestricted for most breeds. The Long harness features extended back and sternum straps designed to clear the armpits on deep-chested breeds like Dachshunds and Whippets. The Double H harness adds a second rear belly strap for extra security, making it ideal for escape artists or reactive dogs.
4. Which dog breeds are best suited for the Long Harness version?
   The Long harness is specially tailored for deep-chested or long-bodied breeds such as Dachshunds, Whippets, Greyhounds, Galgos, French Bulldogs, and Lurchers. Its extended longitudinal straps shift the girth band further back along the thorax. This prevents the harness from rubbing under the armpits during movement while maintaining a secure fit.
5. Why isn’t a Double H harness available in size Extra Small (XS)?
   Haqihana trialled an XS Double H harness but determined that the additional rear strap and hardware added unnecessary bulk and weight for tiny breeds. To prioritize your dog’s comfort and natural movement, Haqihana chose not to manufacture an XS Double H model. Instead, we recommend the XS Long version, which shifts the rear strap away from the armpits while remaining lightweight and comfortable.
6. Do you offer phone support, or how can I get personal sizing advice?
   We manage customer inquiries directly via email rather than over the phone to ensure detailed and clear support. If you send us your dog’s breed, current girth measurements, and photos, we can provide precise sizing and style recommendations. Reviewing photos side-by-side via email allows us to ensure the perfect ergonomic fit for your pup.

Product Features, Materials & Care

7. Does the Haqihana harness go over the head, and why is the leash attachment on the back?
   Haqihana harnesses slip comfortably over your dog’s head and fasten easily with dual side-release buckles around the chest. We place the leash attachment ring exclusively on the back to distribute pulling pressure safely across the sternum and chest skeleton. Front-clip attachments can twist the spine, rub sensitive skin, and pull your dog uncomfortably sideways during walks – which is why we don’t recommend front clip harnesses.
8. What materials are Haqihana harnesses and leashes made from?
   The webbing is crafted in Italy from non-toxic, hypoallergenic, high-tenacity Nylon-6 that is spun-dyed for maximum color uniformity. All metal D-rings and carabiners are made from nickel-free AISI-304 stainless steel to prevent skin irritation. Buckles and loops are constructed from high-strength acetal resin to ensure durability and impact resistance in all conditions.
9. Are Haqihana harnesses safe for dogs with sensitive skin or short coats?
   Yes, Haqihana products are designed specifically with non-toxic, hypoallergenic, Oeko-Tex certified materials that do not release nickel. All fabric folds and seams in contact with your dog’s body are finished with special rounded stitching to prevent friction. This ensures total comfort and prevents chafing or hair breakage even on short-coated or sensitive dogs.
10. What leash lengths and widths are available, and how do they work?
    We offer leashes in 15mm widths (to match XXXS to XS harnesses) and 20mm widths (to match S to XL harnesses) across various lengths, including 3m and 5m. Our 3m leashes come equipped with double snap-hooks so they can easily be folded and halved to 1.5m for close control. The 5m long lines provide your dog with greater freedom during exploratory walks.
11. How do the double snap-hook (halving) leashes work?
    Multi-function leashes, such as 3m model, feature a carabiner clip at each end along with extra rings. You can attach one clip to your dog’s harness and the second clip to an integrated ring to instantly halve the leash length. This design also allows hands-free options over the shoulder or dual attachment when required.
12. How should I wash and care for my Haqihana harness?
    Haqihana harnesses can be hand washed or machine washed on a gentle cycle using mild detergent. We recommend washing the harness in a garment bag to protect the buckles and washing machine drum. Always allow the harness to air dry naturally in the shade and avoid tumble drying or high heat.

Orders, Shipping & Local Pickups

13. Do you ship internationally e.g. to New Zealand?
    Yes, we ship internationally, including to Hong Kong, Singapore, Mexico, New Zealand, Canada and South Africa. We are always looking to add new countries to our customer base so if you are an international customer, but not currently from a country we ship too, please email us at hello@topdogharness.com.au and let’s see if we can add your country.
14. How quickly are orders processed and shipped?
    Orders are processed promptly from our Sunshine Coast depot and dispatched using Australia Post Express or Standard delivery. Most orders are dispatched within 24 hours of your order being received. Once shipped, tracking details are recorded safely in our system so we can assist you if transit delays occur. Please only reach out and ask for tracking numbers if you haven’t received your order within 7 days.
15. Do you offer local pickup for online orders?
    Top Dog Harness operates as an online store, so orders are dispatched via post only.

Returns, Exchanges & Warranty

16. What is your exchange and return policy?
    We process exchanges and returns within 14 days of purchase only. Requests submitted after 14 days will not be accepted. To be eligible for return or exchange the Harness and/or Leash must be unused, in saleable condition with original tags attached, and free of dog hair. Items that have been used outdoors, show signs of wear, or contain pet hair cannot be accepted for resale. We recommend trying the harness on indoors over a clean towel or shirt to check the fit before removing tags.
17. Who covers freight costs with exchanges and returns?
    Postage of the returned harness back to us and of the new harness back to you will be at the your expense – so to avoid extra freight charges please make sure to measure your dog’s girth circumference and choose the correct harness size first time from our size chart!
    
    Returns: Once we receive the returned harness and/or leash and confirm it’s condition meets our requirements we will process your refund within 24 hours.
    
    Exchanges: When returning your harness and/or leash either include a $10 note or a self address prepaid Australia Post satchell so that we can send back your chosen size/colour. Once we receive the returned harness and/or leash and confirm it’s condition meets our requirements we will dispatch your replacement items within 24 hours. If the costs of the second round of items is different to the first round of items we will either refund you the difference or email an invoice for the difference.
    
18. Are Haqihana harnesses covered by a warranty, and what does it cover?
    Every Haqihana harness includes a 5-year manufacturer warranty covering material flaws and manufacturing defects under normal use. If you have a warranty issue please email us photos and an explanation to hello@topdogharness.com.au
    
    The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, rough brush damage, or dog chewing. If your harness sustains non-warranty damage, Haqihana offers a repair service to replace damaged webbing or hardware whenever technically feasible, but keep in mind that postage to/from Italy for non-warranty damage will be at the customers expense.
19. What should I do if my dog chews their harness?
    Chewing damage is not covered under the 5-year manufacturer warranty as it is considered user damage rather than a material flaw.
    
    Buckles: We’ve found these buckles https://www.anacondastores.com/en-au/p/sea-to-summit-side-release-buckle to be the easiest way to replace a broken buckle and avoids sending the Harness to/from Italy.
    
    Webbing: Haqihana offers a repair service to replace damaged webbing whenever technically feasible, but keep in mind that postage to/from Italy for non-warranty damage will be at the customers expense.

Wholesale & Reseller Enquiries

20. Do you offer wholesale or reseller opportunities for businesses and breeders?
    Yes, we wholesale Haqihana harnesses and leashes to retail shops, dog trainers, and reputable breeders across Australia. Businesses can receive our information brochure, wholesale price list, and order form upon request. Simply reach out to us by emailing hello@topdogharness.com.au with your business details to discuss becoming an authorised reseller.

Feeling inspired?

If you are ready to change your dog's walking experience purchase your Haqihana Harness and Leash today from our online store.