How to Measure a Dog for a Harness Co-authored by Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
Last Updated: June 6, 2025 Approved
Measuring Your Dog
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Choosing a Harness Type
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Expert Q&A
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Tips
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Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC. Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 100% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 39,100 times.
Collars are easy for dogs to slip out of and they can even be a health hazard for some dogs. Harnesses that fit around a dog's chest in front of and behind the front legs are a better choice because they provide more control and apply even pressure to the dog's body.[1]XResearch source Harnesses need to fit well to avoid causing pain or rubbing against the tender skin under a dog's arms. Learn how to measure your dog for a harness and then find a harness style that suits your dog's needs.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Measuring Your Dog
1 Get a measuring tape. While harnesses are often sold by the weight of a dog, it is good to use a measuring tape to get a more exact measurement.[2]X Expert Source Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBCCanine Behavior ConsultantExpert Interview Combining your dog's weight and measurement in inches or centimeters will allow you to find the best possible harness size for your dog.
If your dog wiggles around a lot, then you may want to ask someone to help you. Have someone hold the dog's collar to keep him still while you take the measurement.
2 Measure the broadest part of the chest. The broadest part of a dog's chest is usually right behind the armpits. Wrap the tap measure around the chest and over the back. Make sure that you do not pull the measuring tape around your dog too tightly. It should be snug, but not tight.[3]X Expert Source Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBCCanine Behavior ConsultantExpert Interview Advertisement
3 Use the measurement and your dog's weight to find the right size. Write down your dog's measurement and weight and take this information with you to the pet store. You will need this information to figure out the best harness size for your dog. First, look for a harness that is about two inches larger than the measurement you took.[4]XResearch source Then, check the weight range. If your dog's weight also falls into the weight range on the package, then that is ideal.
If your dog is between sizes always get the bigger size. You can always adjust the harness to make it fit tighter, but if it is too small then you may not be able to use it at all.
4 Place the harness on your dog and adjust the fit as needed. First, open the clasps on the harness. Then help your dog put his legs through the two openings. After your dog's legs are through the harness, pull it up and close the clasps.[5]XResearch source
You may have to adjust the harness to tighten or loosen it after you get it on your dog. Loosen or tighten the straps as needed until the harness is snug, but not tight.
To make sure that the harness is not too tight, try to put two fingers under each of the harness straps. If you can do so with ease, then the harness is a good fit. If not, loosen it up a bit.
You will need to adjust and re-adjust the harness a few times in order to get the best fit.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Choosing a Harness Type
1 Get a back clip harness if your dog does not pull during walks. With a back clip harness, the leash clips to a ring midway along the back and is easy to attach a leash to.[6]XResearch source This keeps pressure off the throat and is ideal for dogs with tracheal collapse problems.
Some people think that this type of harness causes dogs to pull and ignore their owners, so only choose this type of harness if your dog is well-trained to walk beside you and not pull.[7]XResearch source If you have a dog that is difficult to control on a walk, then a back clip harness is not the best harness choice.
2 Choose a front clip harness to prevent your dog from pulling. The front clip harness has a ring on the front (chest strap) where the leash will attach. This type of attachment will prevent your dog from pulling on the leash and to keep his attention on you.[8]XResearch source
One con of this type of harness is that its location in the front of the chest may make it difficult to attach the leash. The leash may also get tangled in the dog's legs sometimes.[9]XResearch source
3 Select a tightening harness if you are an experienced dog trainer. A tightening harness applies pressure to the dog when it pulls. These types of harnesses vary in how much pressure they apply. Some can even produce pain, which is counterproductive and cruel.[10]XResearch source
This type of harness should only be used by experienced trainers. Tightening harnesses may cause a dog to become fearful or aggressive if the harness causes pain.
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Expert Q&A
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Question How can I measure my dog without a tape measure? Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Expert Answer Use a piece of rope or the dog's leash to measure! Complete the measurements with a rope or leash, and then compare them with a tape measure to get your measurements. Make sure to take each measurement multiple times so you know that it's accurate. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
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Tips
If the pet store or vet clinic allows you to bring your dog inside, then take him with you so that you can try on the harness before you buy it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Staff at pet stores or vet clinics can help you chose the best harness for your dog and may even help you fit the harness. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Warnings
Don't let the harness lead you to be lax about training your dog to walk on a leash. Larger dogs can still pull hard on a harness, which may cause you to fall down or lose your grip on the leash. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant This article was co-authored by Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC. Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. This article has been viewed 39,100 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 39,100Article SummaryX
To measure a dog for a harness, wrap a fabric measuring tape around the broadest part of the dog’s chest. Typically, this is right behind its front legs. Pull the measuring tape so it’s snug, but not tight, and write down the measurement. Then, weigh your dog and write down its weight, as well. Look for a harness that is about 2 inches larger than the measurement you took. When you find one, double-check that it’s rated for your dog’s weight, as well. For tips from our Veterinary co-author on how to choose the right type of harness for your dog, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Anonymous
Jun 25, 2017
"How to measure for a harness was very helpful. Thank you for this info."
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Co-authors: 4Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 39,100100% of readers found this article helpful. 8 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Anonymous
Jun 25, 2017
"How to measure for a harness was very helpful. Thank you for this info."
Anonymous
Apr 21, 2018
"Excellent how-to article on measuring and choosing a harness. Kudos."
Linda Makin
Jul 26, 2017
"Where to measure the chest to choose which size was very helpful."
Bobby Patterson
Oct 17, 2017
"I learned how to measure a dog properly for a harness. "
Terri Dennis
Nov 18, 2016
"It helped a lot. I had no idea how this was done." More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant This article was co-authored by Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC. Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. This article has been viewed 39,100 times. 8 votes - 100% Co-authors: 4 Updated: June 6, 2025 Views: 39,100 Article SummaryX
Dogs Cats Rabbits & Furry Friends Fish Birds Other Pets Horses 
449 
1 Get a measuring tape. While harnesses are often sold by the weight of a dog, it is good to use a measuring tape to get a more exact measurement.[2] Combining your dog's weight and measurement in inches or centimeters will allow you to find the best possible harness size for your dog. 
2 Measure the broadest part of the chest. The broadest part of a dog's chest is usually right behind the armpits. Wrap the tap measure around the chest and over the back. Make sure that you do not pull the measuring tape around your dog too tightly. It should be snug, but not tight.[3] Advertisement 
3 Use the measurement and your dog's weight to find the right size. Write down your dog's measurement and weight and take this information with you to the pet store. You will need this information to figure out the best harness size for your dog. First, look for a harness that is about two inches larger than the measurement you took.[4] Then, check the weight range. If your dog's weight also falls into the weight range on the package, then that is ideal. 
4 Place the harness on your dog and adjust the fit as needed. First, open the clasps on the harness. Then help your dog put his legs through the two openings. After your dog's legs are through the harness, pull it up and close the clasps.[5] 
1 Get a back clip harness if your dog does not pull during walks. With a back clip harness, the leash clips to a ring midway along the back and is easy to attach a leash to.[6] This keeps pressure off the throat and is ideal for dogs with tracheal collapse problems. 
2 Choose a front clip harness to prevent your dog from pulling. The front clip harness has a ring on the front (chest strap) where the leash will attach. This type of attachment will prevent your dog from pulling on the leash and to keep his attention on you.[8] 
3 Select a tightening harness if you are an experienced dog trainer. A tightening harness applies pressure to the dog when it pulls. These types of harnesses vary in how much pressure they apply. Some can even produce pain, which is counterproductive and cruel.[10] 
Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC Canine Behavior Consultant Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com. 
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