Greyhound Dog Harness Review Australia
Should I walk my Greyhound on a collar?
Greyhounds are gentle, intelligent, slender and graceful. Their necks are long with a head and ears that are relatively small so if they pull on a leash their collar can quite easily slide off. Greyhounds have a strong prey drive, which means without notice they may dart away to chase a small animal and if you are walking them on a collar they may cause damage to themselves, particularly their throat.
Any collar that tightens or pinches your dog or that causes shock or fear will cause pain and distress, especially if your dog has suffered previous trauma and abuse and owners of rescued Greyhounds need to be particularly sensitive to this issue.
You can read more about how ‘Your Dog Collar is Harming your Dog’ in our article, but the short answer is due to the Greyhounds unique body shape they are not well suitable to be walked on a collar. Below you can read our in depth greyhound dog harness review.
Are all harnesses suitable for Greyhounds?
Their unique body shape with deep chests, slim waists, and long flexible necks means Greyhounds can pull backwards and escape out of most regular dog harnesses. They do this by extending their legs forward, crouching and lowering their heads and then simply backing out. Owners can be shocked at how quickly a fearful dog can struggle their way out of a poorly designed harness.
To make walking their dog a relaxed and safe experience Greyhound owners need to choose a dog harness that is designed to prevent their dog from escaping as well as one that properly distributes pressure on the Greyhounds sternum and thorax. It needs to include an extra belly strap but importantly this extra strap needs to rest on the lower rib cage and not pressing on the dog’s soft abdomen.
Unfortunately many dog harnesses, even those marketed as ‘non-slip’, are poorly designed and do not provide adequate security to your Greyhound and they may be uncomfortable due to excess material, or badly located straps or inferior fabrics and stitching that cause discomfort.
What is the best harness for timid Greyhounds?
The best harness for Greyhounds in Australia is the Haqihana Double H Harness. This harness features an extra strap that is located correctly on the lower rib cage, which makes it perfect for those awkward shaped dogs such as Greyhounds and Whippets. The Haqihana Double H Harness is also a great choice for escape artist dogs or anxious dogs who can back out of other styles of harnesses. The extra strap provides extra security for very deep chested dogs or dogs whose neck is large compared with their heads like Sighthounds.
The Haqihana Double H harnesses is adjustable in seven points, all parts are assembled with safety stitching and the plastic components are rounded and free from sharp corners. They are specially designed to guarantee the best possible fit for Greyhounds, Galgos, Whippets, Sighthounds and Lurchers. The design of the Haqihana Harness has the added benefit that they can be fitted without the dog needing to lift a paw. They are light, comfortable and durable whilst providing maximum security. Oh and they look and feel gorgeous too!
What is the best harness for confident Greyhounds?
Longer breeds of dogs, such as Greyhounds, have a choice of either the Haqihana ‘Long’ or the Haqihana ‘Double H’ Harness. We recommend the Long version for dogs who are very calm and confident when walking and the Double H version for dogs who require extra security because they are timid, easily scared or escape artists.
The ‘Long’ version is based on the ‘Standard’ version, but has longitudinal elements that correspond to the next size up. For example, the SL (Small Long) has the chest circumference of the Small but is long on the back and on the sternum like the Medium. This shifts the chest strap rearwards by about 5 cm compared to the ‘Standard’ harness ensuring there is no rubbing under the armpits of longer breeds of dogs.
If you are looking for a Greyhound Harness, choose either a Haqihana Double H or Haqihana Long dog harness.
Can’t be without it now!!
We are loving the Haqihana harness and can’t be without it now!! The green one is going to be kept nice for outings and the brown one will be for messy muddy walks around the property. So glad to have found this style of harness – it is definitely making a difference in loose lead walking and in being out and about with Orla.
The best for loose leash walks
Great company with awesome communication. The Haqihana harness has been instrumental in improving loose leash walks with Orla. Just love them!!
Feeling inspired?
If you are ready to change your dog's walking experience purchase your Haqihana Harness and Leash today from our online store.