Bringing home a new cat
The first week: a quiet room, the right litter and a little patience.
Choosing a harness that fits
Why the fit matters more than the brand, and how to check it at home.
A harness spreads the pull across your dog’s chest instead of the throat, which is kinder for dogs that pull and essential for flat-faced breeds. But a badly fitted harness rubs, slips and can be backed out of in seconds.
Start with the chest measurement: around the widest part, just behind the front legs. Most harnesses list a range; if your dog sits between two sizes, choose the larger and tighten it.
Once it is on, check three things. You should fit two fingers under every strap, no more. The chest strap should sit on the breastbone, not across the throat. And the side straps should be a hand’s width behind the front legs, so they do not rub the armpits.
Then walk. Watch for the harness twisting to one side, and check for red skin or hair loss after a week. Puppies outgrow harnesses quickly, so check the fit every month until they are fully grown.
In our store, we fit harnesses free. Bring your dog, and we will try a few styles until one fits well.
