Reg&Bob bring together style & expertise to create their 1st harness
I’ve never used a harness for any of my dogs but the subject of harnesses make up the most requests we receive at Reg&Bob. Despite the obvious advantages, my main problem with harnesses is the look of them - from the ‘saddles’ to the shockingly bright nylon affairs.
Lucy treating in her studio
It occurred to me this was something we could improve upon with Reg&Bob’s distinctive look. But it has to be about so much more than the aesthetics and I have no real knowledge of what’s required. I had to enlist the help of someone who really knows what they were talking about.
Welcome to Lucy from Pawsitive Touch. Lucy is a Galen Myotherapist as well as one of the Galen Myotherapy tutors. Galen Myotherapy is a massage and exercise rehabilitation therapy. It improves muscle and joint health, aiding in the rehabilitation of dogs with musculoskeletal issues as well as dealing with chronic pain. Reg has regular treatments with Lucy due to the compromised muscles in his back legs and absolutely adores his time with her.
Lucy has strong views on harnesses and her expertise has been key in developing ours. As an expert in posture and gait, she understands what is required in a harness and the real implications of a bad fitting one.
Here Lucy answers my questions and focuses on the important issues when considering a harness.
Sarah: What would you say are the obvious benefits for a dog when wearing a harness?
Lucy: These benefits are if the harness is an appropriately designed harness (as the Reg&Bob one is) and if it is properly fitted - but more about that later. The structures in a dogs neck are delicate and if there is a constant pull on the neck this can cause real damage. Imagine how you would feel if you had something that tight around your neck being regularly yanked and pulled.
Sarah: What key features did you want to see included in the Reg&Bob harness?
Lucy: This is where I get really fussy - using the wrong type of or an ill fitting harness means that whenever your dog is in harness they will not be able to move freely, in it’s most natural way. If a dog has to adapt their gait and movement patterns on a regular basis, overtime this will cause mobility issues. Here are the key features to look out for:
The front straps of the harness should sit below the neck on the bony bit which is the breast bone or the sternum.
Dog’s front legs are floating limbs with no bony attachments - all attachments are muscular. Therefore if we impede these muscles, the limbs will not be able to move in their natural, free way. So it is also important that the chest strap does not sit right behind the front legs - it should be set back slightly.
The attachment clip should be at the back not at the front
Buckles and clips should be light and the fit should be snug but not overly tight.
Sarah: Since our collaboration we’ve talked a lot about badly fitting harnesses. What should you watch out for when buying a harness?
Lucy: Look at your harness of choice - it should not touch any of these blue lines on the diagram 👉🏻👉🏻👉🏻
Sarah: What else do you particularly like about the Reg&Bob harness?
Lucy: I like that:
it’s adjustable in three places.
it does not have to go over the dog’s head
it’s easy to fit (especially with our fitting guide.)
it’s light
it’s washable
Sarah: This is Reg&Bob’s first harness- could you give us an idea of what breeds of dog it’s likely to fit.
Lucy: As it’s adjustable this harness should fit a range of dogs but I cannot emphasise enough the importance of measuring. Some suggested breeds include
Norfolk terriers and West Highland White Terriers (obviously) as well as other terriers of a similar size
Cocker spaniels, Cockapoo, Cavapoo, Jack Russells
Meaurements
Adjustable straps
Waist strap: 43cm to 60cm
Belly strap: 11cm-16cm
Neck straps: 37cm to 43cm
Static
Back strap: 11.5cm excluding ring
Fitting
Key Features
Fully adjustable to fit your dog's unique measurements. Please measure your dog carefully and check the fitting guide to see if it fits.
Long back strap
Rear D ring connection point
Fully unclips for ease of fitting and perfect for nervous dogs who do not like anything over their heads
As with all Reg&Bob collars and leads, the harness is lightweight,, easy to fit and machine washable
Check the fit!
Ensure straps do not cut in under front legs
There is no rubbing or fur loss
Your dog cannot wriggle free from the harness
Please note -this harness is not designed……..
As a double clip harness
As a cure for a pulling dog
You can find out more about the Reg&Bob harness HERE
If you have any questions about our harness please do get in contact at hello@regandbob.com. We’d love to hear your feedback too - let us know how you get on with your harness.
Bob modelling Reg&Bob’s first harness
Immersing himself in all aspects of our collaboration